Help with Kentucky LR by Armi Chiappa

Dave_F

Dave_F

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London, Ontario
So I've been debating what to do with this gun and thought I would turn to all of you for some wisdom.

Early last spring (2007) I bought a 45 cal flintlock repro Kentucky Long Rifle made by Armi Chiappa and sold by Marstar. Between then and last fall i put about 150 round through it (shooting patched round ball).

I was generally happy with it except that it had about a 13 pound trigger pull (just too heavy to shoot accurately. I took it in to a reputable gunsmith who is experienced working on BP guns and he lightened the trigger for me. Unfortunately, only about 30 rounds later the spring in it broke.

The lock on this gun was never my favourite and with this having happened i thought I might replace it with a nice new lock. I was looking at the silers from Jim Chambers Flintlocks.

My concern is that I think they are too big for this gun. Also, i'm worried that the trigger won't work with a new lock.

Here is the info on the lock I am looking at:

Small Siler Flintlock
Model #L-10

The smaller Siler lock fits the same time period (1770-1790) as the large Siler lock. The smaller size makes this lock ideal for pistols of this period or for smaller rifles. Many competitive shooters consider the small Siler to be the ideal lock: fast and reliable. This lock is also available with a brass (bronze) plate and pan.

Dimensions: 4-3/4" x 7/8"
Flint Size: 3/4" x 5/8"

Here are a bunch of pictures of the gun I have.
28968316@N05


I love working on guns myself. To me it's a learning experience and something I enjoy. I'm willing to take the chance that I'll mess it up and chalk it up to education.

So what do you think. Will the siler work. Should I just try to replace the spring or should be be looking at a different lock to go in it.

Really appreciate all your thoughts.
 
I have a small Siler lock kit, for one of my projects. If you want to PM your mailing address, I could make a tracing of the plate, and make notes of where the sear would be, thickness of the lock, etc.
Looking at your photos, I doubt that the small Siler would work.
 
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Depending on dimensions, which you will get from Tiriaq, you could buy a small/large siler kit, make a new plate to more or less match your gun and use the siler internals plus pan. Siler pans are removeable so it really becomes a question of how much room you have to play with. You might have to make the lock plate a bit longer and use a hook and staple arrangement to secure the front of the plate rather than a bolt as in your present lock. Your other concern is how well the rear bolt hole lines up with the replacement lock

cheers mooncoon
 
Get a Track of the Wolf catalog.

About $25 once the shipping is in.

Exact size color pictures of all the locks they sell.

Between the Siler's, the L&R's etc, and the lock kits that are pretty much a complete lock that has not yet had the plate cut to shape, there is likely something there that will suit just fine.

The only fly in the ointment would be if the makers went too cheap and nasty when they designed it, to the point that a decent traditional style lock won't fit in without fairly severe surgery in the inletting.

The Track catalog is worth having anyways!

Cheers
Trev
 
Thanks

i just ordered a Track of the Wolf Catalogue. That should help and will definitely interesting. I know Jim Chambers also sells locks with uncut plates. I may be able to get one of those and cut it to size.

Does anyone know if the depth the lock fits into the stock will change? Also, are all trigger/lock connections the same or do I have to worry about them not matching up?

Thanks again.
 
Dave_F said:
i just ordered a Track of the Wolf Catalogue. That should help and will definitely interesting. I know Jim Chambers also sells locks with uncut plates. I may be able to get one of those and cut it to size.

Does anyone know if the depth the lock fits into the stock will change? Also, are all trigger/lock connections the same or do I have to worry about them not matching up?

Thanks again.
Click to expand...

You may have to change the location of where the trigger engages the "bar" of the lock.
That could mean moving the trigger a bit or doing some other creative figuring.
And then you may have to ajust the inletting as the internals of the lock may have a bit more beef to them "all hail the dremel"

After you decide what lock you fancy, I am shure lots of us can give you ideas to save you alot of headaches.

Do you have taps and threading dies??, As with the new lock you will have to drill and tap the lock mounting screws.


I had one of those kentuckys for awhile, Though it was the traditions one but I think its the same damn thing.

I agree the locks are a pain...But really good for the learning curve:)


I shot the thing untold times and really abused it, I took to carrying some slow match with me for when the lock would start giving me attitude.
That was fun.

All that said, when she was convinced to shoot she really shot well.

I wish I kept it, I gave it to one of my friends who was just getting into the hobby..
He has since resold it.
 
Track of the Wolf

So I just got the Track of the Wolf catalogue in the mail and my bank account is in the fetal position crying out in fear. :dancingbanana:

This is a truly awesome catalogue. If anyone doesn't have one yet, definitely get it.

There are lots of lock options and lock parts and the best part is that they are actual size pictures so I think I'll be able to figure this out one way or another.

Thanks for all the suggestions everyone.
 
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