DaveP (UK)
Member
I'm just starting to get serious about fitting together a repro lock, an antique barrel and a slab of walnut.
I was thinking about how the parts ought to be aligned and how to lay it out when I realised there was something I hadn't even thought about - How was this type of lock managed back in the day.
I only cap my Le Page when I'm about to address the target, but if I need to, I can lower the hammer to half cock and be safe. However, when percussion side locks were used for self defense or military purposes I imagine they must have been carried around capped and loaded.
How did they do that?
At half cock a cap can be dislodged, especially if it is the flanged musket type, and then you're effectively disarmed. On the other hand, it doesn't strike me as at all safe to just lower the hammer onto the cap - one unlucky knock - it could all be over for you!
What was (or is) considered a safe way to keep this type of gun ready for instant use?
I was thinking about how the parts ought to be aligned and how to lay it out when I realised there was something I hadn't even thought about - How was this type of lock managed back in the day.
I only cap my Le Page when I'm about to address the target, but if I need to, I can lower the hammer to half cock and be safe. However, when percussion side locks were used for self defense or military purposes I imagine they must have been carried around capped and loaded.
How did they do that?
At half cock a cap can be dislodged, especially if it is the flanged musket type, and then you're effectively disarmed. On the other hand, it doesn't strike me as at all safe to just lower the hammer onto the cap - one unlucky knock - it could all be over for you!
What was (or is) considered a safe way to keep this type of gun ready for instant use?