We offer our Thomas Gibbons style S. Hawken cap lock pre-notched for our #Plug-LR-16-3 breech plug and tang.
On receipt of this lock, plug, and tang, you will notice that the notch is about .010” too shallow at the bottom, not bad for an “as cast” fit. Two or three swipes with the rounded side of a fine cut file will provide the needed clearance at the bottom of the notch, but it is wise to delay this adjustment until the barrel, plug, and tang are inlet into the wood, and the lock’s exact final position is known. Deepen the notch only at the bottom, until the plug’s bolster is a snug fit.
If you select a different plug, you will find that cutting the notch for the plug is easy. Use a half round file, after making a card template.
Sam Hawken and other makers used these locks on Plains rifles, Ohio rifles and late longrifles, during the later percussion era of 1845 to 1885. Thomas Gibbons of St. Louis made and signed many locks.
Note the square inside corner at the front of the lock plate, and the normal narrow percussion hammer, both late features.
Fitted with a fly detent for use with set triggers. A swivel link with integral pins hooks into the cut-away tumbler arm, to allow simple disassembly. Beware: the link must not be installed backwards, or the link and mainspring will be broken on first use. The small diameter pin hooks into cut-away tumbler arm, and “S” orientation allows essential mainspring clearance. Don’t break it! Plate is finished bright inside and out. Cut the plate for the drum or patent breech. Fit a thin card pattern to the breech, trace it to the lock plate, file to fit. It is easier than it sounds. The hammer has a 1.625” throw, for use with octagon barrels from 13/16” to 1-1/8” at the breech.
This lock is shown at exact-full-size, in Track's new catalog for gunmakers and gunsmiths.
