Mule Ear Lock Comparison

[jim4065]

These are Tingle and Navy Arms locks. The larger (Tingle) lockplate is 4 and 11/16" long by 1" high by 1/4" thick.

[jim4065]

Three more.

[madcaster]

They look like great locks.

[scrapcan]

That would be intersting to shoot. may not be so good for a lefty. Can you feel the hammer hit moe with pressure to the left?

[Razor]

I been wanting one, does anyone make/sell them ??
(besides Pioneer)

[357maximum]

Thanks for the pics....much appreciated.


I am getting the lusties for a mule ear. Still got some parts to collect though.

[jim4065]

That would be intersting to shoot. may not be so good for a lefty. Can you feel the hammer hit moe with pressure to the left?

Yes - you can feel the hammer slap home, but it's never disturbed my aim. In fact, that cheap little Navy Arms "Country Boy" is my most accurate BP rifle.

Edit: Except for the TC Omega (a scope never hurts).

[4060MAY]

Razor
http://pioneerarms.com/mule_ear_lock.html

will be available again in the winter

[357maximum]

I sure would like to see a pic of the business side of that pioneer lock......anybody?

[Razor]

4060... I think that sign at PIONEER is left over from last winter...

I sure would like to see a pic of the business side of that pioneer lock

Me too..

[4060MAY]

Razor
I have some .pdf files showing the construction of a mule ear lock as appeared in a British "Muzzleloader" magazine.
I downloaded the files from a web site that no longer exists and I don't think I have permission to post them.
not sure how to post a .pdf file any how.

PM and I'll send to your personal email, if you want them.

[Razor]

Heck Yeah, I want them....

PM to follow asap..

Thanks

[4060MAY]

on the way

[John Taylor]

You could always make your own. This one has a bell crank type lever so it will work on a T/C double set trigger. Notice the hole in the main spring for the lock retaining screw.

[357maximum]

JOHN

You need to put that lock in an envelope and send it to me. I would look right nice on my .50 cougar.

Did you build that yourself?.....do you have a blueprint?

[John Taylor]

JOHN

You need to put that lock in an envelope and send it to me. I would look right nice on my .50 cougar.

Did you build that yourself?.....do you have a blueprint?

The story behind the lock. Many years ago I swapped into a T/C flinter that was unfired but had bang around someones closet for years. I have shot caplock for 30 years so thought I would give it a try. I had fired about 15 shots at a paper plate about 35 yards and only hit it maybe eight times. Was loading for the next shot when a big tom walked out of the brush about 15 yards away. I knew a head shot was out and a body shot with a 50 wouldn't leave much. I dumped the charge and walk about 20 yards to the shop and started making a mule ear lock to fit the rifle. Along with the lock it got a new half round barrel with wedding band. I have no plans, started by shaping a piece of metal to fit the stock and then went from there. I thought it was funny when I got to the mainspring and realized it interfered with the lock screw so I just drilled a hole to clear. I wanted to be able to switch it back some day but have lost the flintlock. I think someone helped me to loose it. The rifle shoots better than I do now, old eyes. I have had many ask me to make another one but it is all machined, no castings. It might cost $400 to $500 for me to take the time to do another one. The first one was more of a hobby than trying to make a living at it.

[357maximum]

Thanks John...I understand the price and the hours to make one.......I am however a cheap err frugal man.

So far I have the lockplate cut out and here it sits......not sure how to progress, but I will figure it out when I get the time to really think about it. I think mine will have a coil spring and some possible weldments...I am not a machinist.

[Razor]

You could always make your own.

I intend to... if'n I can find a good detail drwg, exploded drwg, etc.

No milling experience here, just blacksmithing

[4060MAY]

I talked to my friend this morning in Florida
he sells the castings for a mule ear lock
he will be back in April and I will post pictures and price

[John Taylor]

When making your own it helps to be a mechanic and be able to see things in your minds eye on how the parts should function together. My wife and I talk of these things quite often, she is talented at playing music and I can't get any of the notes right. God gave each of us different talents and we will find happiness when working with these talents. One of the things that people can't understand about me is I can't put it down on paper first, I just build it. I have had several request for lock plans and for my rifling machine, none are on paper and I can't plug the printer in my ear and print them out.