Mike in FL
45 Cal.
What is the tumbler in a flintlock? Yes, I disassembled the lock on my Colonial kit but did not ID each part by name or function. I ask because in another thread someone mentionEd tumblers were not used in the age of flintlocks. So:
1 - what is a tumbler?
2 - what does it do?
3 - did original locks not have them?
4 - if not, were those locks slower than today's?
5 - if they didn't exist then, do you feel like we are 'cheating' by using them?
6 - anyone got a picture or drawing to help me understand what a tumbler does?
I've been shooting flint locks for years but never thought about the guts of locks. I just figured they were the same as back then. Now I'm wondering if the almost instant ignition of a Kibler is inconsistent with high quality locks of 1700 - 1800 guns. I'd hate to think we have better guns now than those made by the master builders of the 'golden age.'.
1 - what is a tumbler?
2 - what does it do?
3 - did original locks not have them?
4 - if not, were those locks slower than today's?
5 - if they didn't exist then, do you feel like we are 'cheating' by using them?
6 - anyone got a picture or drawing to help me understand what a tumbler does?
I've been shooting flint locks for years but never thought about the guts of locks. I just figured they were the same as back then. Now I'm wondering if the almost instant ignition of a Kibler is inconsistent with high quality locks of 1700 - 1800 guns. I'd hate to think we have better guns now than those made by the master builders of the 'golden age.'.