Mule ear target rifles, any good?

[BE Wild Willy]

Looking at one of these that is approx. 36 cal. with a 37"x 1-1/8" barrel. Are these guns known to be good shooters and do they have any value?

 

[rafterob]

The ignition system contributes little to the accuracy of the gun. The side-slapper may increase ignition timing by a nano-second. If it is an original mule ear lock from the late 1800's then it may have additional value due to the scarcity of them. The real advantage of an underhammer or side slapper in a target rifle is that it removes the hammer from the sight plane.

 

[Rifleman1776]

There are those who say side slappers increase accuracy because the falling hammer kinda torques the gun when it hits. I dunno 'bout that. Mule ears don't do that. :idunno: If that effect exists, it is very negligible. I know some bench shooters like the side slapper a/ka/ mule ear for that (supposed) reason. They do send the flash directly into the main charge and that could be a good feature.
There used to be a rifle produced by Bob Tingle (now deceased) that was well thought of. His side slapper is currently highly desired by many. If I see one for sale, I would buy it.
In short, if the rifle is in good shape and you like it and the price is right, grab it and enjoy.

 

[Tumblernotch]

Super fast lock if the hammer throw is short. Mine has a short throw and it's the fastest lock I've ever shot with. Also, as said before the cap flash travels a very short straight line to the charge. One disadvantage to those who feel they need one is that most don't have a half cock.

 

[F.G. Ford]

Underhammer, and side slappers keep flash, and debris ( parts of cap ) away from the eye, which helps in shooting confidence, which helps in better scores.

 

[ohio ramrod]

While many don't have a half cock. The Tingly's did. I find a side slapper to be very quick and accurate. :idunno: :idunno: