Small siler flintlock reviews?

[skwerleater]

Hello all,
I am considering converting a cap lock from a small siler percussion to flintlock. Do any of you have experience with a small siler flintlock? I heard from one person that they are not as reliable as the larger siler. Anyone who has used one please share your opinions.
Thanks, Skwerl.

 

[oldwood]

The Walter Cain ones I have are excellent. Walter is passed , so u might call Jim Chambers and see if they might do a small Siler flint w/the modified tumbler.

 

[Art Caputo]

I own rifles with with small and large Silers. I have not experienced a difference in performance or reliability between them. Both have performed very well for me over many years. I perceive the small Siler on my squirrel rifle to be one of my fastest locks, and superb for off-hand shooting.

 

[rich pierce]

For the past 10 years or so the small Siler has had the same guts as the Late Ketland. Early small Silers were more finicky.

 

[dave_person]

Hi,
Prior to 2005 or so the small Siler locks from Jim Chambers sparked well and were fast but the half cock position was too close to the frizzen such that many flints were too long to allow the frizzen to close properly. Chambers redesigned the tumbler and the newer locks function very well in all respects. If you end up buying an older lock, I believe Chambers sells a replacement tumbler for it. I've used quite a few small Silers and have turned a few into nice English locks as well.

dave

 

[hanshi]

I have both a squirrel rifle and a pistol with small Siler flint locks and am quite satisfied with them. Just my impression but in general small locks seem to be a bit persnickety compared with the larger locks. Both my small Silers, however, don't give me any issues not shared by other locks. When I take either one of them out for exercise I have full confidence in their reliability. In fact the bulk of my shooting has been with the little .36, small Siler-carrying squirrel rifle.

 

[skwerleater]

Thank you everyone for responding. It sounds like a new small siler will work out just fine.