Antique Gun Parts: Caplock Parts

Antique gun parts, specifically if we restrict the scope of the inquiry to muzzleloaders like caplocks, are considerably different from those used even on other antique guns that are breech loaders. 

That being said, this short post will cover some antique gun parts used in the construction of caplock rifles, along with what they do. 

External Lock Components 

Muzzleloaders such as caplock rifles are often referred to as “lock, stock and barrel” to define them by their major component groups. However, it only takes a small look into the matter to see that there are many more parts then these; even restricting the scope of the investigation into the lock, there are two main categories of antique gun parts, which are internal and external lock components. 

As far as external lock parts, the main parts are the hammer, the cone (also referred to as the nipple), the lock plate (or side plate), and the vent screw. 

The hammer is the most salient of these antique gun parts, and is the part that the shooter actually manipulates to half-cock, cock, and fire the rifle. Most percussion rifles, also known as caplocks, are capable of a half-cock setting that prevents the rifle from being fired. 

When the hammer is fully cocked and the trigger engaged, the hammer drops on to the percussion cap that sits on top of the cone. The cone is a threaded component that screws into the vent hole, which secures the cap. 

The lock plate, also known as the side plate, is the component that secures the external lock components as well as some of the internal lock components. 

Internal Lock Components 

Depending on the design of the caplock, there are a number of internal lock components that are responsible for the action of the rifle. 

The sear screw secures the sear and sear spring, which holds the hammer back until the trigger is engaged.

There is also an internal lock component known as a bridle, which provides support for the pins and pivots of the tumbler and sear, and helps to hold everything in place in the recess in the stock behind the lock plate. 

There are also a tumbler and a mainspring behind the lock plate. The tumbler is a component which is basically a rotating cam connected to the hammer and which helps secure it until the trigger is pulled. The mainspring stores and releases the energy necessary to drop the hammer on the cone and fire the rifle when the trigger is pulled. 

A muzzleloader may also contain an antique gun part known as a fly, which helps prevent the hammer from catching on the half-cock position if the trigger is pulled from full-cock. This helps ensure that the rifle fires smoothly and without interruption. 

There are also a series of screws and pins that will help secure the internal lock components of the caplock in question. These may vary, however, according to the rifle. 

The Trigger

The trigger of a caplock is the part that the shooter engages to release and drop the hammer. Sometimes traditional muzzleloaders have two triggers, a main trigger and a set trigger. Often the trigger is protected by another gun part called a trigger guard (which is of course included on modern firearms as well). Often it is brass in traditional muzzleloaders. 

The Stock

The stock of a caplock is an antique gun part that connects to all other components, including the barrel, the trigger assembly, and the internal and external lock components. 

The stock is often made of hardwood in the case of a caplock, and while there are many different types of muzzleloader stocks, two main types are full stocks and half stocks. A full stock extends the length of the barrel, almost all the way to the muzzle, and a half stock only covers roughly half that distance. Full stocks are common on muskets as well as on early Pennsylvania and Kentucky rifles. Half stocks are common on Hawken rifles and on more modern designs. 

The stock may or may not have sling mounts, and should have a recess at the base under the barrel for storing the ramrod. Typically the stock will have a brass butt plate and on some models there will be a small, brass inset called a patch box on one side of the stock as well. 

The Barrel 

The barrel of a caplock is typically but not always octagonal, though there are round muzzleloader barrels as well. The sights affixed to a barrel are often fixed in traditional models but may be adjustable in modern remakes of sidelocks. 

The barrel typically has a slotted extension underneath it that accepts an antique gun part called a wedge key, which slides through the stock and secures the barrel in place.

Shop Antique Gun Parts Here 

The gun parts listed in this article are only some of the antique gun parts that constitute traditional muzzleloaders like caplocks, but there are others. If you’re looking for antique gun parts to make repairs, upgrades or replacements, shop our collection and get in touch with us for more information if you have questions.