Inletting a Lock, Triggers, and Forging a Trigger Guard for a Caplock Rifle

Installment Number 9 of The Iron Maiden Rifle Build.

This episode begins with fixing the stock to the barrel by drilling holes for lug pins. This is followed by drilling and tapping the drum hole to locate the lock.

The lock is an old L&R that needed cleaning. I disassemble, wash, and hone it's running surfaces.

Inletting a lock and trigger is tedious, time consuming, and probably not much fun to watch, so I didn't film the whole process. I think you can get the idea. Candle, set, remove, shave high spots covered in soot, repeat.... until fully bedded.

The lock and triggers are inletted, and then I forge a two piece Southern Mountain style trigger guard.

It was a wet and windy day at the forge, but I got er' done. I forge welded the the intersection of the rear portion of the loop where it meets the finger rest. From there, it was simple shaping with a bit of material removal. The rear portion, which screws to the stock is cold riveted to the main guard and turned rearward.

Up next is wood shaping, filing parts, and finish.

Thanks for watching!

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