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How to Make a Percussion Lock

The percussion lock of a gun, also know as the caplock mechanism, uses a hammer to strike a percussion cap to set off the main charge, instead of striking flint against a steel frizzen. Guns using this method were in widespread use during the 19th century. Making a percussion lock at home is a difficult task, but can be done by those who are familiar with metal working, and are handy with a band saw and a hacksaw.

Things You'll Need

Band saw
Hacksaw
Steel plate
Super glue
Metal file
Dremel

Instructions

- 1
  Cut a 1/4-inch steel plate using the hacksaw to make a tumbler. Glue the tumbler pattern on and use the Dremel to start cutting the metal to match the shape of the pattern. Use the file to do the finer work in shaping the piece.
- 2
  Repeat Step 1 for the lock plate, hammer, spring guide and the sear.
- 3
  Take a piece of scrap steel that is 5/16 inch in diameter. Use your hand drill with a chuck and a file to serve as the axle for your hammer and tumbler. When it's ready, slide it into the holes to make sure it fits.
- 4
  Pick up a scrap bolt and use the file to shape it into a percussion cap. Use the hacksaw to cut a slot in the top of the cap so that you can attach it to the hammer.
- 5
  Drill a hole in the tumbler for a pin that will secure the axle. File a piece of scrap steel into the right shape to fit through the sear axle hole. Take some scrap wire and wind it around the sear axle. Attach the release pin to the sear.

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