OT question about gun mechanisms
 

Hi All,

This is an off-topic question, but it involves ethnographic firearms. I'm writing a fiction manuscript, and I'm trying to design a fictional fire arm.

The gun has to be manufactured by a fairly low technological base (think 18-19th Century). They also need to minimize the amount of oil and lubricants used (important random plot point--if you insist, I'll explain why it matters).

Obviously, I'm thinking of various old ethnographic guns, but I only really know how modern, western guns work, and they need lots of lubricants around the springs and other moving parts.

Any help would be appreciated. Think of this as a chance to talk about how different old and ethnographic trigger mechanisms work.

Best,

F

Here's simple .
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...highlight=slam

Thanks Rick.

I was thinking of a slam rifle as one possibility. The fact that Kino wanted people to sign a waiver before attempting to fire it made it, less than ideal. They've also got the issue of using modern ammunition, so there's the question of how to make the cartridges.

Best,

F

Hi Fearn

Minimize the lubrication problematic?
Try the matchlock:

http://books.google.pt/books?id=qweZ...ATION&f=false~

This what you mean?

Fernando

Thanks for that link, Fernando. I was thinking about flintlocks vs. matchlocks, and wondering whether the complexity of the matchlock was a problem in monsoonal conditions.

I remember reading something about matchlocks being favored by navies in Asia, whereas flintlocks were favored by armies, because of the issues with moisture. Do I have that right, or did I flip it?

F

I guess you are fliping at least the first paragraph. The matchlock has quite fewer parts. It works on a levering basis; no springs, bearings or tumblers, less friction.
Fernando

You're right, Fernando, I did flip that.

For others, aside from the slam gun and similar zip guns, are there any breechloaders that have a similar low number of moving parts?

Best,

F

The basic matchlock appears to be two moving parts (three with the pan cover) and one spring, though it seems it would be possible to get it to fire even if the spring broke. See http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=7524

Simpler than that and we have the basic serpentine: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=7077

Any simpler than that and I guess we're down to a simple touch-hole. Though in a 19th century setting I guess a percussion nipple&cap and a blunt object could work as well, depending on how much force you get blowing back through the nipple when the main charge goes off. Might make it hard to aim though.