OT question about gun mechanisms

fearn · 9th March 2010, 09:12 PM

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

Rick · 9th March 2010, 09:23 PM

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

fearn · 9th March 2010, 09:42 PM

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

fernando · 9th March 2010, 10:01 PM

Hi Fearn

Minimize the lubrication problematic?
Try the matchlock:

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

This what you mean?

Fernando

fearn · 9th March 2010, 10:44 PM

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

fernando · 9th March 2010, 11:11 PM

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

fearn · 9th March 2010, 11:22 PM

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

kisak · 10th March 2010, 11:56 AM

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.

9th March 2010, 09:12 PM	#1
fearn Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,247	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

9th March 2010, 09:23 PM	#2
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,262	Here's simple . http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...highlight=slam

9th March 2010, 09:42 PM	#3
fearn Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,247	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

9th March 2010, 10:01 PM	#4
fernando Lead Moderator European Armoury Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,642	Hi Fearn Minimize the lubrication problematic? Try the matchlock: http://books.google.pt/books?id=qweZ...ATION&f=false~ This what you mean? Fernando

9th March 2010, 10:44 PM	#5
fearn Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,247	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

9th March 2010, 11:11 PM	#6
fernando Lead Moderator European Armoury Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,642	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

9th March 2010, 11:22 PM	#7
fearn Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,247	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

10th March 2010, 11:56 AM	#8
kisak Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Stockholm Posts: 182	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.