unknown percussion

[Artl62]

I just bought an unusual (to me) Kentucky style percussion rifle. Cannot see any markings but instead of a hammer it has a flat lever on the side of the lock. You pull this to the right till it locks, and then pull the trigger and it slams to the left hitting the nipple with a cup on the end of the flat bar. If anyone knows what this is, please let me know. Thanks

 

[ThomasT]

I think those are called a "Mule Ear" hammer rifle. IIRC Navy arms sold them and also a custom BP gunsmith named Dale Story built these type of locks.

Now I have exausted all my knowedge of this type of firearm. How about some pictures?

 

[Artl62]

I will try to post pics when I get it back. It has some problems and my gunsmith has it now.

 

[Jim K]

You don't say if it is original or a repro. The "mule ear" system was never common, but it was not unknown, and some 4200 of one type (the breechloading Jenks carbine) were used by the U.S. Navy in the 1840's. The side-hammer was probably chosen for that gun because a conventional hammer would interfere with the type of breechloading used.

Other than that, its sole advantage is that the exploding cap is away from the shooter's face. One disadvantage is that the heavy hammer falling can jar the gun off target.

Jim

 

[BHP FAN]

My niece has one,it's actually quite accurate.Navy Arms .36 caliber ''Mule Ear''...

 

[Artl62]

Does not appear to be a repo. No markings at all visible. I do know that itis .44 cal. has brass butt plate, brass escutcheons along barrel and a brass end cap under barrel at the end. Most of the brass is now a brown color. rear sight looks modern so maybe a modern gun in the old style but again no markings. Will have more info and hopefully a pic maybe by mid next week. Thanks

 

[Chawbaccer]

If any body is interested, here is a company selling locks to convert your Hawken or GPR to a mule ear.
http://pioneerarms.com/mule_ear_lock.html

 

[madcratebuilder]

Thanks for that link Chawbaccer, Now I have a reason for another TC.

 

[zimmerstutzen]

the side slappers have an advantage over some other types of percussion guns. The fire goes from the nipple straight into the charge, instead of having to turn corners in bolsters or drums. Just something strange about the fire/flash having to negotiate two 90 degree turns in a rifle to ignite the charge.

 

[dogngun]

I think Dixie sold the repros for some time, too -

Probably made in Spain or Italy.

Really like a pic when you can.

mark

 

[arcticap]

Here's a partial look at a Pedersoli/Navy Arms mule ear lock rifle that I have in .45 & .50. They have very fast ignition. The .50 was my first muzzle loader and these are my favorites.

 

[BHP FAN]

looks just like my neice's .36...