doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion Double Rifles, Paradox Guns & Gauge Rifles @ doublegunshop.com Alex Henry Double Rifles problem

I recently came into possession of two rifles the first I am sure is an Alex Henry .360 Express, the second I am pretty sure is an Alex Henry .360 but it only has what appear to be Birmingham proofs. The problem I have with both of them is that they appear to have been someone's projects and they are both missing the locks, hammers and firing pins. I have searched the internet in vain for any locks to replace them. I am looking for any ideas as to what to do with these rifles to restore them. They are the best handling rifles I have ever held and fit me perfectly, this is all very frustrating. They both have beautiful bright bores.










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What a shame!I think having new locks made would be your only option,not cheep!

Talk to Steve Nelson ....he is working on a very similar project.

In 2001 I got two Alex Henry rifles from the 1890's that had never been finished though I was lucky they both retained their major components. Replacing locks is a real headache though I'm sure it's feasible. I wrote about finishing my rifles in the spring issue, 2003, issue of DGJ. A year or so ago I heard of another unfinished rifle surfacing in Oregon. Perhaps that's what Steve Nelson is involved with now. Maybe some currently available back-action locks could be made to work, perhaps with lockplates made to fit the existing inletting. Over the years I've heard stories of unfinished British guns of many types but never read an explanation of how they came about. As expensive as good, original rifles are today, it makes sense to finish ones like this if at all possible. Good Luck.

Is there no way to back track the ownership and find the missing locks?

There is a slim slight outside chance that these folks are worth a call to see if they can help.

http://www.blackleyandson.com/index.html

No question locks (bar and backaction) can be made.
The guns are not engraved so plain plates would acceptable.
Parts from spare locks can be adapted, and the rest made.
I have made both types of lock, and no, this not an offer, only advice.
Please do not let these go to waste.
Where are you located?

I owned the little .360 that Steve Nelson now owns at one point in the past. Parts can not be adapted to these guns as they are a true mini frame. Standard size parts are way too big to fit. Give Steve a call, he needs some motivation to get his done, and he is very capable.

Do a search for Jim Westburg. I have seen links of some of his work, one of which included an AH falling block from scratch- incredible including the lock which was cranked.

Let me try to respond to all of your comments. The guns recently came out of the attic of a friend of mine who died a few years ago. He kept no records so they can't be tracked. A lot of his stuff seems to have "disappeared". I went to Bertram & co web site, nice work there, I will get with them later. Blackley & Son seems to have locks for muzzle loaders, I will have to ask about back and forward action breech loaders. Gun #2 is very nicely, probably second tier, engraved with about 85% case color remaining. Keep the thoughts coming as I am at a loss.
I am located in Spanish Springs Nevada, north of Reno.
Thanks, Larry