Richard, here's the best guess I have on the grip safety: It seems to have been in use for a number of years in the flintlock era but without having been patented. John Walsh, author of " The Modern Sportsman's Gun and Rifle", 1882, states that Joe Manton patented the system shortly before his death in 1835. So, we will never know who actually created it. One of those mysteries that makes researching interesting....

Raimey posted earlier the Manton patent drawings for the system.

Last edited by Joe Wood; 07/16/21 02:34 PM.

When an old man dies a library burns to the ground. (Old African proverb)