Peter DeLay

Master Gunsmith Registered Firearms Dealer

Lock, Stock and Barrel

Most know the phrase lock, stock and barrel. The phrase is taken to mean “the whole thing” but in the case of a sporting gun, the lock, stock and barrel are just three of several component parts, each one a separate and distinct gun making discipline. The gun making trades which together build a complete sporting gun are:

Action Filer - The action is the metal body of the gun to which the locks, trigger, barrel and stock are attached. The actioner or action filer shapes the action from cold steel.

Locksmith - The lock is the firing mechanism. Usually there is a matched pair of locks, one for each barrel. The locksmith manufactures the complex lock mechanisms from steel.

Stocker - The stock is the wooden part of the gun pressed to the shoulder when firing. Aside form its functional shape, the stock gives the gun balance. Stocks are hand carved from walnut.

Barrel Maker - A barrel is the metal tube which gives direction to a shot. The tube is bored from solid drop forging. The barrel maker shapes and joins tubes to make a matched pair of barrels.

Engraver - The beauty of a gun is often in the intricate engravings to the metal work. The engraver uses chisels to add fine engraving to the action and lock plate of the finished gun.