Welcome to the Blanklock site!

I developed the blanklock device primarily as an alternative means to fire a muzzleloading firearm. The use of a blank cartridge replaces both the primer (percussion cap or primer) and the gunpowder. The blank cartridges (or power loads) to use are commonly available at hardware stores for use in power actuated nail guns. This system is ideal for light hunting, target practice, and firearms training, especially where low recoil and low report, and clean operation is desired. It can also be used to remove a stuck projectile from the bore when other methods fail to do so. For use in re-enacting, stage or screen play use, a blank is used without any projectile in the bore. The loudness of the report can be adjusted by selecting whatever power level blank is desired. Level one is the lowest and level four is the highest commonly available in .22 caliber. Sometimes fives can be found. Velocity performance depends on factors such as caliber and bore length of the gun used as well as power load level and the weight of the projectile. Chronograph results on average using round ball and level 5 blanks are as follows; .50 caliber- 650 fps. .45 caliber- 900 fps. .32 caliber- 1400 fps This unit is designed to fit many right hand side hammer muzzleloading guns with the drum & nipple breach. Do not use this unit on the left side of a barrel; the vent will not be in alignment with the bore. For some this is a Do-it-yourself project. Others may wish to use the services of a competent gunsmith. A gun with the bolster type breach can be used, but requires machine shop work to mill off the side of the bolster and drill and tap for the blanklock device. The thread size is 10 X 1.25 MM. The drum & nipple type guns are a lot easier to convert to blank operation. Among the brands of available guns that will work include CVA, Traditions, and Jukar all of which use the 10X 1.25 MM thread size. For the time being the use of the blanklock system is with the blank as the sole propellant that is without any added gunpowder. The pressure ratings of barrels by different manufacturers will vary according to metallurgy, production methods, barrel dimensions and caliber. Pressure and strain tests need to be done before the use of black powder or appropriate substitute will be deemed safe. If the gun is to be used anyway with black powder or black powder substitute then use only level one power loads. Those who must experiment should use good sense and go easy. Please note the following warning: Under no circumstance should smokeless powder be loaded into a gun using this propellant device. If you do so the gun will automatically explode and kill you and others around you. Anyone knowledgeable in proper handloading practices will know the reason for this. If while loading you run out of primers, you should not substitute magnum primers. The hotter ignition will increase the chamber pressure to possible dangerous levels. Now imagine the results if a primer is used that is hot enough to expel the projectile from the barrel by itself. Installation Installation is simple enough if you have the necessary shop tools. Basically, you remove the drum and nipple from the barrel and install the blanklock unit. View the complete installation manual. Operation The operation of this unit is simple enough. Open the breach by rotating it forward to reveal the chamber. Insert a blank cartridge in the chamber and return the breach to the closed position. To remove the spent round, rotate the breach all the way forward then about halfway back. The extractor will slide under the rim of the cartridge and extract it part way to loosen it. It is easily removed from there. The Double Safety If you will soon fire the gun, the standard half-cock safety on a muzzleloader is fine. If, however, you plan to carry the gun for a period of time, use an extra measure of safety. When employed, the double safety requires two specific, deliberate actions to ready the gun for firing. To engage the safety, rotate the breach forward enough to allow the hammer to be lowered all the way down and not touch the striker lever. After lowering the hammer, rotate the breach so that the side of the striker contacts the front of the hammer. In this position the blank cartridge is partially exposed so that the loaded condition of the gun is easily seen. Also, the firing pin is not aligned with the rim of the cartridge which prevents the possibility of firing. Returning to fire mode requires two motions, cock the hammer and rotate the breach back to the fire position. If the breach is not fully closed the gun will not fire. Ready to Fire! General Product Information I have 40 of these devices, of this first production model, available for sale. Full instructions are provided, including how to get the drum out of the barrel without breaking it. Price each is $100.00 plus $5.00 shipping & handling I want to get these out into the world and get some feedback for future production. Future projects which have already been prototyped include a similar device for cap & ball revolvers, and a .22 caliber rimfire conversion for cap & ball revolvers. I can be reached most evenings to answer questions. Brown & Mueller 6461 Farm Road 1170 Verona, MO 65769 Phone number: 417-574-6565 Email: wheellockgun@gmail.com Last updated 7 October 2009.