Wheel-lock

Although the development and use of wheel-lock continued until the middle of the 17th century, there was great need for a weapon... 

Sheffield, Encycl of Expls, Vol 4(1969)) pp D753-R to D756-L (Brief description of matchr lock, wheel-lock, flintlock and percussion-lock in Section entitled "History of Development of Military Detonators, Igniters, Primers and Other Initiating Devices )... 

The wheel-lock, while reliable, was complicated and therefore expensive. It did not, for these reasons, replace the matchlock (see Vol 8, M41-L) in general usage, being reserved for wealthy sportsmen and certain troops Ref C. Chant, Ed, How Weapons Work , Henry Regneiy Co, Chicago (1976), 19—20... 

The situation improved with the introduction of the wheel-lock (Fig 1), which produced its own fire by mechanical action, in the early 16th century. This name was used because of the prominent wheel which was rotated to produce fire. In addition to the wheel, the mechanism consisted essentially of the cock, the mainspring, and the sear. The wheel was serrated to provide a rough surface. The cock was a clamp which held a small piece of iron pyrites. Iron pyrites is a mineral which, when rubbed against a roughened piece of metal, will produce sparks... 

PI) Pressure indication device (PIC) automatic pressure control (TI) temperature indicating device (TIC) automatic temperature control (FI) flow-meter (LC) level indicator (R) reactor (M) motor (WT) heat exchanger (ZR) bucket wheel lock (KM) membrane compressor (KR) cryostat (K) cooler (S) screw feeder (G) container (F) flare (TG) dip pipe (Z) cyclone (P) pump (EF) electric separator (DK) packed distillation column... 

They appear to have come into notice in the anny of Henry JL of France, 1569. The arm vras 3 feet loi, and the practice was to fire and fall back behind the rear rank, who fired and followed suit. The troops were light cavalry, and the arm seems to have had a wheel-lock. 

The first fire-arms used in uro ie were cannon. (See Artillery Cannon.) Fire-arms to be carried by the soldier were a later invention. The arquebus was used in 1480. The musket by Charles V. in 1540. These used matches or match-locks. The wheel-lock was invented 1517 the flint-lock about 1692. The percussion principle by the Rev. Mr. Forsythe, in 1807. See Gun-lock. 

Wheel-lock. 1. (Fire-arms.) A form of lock for fire-arms which superseded the old matchlock, whereby the piece was touched off by a match or j)ort-fire. 

The wheel-lock wa invented In Italy early in the sixteenth century it was moved a chain and wound up like a watch to prepm it for um. The wheel, originally, was not Sxed in the gun, but was fitted in a groove when ready for firing at other times being carried In a bag. It consisted of a fhrrowed wheel of steel, whose friction against a piece of sulphuret of iron was made to communicate fire by sparks to the priming. See Gok-locx. 

The Puiof.—Tbe wheel-lock went into quite general use, finally leading to the invention of the pistol, about 1544. The fixet pistols were single barrel, and very short. The stock was heavy, and the breech or handle, instead of leaving the barrel... 

Its advantges over the wheel-lock and the snap-hauuce were so marked that France at once adopts it for use in her armies, but Ehigland bold back, contending that the wheel-lock was the better invention, tin 1600, when she gave up the contest, and adopted the flint-lock. 

Beware when running empty or bobtailing. Lightly loaded wheels lock up easily during braking and this induces jackknifing. 

Wheel locking capability and need for safety straps. Side rail height sufficiency to prevent falls. 

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