These arrrr a friction-wheel mechanisms that caused a spark for firing a firearm. The decorated latch on the back of the receiver pulls backwards to unlock the breech and allow it to open. The advantage of the wheellock was better resistance to rain or damp conditions than the matchlock or even flintlocks. Wheellock … I can't believe there weren't more breech loading wheellocks or flintlocks later on. Wow I was not expecting pre loaded cartridges like that to exist back then. It seems like such a simple but brilliant idea. This is a magnificent example of an advanced German gun commissioned by a buyer of some wealth and taste in 1625. The mechanism used a rotating steel wheel to provide ignition. Traditions Rifle kits are one of the best ways to get a real hands-on muzzleloading experience! It was the first self-igniting firearm. I don’t know if this was intended for a complete paper cartridge or if one was supposed to load a loose ball and powder in the breech, or if the ball was to be rammed from the muzzle and just the powder loaded from the rear. (This item was pulled from the auction) Breechloading firearms did not become commonplace until the 1800s, but talented gunsmiths were experimenting with the concept and building custom breechloaders since virtually the very invention of firearms in the West. Traditions offers a, step-by-step, instructions for ease of assemble. Rifle Breech Loading Wheellock Rifle Reviews : Get best Rifle Breech Loading Wheellock Rifle With Quality. We understand that sometimes there is no substitute for actually physically seeing an item particularly one as unique as an antique. Beautiful Breechloading Wheellock (Video) Beautiful Breechloading Wheellock (Video) ... but even earlier we see examples like this gorgeously embellished 1625 wheel lock. Muzzleloading Kit pistols. Great for families, Farther and Son project, when finished you will have a fully functional rifle that you can use for hunting, shooting, or display. Some of our production models can be supplied in the KIT version. It uses a simple steel cartridge case that would be pre-loaded with powder and ball, and then dropped in through the Snider-style trap door at the breech of the rifle. Henry Krank & Co. Buy antiques with confidence. They need some simple “do it yourself” knowledge basis, few tooling and some working hours to complete and finish a “self-custom-made” gun.