Doglock refers to the lock that preceded the true flintlock in both rifles and pistols in the 17th century. Commonly used throughout Europe in the 1600s, it gained popular favor in the British and Dutch military.
Much like the later flintlock devices it contained the flint, frizzen, and pan, yet had an external catch as a half cock safety, known as the "dog". This added safety to the firearm in that it would not accidentally go off "half-cocked". This fell out of favor with the British before 1720. Later flintlocks would contain no such catch.[1]
References
- ^ Blackmore, Howard L. British Military Firearms, 1650-1850. Greenhill Pr, 1994.
