Why Are These Here?

[Ironwood]

Just what is the purpose for the spur and open ring on this trigger gaurd?  Is the spur supposed to be an aid in cocking or releasing the cock on these rifles?

[Ranger]

They may have been in usefull proportions in the past, but I think they are purely decorative now.

[Oldnamvet]

Maybe to help hang onto it when your hands are cold?  Or while riding a horse or mule?

[mongrel]

The spur on the guard bow was intended to assist in a rock-steady hold when shooting for accuracy, as in target competition. Look at original Hawken and other trade/plains rifles, and you notice that relatively few had such protrusions. The Tyron (Tryon?) rifles were an exception, but for the most part hooky pointy things were avoided on a rifle that might have to be put into action in a hurry.

The open-ended loop at the rear of the finger bow was and is purely decorative, basically a fancying-up of the termination of the finger bow on a "regular" longrifle trigger guard.

[Mr Woodchuck]

that's my bud Mongrel ... he be smart.
lol

[Ironwood]

Mongrel, If that's the case I may just grind that spur off.  I hate that thing.  It's always getting in the way or hung up on something.  I've tried and tried to find some use for the spur and never have.  Now I know. :D

[mongrel]

Mongrel, If that's the case I may just grind that spur off.  I hate that thing.  It's always getting in the way or hung up on something.  I've tried and tried to find some use for the spur and never have.  Now I know. :D

It be the case. I've ground the spur off of more than one guard like that. The back curl keeps it fancy enough -- the spur was just copied off guards from the mid-19th century and kept because it has that "old-timey" touch of frilliness that some folks like.

[Ironwood]

Cowboy said:

The ring is to efficiently break your little finger with.

LOL... Cowboy... You are so right about that!