Not to be confused with Locking.

A lock, also known as gunlock, is the component of a firearm which ignites the propellant.

Types of locks

• Matchlock: Utilized a slow-burning wick which would be lowered into the flash pan.
• Wheellock: Utilized a rotating wheel which would be stricken by a hammer with flint, which would make sparks, which would be led into the flash pan.
• Flintlock: Utilized a hammer with flint which would strike a steel frizzen, which would make sparks that would be led into the flash pan.
• Caplock: Utilized a hammer that would strike a percussion cap, which would detonate and create sparks which would be led into the barrel.
• Snapping matchlock: A version of the matchlock that utilized a tighter hammer that had more force upon being released.
• Snaphance: Utilized the same parts as the flintlock except instead of a frizzen a piece with a steel face was used (before the flintlock and after the wheellock).