AmericanLongRifles Forums

General discussion => Gun Building => Topic started by: Pete G. on August 07, 2008, 01:33:50 PM

Title: Headless Keys
Post by: Pete G. on August 07, 2008, 01:33:50 PM

Are they just what the name says? Are they installed somewhat similar to pins and if so, are the ends finished flush with the fore end? I don't want inlays cluttering up my fore end, but I am building a piece with a style later than pins. Most photos don't illustrate this detail very well, so I am not really sure just how to procede and build something that is proper.

Title: Re: Headless Keys
Post by: JTR on August 07, 2008, 03:22:03 PM

Pete,
It seems to me on the originals that I’ve seen, that the keys aren’t finished flush with the forearm.
They always stick out a little bit, say a 1/16” on both sides, maybe a little more.
Also, the ends of the key are not flat (straight) with sharp corners. The corners are rounded off, and the flat is filed into a slight arc.
Only my observations, other opinions may vary,
John