Barrel Wedges

[Jerry V Lape]

In looking through the various photo references there it is hard to find photos of the right side of the forestock.  So when I decided I wanted to use keys versus pins to join the barrel and stock, I had to go looking for photos and originals which would show whether all keys had heads, or were keys without heads commonly used.  Didn't want to use heads or escutcheons as I just like the looks better without them.  From the few photos found showing both sides of the rifle forestocks it appears keys without heads were common.  Is this a correct conclusion? 

[JDK]

I thought we just did this Jerry:  http://americanlongrifles.org/forum/index.php?topic=23368.0

Hopefully this time your solicitation generates more participation and information.

Enjoy, J.D.

[Jerry V Lape]

JDK, you are right, and I forgot to review it.  When I wrote the original question I was thinking about the use of escutcheons and I guess it just didn't register that the question of headless keys was answered as well.  Sorry guys, already asked and answered.

[bgf]

So, you are going to use headless keys without escutcheons?  If that's what you like, then I don't see any reason not to do it.

[JDK]

Don't get me wrong Jerry.  That other string was pretty short on content.  I'd like to hear more on the subject other than my limited observations.

I don't like to take lack of opposition to the content of a post as support of the accuracy of that content....if you follow me.

I have seen headless wedges on a some original guns.  I can't remember what schools and  I don't know how common they were.

Enjoy, J.D.

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

I'm building a Lancaster rifle right now - after Haines.  In studying his work in RCA 1, his keys have no escutcheons, have heads, and enter from the left.
Same with A. Verner, Bucks Co.  I think you'll find that more keys had heads than did not.

[JTR]

I agree with Taylor here.
Even if an old rifle has headless keys in it now, a close look will usually show an indent in the wood from the original headed key. However, if you want to use headless keys go for it!

John

[Jerry V Lape]

Taylor, the keys on the Haines which can be seen in RCA 1 are interesting.  They look to just barely have heads. The one clearly visible on page 339 is questionable as to whether it is a head or just a thick wedge which has been worn over time.  Maybe I will cut the heads on the wedges I have down close to that particular one and win both ways.  

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

That's a great compromise Jerry...it'll look great.

[JTR]

I probably should have included that a lot of the headed keys do have very small heads, say maybe a 1/16" or so only larger than the key.

John

[flintriflesmith]

I have always felt that wedge heads are/were functional. In the field everyone has a knife but a pin punch was not as necessary. The tip of a knfe will push the wedge out far enough to get the blade edge under the head and pull it the rest of the way.
Of course there are some who probably used a touch hole pick but most of the old picks I have seen are too fat to go through the forestock pin holes. Copper wire ones like those issued with muskets, might work if the pin was a slack fit.
Gary

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

I'm not sure if I'm building them correctly, but I leave the right hand end just protruding a little from the surface of the stock, and a gentle bump with the butt end of my knife handle sends them flush, exposing the head end just enough to get my grip on it, or failing that, if it's too tight, the back edge of the blade of my knife.  I don't like seeing forearms all chewed up from folks using the wrong tool, or even the right tool badly.  But keys/slides/wedges, or whatever you want to call them, they definitely make barrel removal easier.  And to my eye, I think they add beauty to the rifle.  Escutcheons where they are appropriate, but I can do nicely without them.

[T*O*F]

Escutcheons where they are appropriate,

The use of escutcheons is dictated by the degree of damage done while cutting the holes for the wedges. 

[Hungry Horse]

 On my W.H.Brown rifle the keys are made from sheet metal, and the heads are the escutcheons. Has anybody ever seen this before? The only key on the gun that is a more traditional key, is the first one from the breech, it is heavier sheet metal, but has a pin filed on the end that becomes a rivet that holds a silver key head. The two forward keys are old replacements, but the loops under the barrel are original to the gun, and they are designed to use sheet metal keys.


                              Hungry Horse