Cast off question

[Ezra]

Is it correct that cast off should begin at the beginning og the comb?  Also, I assume that the slender stocked East Tennessee style rifles required no cast off.  Particularly those with over the comb tangs.

Ez

[Jim Kibler]

Anywhere between the end of the barrel or tang and the comb works.  It's not an abrupt transition, but one that occurs somewhat gradually over a distance.

[B.Habermehl]

Lately I have been offsetting the centerline of the comb, rather than the entire but stock. I start the divergence from the centerline at the wrist, and end up with, about 1/4" or a it less at the butt. I seem to remember Flintriflesmith using this technique.
BJH

[snowdragon]

I start it right in front of the comb, or on a Hawken, at the end of the tang. Starting it there will ensure all the features pertaining to the wrist will look correct, such as a centered tang, and lock panels that stand out evenly. Hope this makes sense. Bill

[rsells]

I have an original East TN rifle that has the tang running about 2 1/2 inches back the comb.  The cast off on this rifle started at the comb, and the tang extension follows the line of the cast off back the comb.  I have been building my rifles with the cast off starting at the front of the comb since I purchased this rifle and seen how it was made.  It makes it easier for me to keep the trigger plate in line and I form the rear final of the triggerguard to follow the line of the cast off.  Works for me, but I have seen originals with the cast off starting further toward the breech as well.
                                                                        Roger Sells

[northmn]

We ahd a discussion about this some time ago.  Many originals were done at the breech.  I ahve made them at the comb as it is easier to line up the triggers and tang to a straight wrist, but many like to do so from the breech.  Doubt if there is any "correct" way to do it.
DP