Bend the triggerguard due to cast-off?

[Chowmi]

My Chamber's Isaac Haines has a bit of cast-off.  If I line up  the rear finial of the trigger guard with the center of the line to the butt plate, then the front finial on the trigger guard will be skewed of centerline in front of the trigger plate.  Make sense? 
It looks like the cast off begins at about the back of the lock mortise, which would put it somewhere in the middle of the trigger guard, which is why I'm wondering if I should bend it, or let it be?

If I bend it, looks like the best place would be at the front of the bow, on the vertical post (the spot where you would put a sling swivel hole if it were not a Lancaster gun). 
I'm guessing I should anneal the brass first, otherwise risk breaking it.

Any thoughts?

Thank you,
Norm

[Jamie]

My Chambers fowler trigger guard appears to be pre-bent for castoff - haven't tested that but it sure looks about right.

Suggest you contact Chambers before annealing.  The temperature is critical, and overheating can ruin the guard as it can turn crumbly.  I've been reading a lot of old posts, and I believe I saw a note from Chambers (Jim or Barbie) saying that the alloy they use does not require annealing before working.  But don't take my word on it, they're very good at responding to queries.

Jamie

[Dennis Glazener]

I believe I saw a note from Chambers (Jim or Barbie) saying that the alloy they use does not require annealing before working.  But don't take my word on it, they're very good at responding to queries.

I have bent several Chambers Fowler guards without annealing or heating. They seem to be made from the same brass that my Gillespie guards are and I believe you could probably tie of one of mine in a knot before it broke. You still may want to verify with Jim. Just drop them an email.
Dennis

[Chowmi]

Thanks guys!

As it turns out, I had a look through RCA, and I learned two things.
1. It looks like they did bend them to match cast off
2. It looks like some of them were not too worried how precise they were!!

I ended up bending mine a little without annealing.  I thought I'd give it a try, and it did bend.  I didn't bend it much.
Jamie, you may be right that it is already slightly bent. 
I'm inletting it now, and it will close to center line, but not 100% exact. 

Thanks again, and glad I didn't anneal it!

Cheers,
Norm

[Pete G.]

I'm inletting it now, and it will close to center line, but not 100% exact. 

Then that makes it Historically Correct

[Chowmi]

I'm inletting it now, and it will close to center line, but not 100% exact. 

Then that makes it Historically Correct

That's my excuse, and I'm sticking with it!!

[flehto]

Probably isn't HC, but  when castoff is used, I tip the toe back towards the centerline and don't have to compensate by bending the TG. Of course I only use 3/16" castoff......Fred

[Chowmi]

Thanks Fred,

I think I see what your are talking about.  From the two pictures, it is very subtle, but I assume what you mean is that you inlet the toe to be straight with the buttstock, down the centerline?  In other words, cant the inlet of the rear finial such that it is somewhat forced down the centerline?   I can almost see a slight bend to the trigger guard in those photos.

In any event, I bent mine slightly, but not quite enough, and then took artistic license to call it good enough.  The toe of the trigger guard lines up with the bottom of the stock.  The front finial is slightly off.  I felt justified in this by looking through RCA and seeing examples just like mine. 
I may be lazy, but I am lazy in an historically correct fashion!

My rifle is now assembled, minus sights, vent liner and patch box.  I've cut the patchbox finial and side plates to match #80 from RCA and will assemble it soon.  I've also done some shaping/sanding of the butt stock in preparation for inletting the patch box.  Lots of work to do on the forestock and lock mortise.  Fortunately, I managed to eliminate a chip-out between the side plate panel and the tang. 
It's starting to look like a rifle!!

Cheers,
Norm

[flehto]

Any bending of the TGs in the pics was unintentional. Due to only 3/16"  castoff in my stocks, tilting the toe of the buttplate isn't noticeable.....if more castoff was used, the toe wouldn't be tilted as much.

Castoff is visible looking down on the comb. but not visible looking down at the toeline. .....Fred

[Chowmi]

Fred,
I get it now!  I see what you meant on the first post.  Took me a while.
Nice solution, it's very hard to see it.

Norm