Running out of wood in inlet

[Scota4570]

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/b3q2e1stjjsv6kh/AACfGPWS6Tqld4PxqMOEAmbba?dl=0

On my TC franken gun I have the Siler gun-maker lock, made and fitting.  The cross bolt problem has become more vexing.  The cross bolt would hit the lock plate at the silver dot in front of the bridle. 

The suggestion to add a threaded boss to the bridle seemed good.  That is how THE RPL locks are done.  However the Siler mainspring appears to be much  thicker.  I'll be halfway through the stock before I make that work.  How much can I thin down the mainspring where it acts on the tumbler?  Didn't RPL do this so the bridle extension would clear?

I think I needed to use a mainspring and tumbler with a link? That would have freed up some real estate for the bolt.  I think I have mixed styles of construction in an incomparable way.

The recoil surface seems compromised already.  I hate to cut away any more wood.  I am concerned the stock will break, the rifle is 54 caliber. 

 I'm not sure how to proceed.  Any other ideas?

 

[54ball]

 If it will hit that silver dot mid plate, Bring it straight up and and put the bolt through the lock bolster where it belongs. You may have to notch the hooked breech tang but it looks like it will go. Drill from the lock side with the tang out of the rifle.
 You'll have a hole to fix on the side plate side but the lock will be mounted right.

[jerrywh]

 The easiest way to fix this problem is to plug the existing hole by gluing in a dowel. The breech system you have prevents the use of a conventional screw location. I have fixed this problem before for one of the other members. I made a special screw to replace the top bridle screw. The top bridle screw consisted of a threaded stud with a screw slot in the top of it. Then it is possible to put a lock retaining screw in through the stock in the position of the top bridle screw. You can make one of these or if you send me the top bridle screw I will make you one for $26.00 postage paid. Them you can put a side plate on the other side if you wish. No charge. This is the third time I have encountered this.
  I'm not sure if you can go through the breech hook. It depends on the position of the hook.

[Scota4570]

WOW!  That is brilliant.   I was getting frustrated and am now back on track, Thanks. 


 I could use a long 8-32 nut, like for coupling all thread but small.  One side secures the bridle with a piece of 8-32 all thread and the other takes the lock bolt.  I could also use to existing hole to reinforce the stock by epoxying a piece of drywall screw in there.  ALA M-98 Mauser cross bolts.   

[smylee grouch]

Has that lock plate been case hardened? I'm wondering if that would cause any problem in drilling and tapping any new hole.

[Scota4570]

Hardened?  No, it is a casting from a siler lock kit. 

Check the drop box pictures again. 

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/b3q2e1stjjsv6kh/AACfGPWS6Tqld4PxqMOEAmbba?dl=0

The last one shows how I did it.  I replace the top bridle screw with a stud.  I made a threaded bushing.  The bushing has a screwdriver slot.  The lock bolt threads in to the bushing. 

The only unforeseen problem was that the front tang screw was in the way.  I can get around that though.   

Good idea, thanks again Jerry.

Scot

[smylee grouch]

Oh nuts scota4570, I was thinking of a TC lock plate as I think some of them were hardened. My apology. 

[jerrywh]

Scota4570
  That is a good idea using the stud. and the threaded long nut.
 

[B.Habermehl]

I'm afraid I'd have done it a bit differently. I would have simply used a fillister head screw like the original lock bolt. Then drilled a clearance hole through the bolster of the lock. Purposely dinging the standing breech tang the barrel locks into. Use the ding as a spot drill mark and drill and tap the standing breech. On the face side of the lock, counter bore for the fillister head bolt, file the bolts head flush if necessary and deepen the screw slot. Then adjust the bolts length as necessary to allow the breech to work properly. If you intend to install a side plate simply use wood screws.BJH