Flat head or Oval head

[David Rase]

When building a rifle, fowler or pistol, what type of screws and bolts do you use, flat head or oval head.  I have been going back and forth on this for years and would like to know your opinions.  I bought a bunch of oval head screws years ago which I still have.  Somewhere along the line I heard that flat head screws were more apporpriate so that is what I have been using.
DMR

[Birddog6]

I always use the oval heads, simply because I don't like the looks of a flathead screw on a rifle.  I was told that most of them were oval heads.   

[Curt Larsen]

I use oval heads for the tang and butt plate but flat heads for trim like patch boxes etc.

[Mike Brooks]

I'm an oval man.

[Lucky R A]

Dave,   In examining originals, mostly post Rev War to the percussion period,  I find about an equal split between flat head lock bolts to the oval head bolts, with perhaps a bit more on the oval head side.  When flat head bolts were used, they were seldom over 1/8" thick.   I have seen very few original patchboxes secured with oval head screws.  The majority were flat heads and a slightly larger head diameter than we normally use.   Oh, and the idea of lining up the screw slots with the axis of the bore apparently was not on the judging list for gunmakers of that time.   Oval head screws in patchboxes have a nice look, but I think they just filed the screw heads down flat with the rest of the box and went on.  We must constantly be aware of the fact that the early gunbuilders were doing this to keep bread on the table.  It was not a hobby, retirement business, etc., but the main source of income...waste not want not!

[George F.]

I am currently using oval head screws mostly. Patch boxes and toe plates get oval heads. I am using either one for the side plate screws. The tang bolt I was using just a flat head bolt and filing it flush with the tang, but that left a very sharp edge on the flat head. Now I slightly counterbore the tang bolt , and use a oval head. I like the way it looks alot better, and no more sharp edge to slice your finger.   ...Geo.

[tallbear]

Dave
I use both depending on the rifle I'm building.I study the pictures and try and determine what was on the original and go with that.

Mitch

[JTR]

Those interested in using the right screw for a gun should buy the KRA CD. It's just black and white photos, but high enough resolution to easily zoom in on the screws, carving, engraving, etc. It also only shows three views, full length lock side, and the patchbox side and cheek side from the butt to just ahead of the lock. All together it shows about 80 or 90 rifles and pistols.

Looking at pics of guns I have on this computer, Henry Spitzer, Dickert, C. Fordney, Beyer and Ernst all have oval head screws in the patchbox's.

John

[Roger Fisher]

I'm an oval man.

Well I'm a round head, low crown however   Breech tang and butt plate and toe plate with slot lined up (mostly)

[flintriflesmith]

Two things to add.

Most modern oval headed wood screws are too "oval" -- meaning they are too radiused and stick up about 2-3 times as much as the ones I see on original rifles. The old ones are often just slightly crowned. (The exception being some of the almost round headed screws found on some SW VA and TN rifles.)

When I see flat head screws on a flint period patch box, I immediately suspect they are later replacements. It was very common in the 20th century to get rid of buggered up screw slots by just replacing the screws -- often with brass ones! I you are examinining a period rifle with flat head screws, pull one out and you may find it is modern machine made screw.

Gary

[Robby]

All the screws I use are those plated things from the local hardware store. By the time I burn off the plating, Re-cut the slot, and polish up, they have an appearance like Gary has described. Nice to know I hit it right once and a while.
  Where can you buy unplated slotted, wood screws in quantity, anymore?

[tallbear]

Robby
I get mine here;http://www.kennedyhardware.com/wood-screws/They have unplated oval,flat and round in packages of 100.

Mitch

[Benedict]

All the screws I use are those plated things from the local hardware store. By the time I burn off the plating, Re-cut the slot, and polish up, they have an appearance like Gary has described. Nice to know I hit it right once and a while.
  Where can you buy unplated slotted, wood screws in quantity, anymore?

Zinc plating comes off easily if you soak the screws in copper sulphate.  The copper precipitates out in place of the zinc but it washes off with water.  What I do not see for sale often is slotted oval headed wood screws, plated or unplated.  Fortunately, I still have a good supply of them.

Bruce

[David Rase]

Gentlemen, 
I appreciate all the responses, opinions and observations.  Looks like I have a use for my oval head screws after all.  Good feedback.
DMR

[George F.]

All the screws I use are those plated things from the local hardware store. By the time I burn off the plating, Re-cut the slot, and polish up, they have an appearance like Gary has described. Nice to know I hit it right once and a while.
  Where can you buy unplated slotted, wood screws in quantity, anymore?

Zinc plating comes off easily if you soak the screws in copper sulphate.  The copper precipitates out in place of the zinc but it washes off with water.  What I do not see for sale often is slotted oval headed wood screws, plated or unplated.  Fortunately, I still have a good supply of them.

 Unplated screws can be had at Track of the Wolf, and Muzzleloaders Builders Supply, and Brownels. If you care to remove the zinc on todays screws, just dip them in muratic acid, then a short soak in baking soda and water until they don't foam any more. I don't know what copper sulfate is.  The one thing I don't like about the modern screws is the large screw slots.   ...Geo.

[davec2]

Dip the plated screws is pool acid (hydrochloric) with tweezers for 1 to 2 seconds and all the zinc is gone.  Re-dip in a little baking soda in water to prevent after rusting.