My TN rifle build- Questions

[JamesT]

Hello,
 I built a couple rifles 10 years ago and life changes kept me from building anymore but things are back on track and I started a new one recently. I recently discovered this site and have been enjoying it much but this is my first post. My question is in regards to the butt plate for my East Tennessee rifle I am building. I made a two piece plate from 1/8" sheet steel but I feel it's a bit heavy. Would 1/16" sheet steel be more suitable and sturdy enough? What have some of you used successfully? Thanks in advance.

[Mark Elliott]

I use 1/8" sheet for the blanks and taper out the edges of the plate before forging in the curves.   The whole thing thins out as it is hammered.   I wouldn't use anything thinner, but some of the original where about 1/16".   That is 1/16" finished, so the iron started out thicker. 

[Dennis Glazener]

The last one I made I used some sheet steel that I had it was about .090" and was pretty tough stuff. I had to work it red hot. I suspect you could use 1/16 and probable work it cold if mild steel.
Dennis

[JamesT]

Thanks for the suggestions

[Mark Elliott]

I only work mine hot.    So, they will stretch more.

[rsells]

I have used material from 1/8 down to 1/16 on my rifles.  I have three original rifles and they have butt plates of thin material.  One issue I have when using the thin material is the butt  plate seems to try to move around a bit when screwed to the stock because the counter sink enlarged the screw hole.  If I use the thinner material, I silver solder another layer inside  the plate where the screws will be installed to make the counter sink not enlarge the hole the screw goes through when installed.  I like to use the middle of the road thick metal like Dennis to cut back on the extra work.
                                                                                                             Roger Sells

[JamesT]

That's good info. Thanks for the replies

[JamesT]

Another question I have concerning my butt plate. Some of you who have had the privilege of studying original Tennessee rifles what is the average butt width in your opinion and was it proportional to barrel width? I am using a 13/16 barrel. I have a wax cast butt plate from either DGW or TOTW I can't remember which but they called it a Bean style and it measures 1 1/4" at the widest point of the butt. As I said I am making my own though so I am looking for info based on originals. Thanks fellas.

[P.W.Berkuta]

I've only made a few and I used hot rolled 1018 steel that was 13 gauge (0.0897"). I found it at my local welding shop that fabricates miscellaneous stuff. Most of my needs can be filled from their scrap bin.