pistol kit question?

[Bigmon]

So I purchased a pistol kit a few years ago and am finally getting to it.  It is my first try at a pistol.
The stock is pretty much completly shaped so I am trying to match the curve of the brecch tang to the stocks shape.  I am having trouble matching the contour / bend and I think it is because the tang needs to bend sooner than on a rifle.  I have done plenty of rifles, both kit and from plank and never had this problem.
So my question is, should I cut out the radiased part on the bottom side of the tang / breech plug, so that I can begin the bend sooner?
If I file to top away to match it is going to get pretty thin in that area???
Never did a pistol before,  It bends a lot quicker and more than a rifle.

[Steeltrap]

Wow!  What timing. I just finished up prepping my pistol tang for inletting.

The first thing I did was to reduce the thickness of the bolster to make it measure more like a square. Doesn't have to be exact....I think mine is like .250 x .300 (See 1st pic)

Then I take a 3/16" chainsaw sharpening file (not my idea, got it off the internet) and make a smaller radius in the corner. That way the bend is much closer to the barrel. (See second pic).  I have not yet began the inlet so the tang is still straight and will be until I get most of the bolster inletted.

I hope this helps.

[Jim Kibler]

Yes, you can cut out the radius.  If you need more bend, make a hacksaw cut under the tang towards the barrel breech.  You can then pound the tang down some and then silver solder the crack shut.

[smallpatch]

I usually do just as you suggested Bigmon. There’s no reason the tang lug needs to be as long as it is manufactured.
File it flat, omit the curve.
The tang is usually too long as well.

[smylee grouch]

?? Would a series of SHALLOW hacksaw cuts on the bottom of the tang help ?   

[Bill Raby]

I always cut that out square.

[Steeltrap]

I agree that the tangs are much too long and should be given a hard look as to what length you want them to be. I cut off about 1/4" from this tang in the pic below.

If you go to the 2:40 minute of this video this builder explains why he makes the radius smaller as opposed to cutting it square. I don't know if it makes much of a difference in a pistol, but in a heavier recoiling rifle it may.

It's not at all difficult to file the tang bolster to a "reasonable" shape to get ready for the install.