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Author Topic: wrist dimension?  (Read 3711 times)

chuck-ia

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wrist dimension?
« on: June 10, 2012, 03:08:39 AM »
Working on a lancaster rifle, with a b weight rice barrel, following peter alexander's book. According to his book I should have dimensions of  1 1/4",  measuring directly in front of lock, (barrel width ) and adding 1/8" on each side. I am a little over these measurements, which is ok. Looking through the RCA vol. 1 book most wrist dimensions are approx. 1 1/2". (for this type rifle). Will I be ok with this smaller wrist? I guess I should have done a little more research before getting the saw out. chuck-ia
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Offline rich pierce

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Re: wrist dimension?
« Reply #1 on: June 10, 2012, 03:53:24 AM »
Many of the early rifles In RCA volume 1 have fatter breeched barrels than a B weight.  I always leave extra when sawing and then trim more as I shape the gun.  You'll have to be careful.
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Offline Dr. Tim-Boone

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Re: wrist dimension?
« Reply #2 on: June 10, 2012, 04:40:31 AM »
That all being said, shape your stock to fit your barrel, not a picture ....if the proportions are right you will turn out with the right look.
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Bernard

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Re: wrist dimension?
« Reply #3 on: June 10, 2012, 02:34:38 PM »
Chuck. I am assuming you didn't saw your blank to exactly barrel width +i/8 on each side. That should be your finished dimension. When sawing always leave a bit of material that will be removed with rasps and files carving and sanding. 1/16" extra is good. The more slender a rifle is the more elegant it appears. The architecture is what is important, not the actual dimensions unless you are making a true copy.
I built a rifle patterned after a Christian Hawken and got the lower fore stock a bit too narrow 'c cause I sawed it out with a band saw (I'm good with a band saw so I cut it, like I thought Peter said, to 1/8 from muzzle to lock plate). The upper fore-stock worked out fine with 1/16" on either side but the lower turned out a bit slab sided. I had to turn down another offer to buy that rifle for $3,000.00 just yesterday. Dang.
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chuck-ia

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Re: wrist dimension?
« Reply #4 on: June 10, 2012, 03:02:29 PM »
Yes, I did allow extra for sanding and such,I never cut to final lines. Kinda second guessing myself, after looking at original dimensions. I think it's starting to look ok, more concerned about strength. I would guess even with a small wrist, the weakest area would be in the lock area? thanks, chuck
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Bernard

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Re: wrist dimension?
« Reply #5 on: June 10, 2012, 04:08:31 PM »
If you have a good piece of maple you won't have to worry about strength. Wrist width should be equal to the cross section of the lower froestock just in front of the lock and side plate panels.
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Offline Hungry Horse

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Re: wrist dimension?
« Reply #6 on: June 10, 2012, 07:29:45 PM »
When Americans stopped using horses for their major mode of transportation, broken rifles ( mostly at the wrist) went way down. Even in modern times I have seen many a fine rifle turned to junk by a fidgety horse. I can imagine it was very common in the previous centuries.

                      Hungry Horse

                   
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chuck-ia

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Re: wrist dimension?
« Reply #7 on: June 12, 2012, 01:05:16 AM »
Thanks all, I will not fret over it then. chuck
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