Tang shape

[JohnN]

Building a 1750-60 English fowler and was wondering what tang shape to use. This is a standard plug and not a hook style.

[Mike Brooks]

Building a 1750-60 English fowler and was wondering what tang shape to use. This is a standard plug and not a hook style.

Thumbnail finial

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

I recently built a Pennsylvania fowler for a buddy down south.  It has an interchangeable .54 cal rifle barrel with it, so there were two tangs to file - the same.  So here's how they finished up.

[smart dog]

Hi,
These will help answer a lot of questions.
https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/index.php?topic=48841.0
https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/index.php?topic=52635.0

dave

[Mike Brooks]

I recently built a Pennsylvania fowler for a buddy down south.  It has an interchangeable .54 cal rifle barrel with it, so there were two tangs to file - the same.  So here's how they finished up.

That's quite a trick to file them the same and have them fit Taylor!

[bptactical]

I recently built a Pennsylvania fowler for a buddy down south.  It has an interchangeable .54 cal rifle barrel with it, so there were two tangs to file - the same.  So here's how they finished up.

I am convinced this man is an Artist in its purest form.

Incredible work DT, I wish I knew what you have forgotten.

[ScottH]

What Mike Brooks said! 

[J. Talbert]

Taylor,
You're not foolin' me with that photo shop trickery.   

Jeff

[JohnN]

This is what I have so far.

[J. Talbert]

Coming along. Overall length could be a bit long.  Does the length match well with your carving plans if any?
Looks like a little more could come off the left side step to match the right.
Jeff

[JohnN]

It may be a little long but I can always take some off, can’t add it back. 😁 Thanks.

[smart dog]

Hi,
The tang is way too long.  Two inches long from the barrel is plenty.  It also looks better if it tapers a little. However, it looks like you are using a pretty skinny barrel, which may preclude tapering the tang .  I draw the profile on a sheet of paper, making sure both sides are even, then I cut it out and glue it to the tang as a guide.  If the tang design is not even it really shows on the gun.  The drawing below shows a tapered tang     

Here is one without the sighting groove.  Although a hooked tang and breech, the proportions can easily be adapted to a plain tang.



dave

[JohnN]

Thanks for the advice. The tang is just under 1/2” wide. This was a practice run . One more thing, I hate you artistic types. 😄

[Jim Kibler]

One more tidbit of advice.  It's easy to file the steps or shoulders too deep.  Keep these pretty shallow.

Jim

[JohnN]

Revised version.