Shaping Pistol Stock

[Pete G.]

I've got a build going for a pistol with the sort of tear drop shaped flat panels on the side of the butt. Does the rear of the butt continue to a flat or is it rounded? Every photo I can find is all in profile, and doesn't show the shape.

Incidentally, this style is refered to as a "Gentleman's Pistol".

[Ky-Flinter]

Here's some pictures from the 2008 CLA show.....  These show 2 basic treatments, one has basically 8 flats, almost like an octagon in cross-section.  See the first 3 pictures, especially #3.  In the 4th picture, I think the butt was made in the round, then the flats cut in.  The 5th picture shows one of each.






Butt of pistol above is marked "U. STATES"




The lower pistol shows a variation of "in the round" with the front edge of the butt coming to a point or edge.

Hope these help.

-Ron

[smart dog]

Hi Pete,
The backside of the butt is a convex curve and the inside of the handle is slightly concave as it converges on the rear of the triggerguard.  Below are some photos of my unfinished Wogdon's showing the sides and back of the handle.

[Pete G.]

Thanks, guys. The rear angle is hardly ever shown in photos. Looks like either way is proper.

Dang, now I've got another decision to make

[Don Getz]

Dave......nice looking pistols.........Don

[smart dog]

Thanks Don,
I broke both frizzens because, being an idiot sometimes, I case-hardened them too long and didn't temper the toes long enough.  I am still waitng for replacements from Blackley's.  I'll take better pictures when they are completely finished and share with folks on the board.  I want folks to see the engraving, which was ambitious but came out pretty well.

Pete, I guess you should consider if you want Germanic or English styling.  I think the flat facets are probably more Germanic but the rounded back is how many English duelers and traveling pistols are shaped.  I think the facets look neat on the pistols shown by Ron.

dave