Fowler buttplate

[Pete G.]

Out of hundreds of pages of my reference material I can find nothing dealing with the installation of a fowler buttplate. A rifle plate goes down and is then worked forward, but this is a whole different critter. Obviously the lug at the top is pinned somewhat like a trigger guard, but I'm having trouble visualizing just how to cut a slot for a part that has to go down and forward at the same time, and for that matter, just how to inlet a part that goes down and forward at the same time. So what is the trick, or should I say "art and mystery" to this operation ?

[northmn]

If you look close at a fowler buttplate most are tapered so that you can work them forward a bit.  They are trickier and you generally work down from the top on them.  Also a little knowledge of how to peen a fit in with a hammer does not hurt when you get a close fit.  Patience helps a lot, some of us have even been known to cuss a little while doing so.  I think for jobs like this, Mike Brooks may have recommended relaxing with an occaisional beer.  If you do not drink beer, now would be a good time to start.  The first buttplate of this nature is a B---h.  Like anything else after you do a couple you know how.

DP

[Jim Cook]

Thanks Peter for your Fowler buttplate installation question. I'm sure there are others like me who are building a Fowler and are behind you and will benefit from your experience. Please let us know how this step in your project goes.

Out of hundreds of pages of my reference material I can find nothing dealing with the installation of a fowler buttplate. A rifle plate goes down and is then worked forward, but this is a whole different critter. Obviously the lug at the top is pinned somewhat like a trigger guard, but I'm having trouble visualizing just how to cut a slot for a part that has to go down and forward at the same time, and for that matter, just how to inlet a part that goes down and forward at the same time. So what is the trick, or should I say "art and mystery" to this operation ?

[Mike Brooks]

If it's a standard english BP inlet it down , then forward.

[Dr. Tim-Boone]

Like Mike says.  And if you open a hole for the lug and then have to extend the forward edge to slide the plate forward.......noone will ever know ...and it does make it easier to take off and put on during the building and finishing process...

[A.Merrill]

    I'm thinking about making a Fowler, keep us posted an how about some pic. Al

[Pete G.]

   I'm thinking about making a Fowler, keep us posted an how about some pic. Al

One thing I have learned already is that barrels are in sort supply. I placed my order last Feb and just now have all he parts in hand. If you are in the "thinking about it" stage, go ahead and place your order.

[northmn]

    I'm thinking about making a Fowler, keep us posted an how about some pic. Al

One thing I have learned already is that barrels are in sort supply. I placed my order last Feb and just now have all he parts in hand. If you are in the "thinking about it" stage, go ahead and place you order.

I get a few extra parts sometimes doing that, but essentially even buying some of the "kits" you see a lot of out of stock notices.  Some barrel suppliers have been out of stock for some time.  I am seeing that Colerain is making some of the more popular straight barrels now.

DP