lock bolts

[jeager58]

I'm  getting the parts together for my build. Its a 58 cal jaeger with a m&g lock.
my question is for the lock bolts , should they be 10-32 or 8-32 or one of each.
also should the tang bolt be 10-32.  thanks...Phil

[Ed Wenger]

Phil,

Don't know if there's a "should" be.  Either would work well...  Some will say with a more robust gun like a Jaeger, the 10-32 would be better.  Most of the time I like using the 8-32, especially for the forward bolt 'cause it's easier to fit in the web.

           Ed

[rich pierce]

I agree. It may be a little weird but if you use an 8-32 for the front and a 10-32 for the rear lock bolt you'll never be confused as to which belongs where.

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

In my opinion, 8 x 32 will be lots strong enough for all the screws, but there is lots of room for a 10 x 32 screw in the rear of the plate's bolster.  When I use two #8 screws for the lock, I always mark the rear one with one file cut across the shank, and two cuts on the forward one.  I do the same with the rod pipes, so I can remember which goes into which inlet, and which end is 'fore and which is aft'.  I got the idea from studying a Brown Bess that had reference cuts in all the parts, to differentiate them from the next gun on the bench, I suppose.

[Dave R]

I prefer #8 32 for the front and # 10 32 for the rear! I was once around a builder that used # 8 32 for both on a swamped barrel build and he reversed them and the longer rear bolt length bottomed out on the frizzen spring and broke it! Goodnuf reason!

Dave R

[David Rase]

I do like Taylor, I use 8-32 for both lock bolts.  When I first started out I did the 10-32 rear, 8-32 front lock bolt thing because that was what I was taught.  Later on I decided the 8-32 is plenty strong.
DMR

[Ken G]

I like using a 8x32 for the lock bolts.  I heard somewhere that a guy screwed up one time and was able to go up one size to a 10x32 and save the day.  Not that I would ever make such a mistake.   
 
I have a bunch of 6x32 front lock bolts for those clearance problems. 

[flehto]

I use  #8-32 for the rear lock bolt and #6-32 for the front because of the thin webs. #8-32 also for the tang screw.....Fred

[rsells]

I use 8x32 on the tang and lock screws.  This gives me the option to go up one size if I or my customer screws  up and damages the threads in the future.
                                                             Roger Sells

[Mike Brooks]

8X32 for me

[Stophel]

I've used an 8 filed down to a 6-32 for the front before.  I don't like notching screws...
Plus, when I filed it down, I made it sort of octagon shaped so it was really cool and authentic like!   

Otherwise, generally 8-32.  

[Jim Kibler]

An interesting tidbit pertaining to notching the front screw...  I have a 1730-40 period European gun where the front bolt is notched for ramrod clearance.  On the head of the screw they filed an indicator line so the screw could be tightened the proper amount for alignment of the notch.  Thought it was pretty neat. 

Along these lines, I've been suprised to see how common alignment marks are on the screws of original locks. 

[jeager58]

ok great insight thanks....Phil

[Rich]

I use 8-32 for both on everything. They are not taking any real stress. It doesn't matter what the caliber is. I think it's a matter of aesthetics. Big gun/big bolt. If your web is 1/8 inch, 8-32 gives you a little extra room.