Pistol Tang Bolt

[Bill-52]

In looking at pictures of original flintlock pistols, it appears the tang bolt is sometimes actually a tang screw. Am I seeing this correctly?

Given the structural strength of a bolt, why would a screw be used?  Space constraints?  I must be missing something.

Thanks,
Bill

[smallpatch]

Not sure what you're asking.  I think it may be a question of semantics. Most tang "bolts" are 6, 8, or 10/32 screws, or bolts if you like.
Are you thinking they need to be a 3/8-16 or something like that??

[Bill-52]

Sorry for not being clearer and the sloppy terminology.  My question is much more basic. 

In my very limited building experience (all rifles), the barrel tang is held in place by a bolt into the trigger plate.  Yet, when looking at pictures of pistols, it sometimes appears that the barrel tang is held in place by a screw, just into the wood.  There is no evidence of the bolt coming through the trigger plate.

I could be misinterpreting the photos; there is not always a clear view of the trigger plate.  Perhaps it's always a bolt, just finished flush to the trigger plate.  Or perhaps the bolt is covered by the front end of the trigger bow.

As I said, this is a real basic question.  I want to build a pistol and am just trying to get a better idea of their construction.

Many thanks.
Bill

[smallpatch]

Bill,

Whenever possible, a bolt should go all the way through to the trigger plate.  In both rifles, and pistols, this is the strength of the wrist.

[smylee grouch]

On some guns the tang bolt threads into a boss on the inside of the trigger plate and you wont see it from the outside.

[bgf]

I don't know about pistols, but there were some rifles that used a wood screw for the tang.  Why -- likely that they didn't analyze things obsessively like we do.  A piece of metal with a hole in it and wood under it got a screw to hold them together...why bother tapping an extra hole into metal? A wood screw is easier to make than a bolt (not to mention a tap)?  Maybe there were some even that were only converted to a bolt when the wood screw wallowed out its hole?  All speculative.

Even if a "bolt" (machine screw) is used in a copy, it may just be cut off flush (hard to tell in pictures or casual examination) or hidden under front of trigger guard...

[Bill-52]

Thanks, guys.  Given the benefit of strengthening that part of the pistol (and rifle), I couldn't understand the use of a screw into wood.  Filed flush or a boss on the inside of the trigger plate likely explains it. 

Just need to examine some originals.....

Bill

[Jim Kibler]

The bolt going through the wrist may be of some benefit, but obviously isn't crucial as evidenced by the thousands of original guns that simply used a wood screw. 

[Pete G.]

A lot of pistols use a screw. There was one school of thought that believed drilling a hole all the way through weakens the stock too much. These things were not the toys we use them as today. Once fired they become a club. A broken club is not a very good deterrent for a highwayman.

[Mark Elliott]

Many southern guns use wood screws in the barrel tang.   That is what I use on all my iron mounted guns as it was typical.    A big wood screw holds just fine and simplifies construction.   After using it a lot,   I just think, that as a practical matter,  it is just style.   I have a a 1 1/8" straight 46" 12lb barrel held in my chunk gun with just a wood screw.   You can hold it offhand with no other support for the barrel and it doesn't go anywhere.    I certainly don't see why you need to go to the trouble of using a bolt through to the trigger plate for a pistol.   

[Bill-52]

Jim, Pete and Mark,

Thanks for your perspective and comments.  I now have a much better understanding, which will help in the planning and construction.

Bill