Pistol Tang Bolt

[David Rase]

I am finishing up, for lack of a better term, a "Frontier Pistol".  It is a compilation of parts using the same thought process as when one would assemble a rifle using found parts and delivering them to a frontier gunsmith.  I am not using a trigger plate, but I could if I wanted, so I see 2 options for fastening the barrel tang to the stock.  One option would be to inlet a square nut or round bushing in front of the trigger for a tang bolt to thread into.  The second option would be to use a wood screw in lieu of a through tang bolt.  One night I like the wood screw idea, then I wake up the next morning and a little voice in my head tells me to use a tang bolt.  I have been going round and round on this for a week now.  I need to get this gun finished.  Thoughts, ideas or comments?  Would a wood screw be appropriate?
David

[Nate McKenzie]

I've never had a problem with the wood screw in a pistol.  If it would let loose you could always repair it with a nut and bolt.

[Dr. Tim-Boone]

"Frontier" pistol... perhaps a little more rustic/economical with a wood screw???

[Pete G.]

Somewhere in my library I remember instructions to use a screw because it doesn't weaken the stock as much as a through hole. Not sure I agree, but there is less stress on a pistol than a rifle and there are a ton of southern styled rifles with a wood screw in the tang.

[E.vonAschwege]

For what you're building I would go with a good screw with nice deep threads.  I don't see any disadvantage to it unless it gets removed and reinstalled every time for cleaning.  I seem to recall seeing wood screws in small European pistol tangs, but can't remember for sure. 
-Eric

[Dennis Glazener]

One night I like the wood screw idea, then I wake up the next morning and a little voice in my head tells me to use a tang bolt.  I have been going round and round on this for a week now.  I need to get this gun finished.

David,
Use the wood screw, take a sleeping pill and go to bed

If you still toss and turn over it put some good wood glue into the screw hole, wax the wood screw, put the screw back in the hole and go back to bed. The wood threads will be re-enforced by the wood glue. I sometimes use this method on walnut/cherry stocks, haven't had a problem that I am aware of.
Dennis

[BPRICHARD]

Dennis

I think that this response deserves a "Sticky Note "  designation.  If some one wanted to use a NAIL we could increase the dosage to 2.       

BPRICHARD

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

Eric:  I like the new avitar...

David:  I'd go with the wood screw too.  Change it to a machine bolt later if you need to, but I doubt it'll come to that.

[Don Getz]

Dave.......I suppose you like John Schippers engraving.   He also uses a wood screw down thru the tang, seldom uses a tang
bolt...........Don

[David Rase]

Thanks for all the feedback today, both on line and in PM's.  The pistol now has a wood screw fastening the barrel tang to the stock.  There, that wasn't so hard after all. 
David