Trigger guard on Chambers English Fowler/Officer's fusil

[satwel]

Hello,
I am building an English Fowler from Jim Chambers and I have a question about the trigger guard. Because it is so delicate and the edges of the finial so complex, I assume the trigger guard is not inlet into the stock very deeply or maybe even not at all? I'd love to hear how others who have put one together handled the trigger guard. In the few photos I've managed to find on the web of finished guns it looks as if the TG finial lies on top of the wood, but it's hard to tell for sure. Out of the box, the stock has no inletting for the trigger guard, just the trigger plate.

Thank you in advance for your responses.

[E.vonAschwege]

The triggerguard should be inlet so that when the wood is finished, the edges of the finial meet the wood.  This may mean only inletting 1/32" deep or so.  It should certainly not be surface mounted. 
-Eric

[bob in the woods]

I inlet mine. I think it ended up being about 1/16th inch. The finial seems to flow out of the wood, if that makes any sense . The edges don't show.

[Ed Wenger]

One method for inletting detailed trigger guards is to use a very small "chisel" made from one of those tiny screw drivers used for eye glasses.  By small, I mean maybe 1/8" wide, smaller is even better.  You can put a nice edge on them by carefully grinding.  I've found that their usually tempered well enough that you can get away without any further heat treating.  Firmly clamp the trigger guard in place and stamp all around with the small chisel.  Remember to put a slight draft on the trigger guard, and it should be very tight without gaps.

I hesitate to say this, but another method that also works very well is to heat the trigger guard, then set it on the wood where it'll be going.  You don't need to get the brass red hot, just hot enough that it leaves a mark.  It'll leave a perfect outline for you to go back over to stamp and inlet.  You're NOT burning the trigger guard into the wood.  A little practice might be needed, but it's an excellent method for "fancy" trigger guards...

               Ed

[Mike Brooks]

It's inlet just like any other trigger guard. Check out the english fowling guns on my website.

[Jim Chambers]

I agree with all the above, and the back portion of the guard is also inlet into the wood about 1/16" and pinned in place.  Please don't use screws instead of pins.  Screws just look awful.

[satwel]

Thanks everyone for your thoughtful responses. You've provided exactly the information I need to proceed. I will file a draft on the edge of the trigger guard, inlet it then pin it. I like the idea of using the tiny screw driver from an eye glass repair kit to stab around the edge. I already have several of those rolling around in a drawer somewhere. I never would have thought of that.

Cheers