How far back should the first underlug be from the muzzle?

[Tennessee.45]

How far back should the first underlug be from the muzzle? Right now the first underlug is just over 9" from the muzzle. The barrel is an Isaac Haines profile

[Mike Brooks]

Depends on what you're making. Sometimes as little as 2". If it doesn't make any difference I usually go 4".

[jerrywh]

 The fist RR pipe should be at least 4 fingers back. The first lug has to be in front of that so figure about 3". That's just my rule of thumb.

[Cody Tetachuk]

The fist RR pipe should be at least 4 fingers back. The first lug has to be in front of that so figure about 3". That's just my rule of thumb.

Sounds more like a "rule of fingers" to me. 

[bama]

Measuring from the muzzle I go 3 1/2" to the center of the first lug and 5" to the center of the first ram rod pipe. This gives you enough room to have up to a 2" nose cap and not make things look to crowded. Many of the original rifles that I have measured have similar measurements to those I have stated. Then again there is always that strange duck. A original late cap lock rifle that I have in the shop has a very short distance to the rear pipe from the breech, it measures 9", I make this distance 12" normally. So nothing is set in stone.

[Joe S.]

The fist RR pipe should be at least 4 fingers back. The first lug has to be in front of that so figure about 3". That's just my rule of thumb.

Sounds more like a "rule of fingers" to me. 

Hopefully your not "all thumbs"

[Mike Brooks]

The fist RR pipe should be at least 4 fingers back. The first lug has to be in front of that so figure about 3". That's just my rule of thumb.

I thought you couldn't build a gun with out calipers.....

[oldtravler61]

 Well I do know for a fact. That you can build them with half a thumb an only a pinky finger on one hand...! Recommend you don't try it at home. Getting your hand to look that way is messy..!  Oldtravler

[Cody Tetachuk]

The fist RR pipe should be at least 4 fingers back. The first lug has to be in front of that so figure about 3". That's just my rule of thumb.

Sounds more like a "rule of fingers" to me. 

Hopefully your not "all thumbs"

If you've seen the stuff I've built you would sure think so 

[Tennessee.45]

Well the pin for the second lug is 9 1/2" from the front of the stock and the pin for the first tremble is just shy of 3". I'm using a stock off of an old rifle for this build, the other barrel is going in a blank for a buddy

[Mark Elliott]

I put the first thimble two nose piece lengths back from the muzzle.   Then the first barrel tennon is in front of the first thimble.   It works out about the same as Jerry's rule.   

[smylee grouch]

I like the most forward thimble to be back far enough so I can get a good grip on the ram rod. First pin close behind or ahead of that in most cases.