Barrel on or off?

[Uncle Alvah]

My barrel channel was cut at the stockmakers shop. I have inlet the breech plug lug and have started on the tang. Does it matter if I finish inletting  the tang with the barrel attached or not attached?

[Hudnut]

I would finish the job with the plug assembled to the barrel.

[John Archer]

Hudnut is correct...do your inlet with the tang installed to ensure correct alignment.

John

[PPatch]

Yes, do install the plug before inletting the tang. Before you install the plug though darken the rear of the barrel, place it in the barrel channel, and give the muzzle a solid tap to the rear. You need solid contact, metal to wood, at the rear of the barrel inlet.

You will want the tang curved to follow the wrist as much as it will, you can do this before or after you install the plug, but before inletting. I also give the face of the plug a good polish, and the bore a good cleaning before that last plug install. use moly grease on the threads, a little dab will do you. I use these little gray packets of Permatex high temp brake disc lube for plug threads, you can get them at the auto store.

dp

[Scota4570]

ON,

If it is a long tang confirm that it is straight for right and left before you cut wood.  Put the barrel with tang on a flat surface.  Measure the tang to table carefully, flip it and check again to be sure you get the same answer.   IF not make the tang straight.  I use a lead anvil and hammer for that job.  Find the centerline of the stock, or cast off line, and mark it clearly.   If the tang is not straight it looks goofie. 

[seniorsgt]

I taper the tang wider at the top smaller at the the bottom, just slightly for a tight wood to metal fit. I use choke lube when I install the tang.