Issues-Rifles With Full Length Stocks

[GameStalker]

Do you find that such rifles experience accuracy issues from the stocks warping in various weather conditions?
We all know of methods used on modern rifles to combat this. As a very unknowledgeable person in the flintlock
rifle world, I keep developing questions about them.

[Jeff Murray]

Most full stock muzzleloaders have a heavier (thicker walled) barrel than modern rifles.  Decades of hunting with flintlocks has not produced that problem for me.  I did have a problem getting my ramrod out of the ferrules after getting trapped out overnight in a major storm system.  Had to use the backup rod in the truck to clean up.  Got the permit, never thought to check the weather.   

[okawbow]

On a properly made flintlock rifle, the fore stock is so thin and light that, when the barrel is out, you could break the fore stock easily with just your hands. There isn’t enough wood to really affect the barrel much.

[Bob Roller]

Most flintlock or caplock full stock rifles have a rigid barrel and the stocks are usually flimsy on a finished gun.
The weak area is the lock.tang/trigger area.Using common sense and being aware of the weak areas of any gun
is the key to its survival even on old military rifles from all over the world.
Bob Roller

[smylee grouch]

I think okawbow has a good point. 

[GameStalker]

Very good men. You've made it clear that my question need be of no concern!

[Pukka Bundook]

Jack,
There might be a Slight problem if the pins retaining the barrels fitted into tight holes in the tenons, but these holes are normally elongated  into little slots so expansion and contraction variables between wood and metal don't come into play.
as others said, the wood isnormally  too thin to affect the barrel by warping.

I think it is great you are doing your homework like this!!

Best,
Richard.

[DavidC]

Wood warping enough to bend steels like 4140.


No.

[Dphariss]

Wood warping enough to bend steels like 4140.


No.

Does not have to bend the barrel, just influence how it reacts to the pressure and shock of the bullet moving down the barrel. I do not consider this to be an issue with MLs unless its extreme, but it will effect brass suppository guns. Both group size and bullets walking across the target.
And almost no ML barrels in the US are made from Chromoly alloys.

[DavidC]

Unless you're trying to shoot 1000 yes barrel harmonics are not a concern in muzzleloaders. If you're worried about barrel harmonics affecting long range shooting you're better off looking at modern firearms.

[Daryl]

Long range shooting is not something full stocked ML's are apt to be subject to.
Bedding & even or virtually zero barrel pressure is MOST important as Dan suggested, with modern equipment only.
1/2 stocked match rifles will usually be bed properly. Generally, long range muzzleloading rifles have very short forends as well, being of the mid
1800's English designs.

[Marcruger]

I am not sure if it is correct or not, but I was told:

The stock supports the barrel from the breech to the first pin, then the barrel supports the stock the rest of the way.

Again, it is just the quote that was shared with me.  Having my barrel out of the stock in the past, I can well believe it.  Very little wood out front. 

God Bless,   Marc

[GameStalker]

You've All been very helpful to me as my questions come up. You're a great collection for forumites!

[alacran]

Forumites, think we are more like termites.