Bent Lockplate

I just recieved a "factory refurbished" CVA Bobcat from OC . The lockplate is slightly bowed . Although the lock works fine , the foreward area of the plate sticks out from the stock about 3/64" and looks like s#!t :imo: . Is there an easy way to straighten it ? I got this rifle for my 17 year old daughter to use and I don't think this flaw will bother her , so if I can't fix it , it's not a big problem , since the rifle still works fine . I'm grateful for any opinions or ideas .

 

[mule ear]

Bending lockplates can be hazardous duty. Be sure the plate is really bent, OR is the wood poorly shapped/fitted??? If there is a poor fit with the wood, try re-inletting the lock, or (last choice) carefully adding some additional wood to the lock molding. (Bondo is not PC!!!) If the plate is actually bent, try tape to secure three pieces of the same size metal to your vise jaws - one on one side, in the middle of the jaw, and the other two on either end of the the opposite jaw. 1/2" round bar stock works well. Put the unassembled plate between the jaws, and GENTLY tighten the vise. Orienting your plate in the vise is not rocket surgery; the two outer pieces will bend the plate toward the center piece at that point. I think the outside of your plate should be facing the two pieces. It is far easier to bend it a little more - twice - than it is to un-bend it. You may have to overshoot your bend if the plate is springy. Try to avoid the tumbler hole as the plate is weaker there and will bend more readily, but may muck up the smooth operation of the tumbler. When re assembling, check to see if all fits as it should - esp. the main spring. Good luck.

 

Thank you , Mule Ear . The CVA Bobcat is a synthetic stocked inexpensive caplock rifle . The entire rifle cost less than the price of a good lock , so I wasn't expecting perfection . I bought it as a training rifle for my daughter and so she would have her own rifle when she goes deer hunting with me . I was surprised to find the distance from the buttplate to the trigger was over 14" , which :imo: is way too long for , what I consider to be a kid's rifle . CVA has discontiued this rifle , which is too bad , because with a little modification , such as , a shorter LOP , a recoil pad and maybe some spacers so you could fit it better to your kid , it would be a dandy , inexpensive training rifle . CVA's quality control appears to be nonexsistent :results: . Thank you very much , Mule Ear for taking the time to help me out :master: :thumbsup: . I'll wait until after we actually shoot this rifle , to decide wether I will go to the trouble of trying to straighten the lockplate or not .

 

[mule ear]

Hey 54 - Nothin' to it. I hope I have helped others, too. I agree w/U about the LOP being too long for a kiddo but have no contact with manufactured pieces as I build all of my own. Give'n her a go at the range first is a good strategy. Best of luck!!