Changing pitch of cast buttplate

[WonkyEye]

Hi All,
I have a silly question, because I'm sure the answer is obvious, just not to me and I don't recall seeing it mentioned in any books or videos I've watched. My cast brass (bronze?) buttplate is set for a pitch of about 1". For me, with a big chest, that digs in at the toe and I need about 6" pitch. If I align the butt portion, it leaves the part at the heel jutting up at an ugly angle. How do I bend it down without hosing up the complex curves? I'm guessing it involves a torch, a vise, maybe a couple wooden blocks and
maybe a mallet? Also don't be alarmed, this is a construction lumber practice stock to help me figure out all my dimensions and to work out some of my mistakes before I get to the fancy maple.

 

[stubshaft]

I would anneal the plate before attempting to bend it. Cast brass is brittle and prone to cracking.

I would also straighten it out more and NOT try to maintain the original shape (angle) of the original buttplate.

 

[SDSmlf]

Anneal and bend/beat that butt plate into submission. Get the angle you want then fit the stock to it. May require a few tweaks of the butt plate along the way.

Very common ‘adjustment’ in my experience. And for what it is worth, I have a few ‘broken’ examples in the spare parts draw. ANNEAL the butt plate BEFORE any aggressive adjustments. Cast brass isn’t always that forgiving.