Dumb question about lock/side plate panels. . .

[Russell420]

On a finished long rifle, are the lock panel and side plate panels supposed to be parallel to each other? The two pre-carved stocks I've handled have had the wood at the rear of the lock panel/side plate panel thicker than at the front of the panels. Is this normal and should the finished rifle reflect this? Should they be sanded perfectly flat and square with the top barrel flat before inletting the lock? My Lyman GPR's lock panel and side plate panel are parallel, thus provoking this question. Thanks for your patience and info.

Russell420

 

[Birddog6]

I am guessing the precarves you looked at are made for swamped barrel, thus the lock pannels are not always parallel with each other, but follow the contour of the barrel, and wider in the rear. Having the panel thicker at the rear will put the lockplate on the same parallel as the tapered barrel at this area, thus you get a flat pan fit & the lock panel is flat with the lock panel. On a stock for a straight barrel, the lock panels are usually parallel in this area on the front & on the rear & parallel with the barrel.
However, I have seen photos of old rifles built both ways on swamped barrels. Some have the lock bolster filed & fitted at an angle so it contours the barrel but the lock plate is parallel with the barrel, others I hve seen have the lock panels wider at the rear.

Personally I like the panels on a swamped barrel to be wider at the rear, and especially if it has a flared tang at the breech.