First time buyer / cracked stocks.

[deerstalkert]

As long as that topic is up; is there a good reason not to finish or seal these areas? Other than that's not the way it was originally done?

just what i do, don't care if it is historic or not, but when i have the lock and barrel all inlet, I warm the stock and douche both the lock mortice and barrel channel/ram rod channel with super glue.
being warm the wood draws the glue in and reinforces everything.
i have had to do a little modification after and can say the glue penetrates pretty deep. and if modifications are needed one needs SHARP chisel's and gouges.
i have found the glue wash stiffens the fore end remarkably.
just my $.002

 

[Mulemauler]

The super thin stocks on certain style rifles were a problem even in their own day. Read the ledgers from most early rifle builders and there will be many more notations for repairing a stock or restocking than there are for complete new rifles.

 

[boberator]

So… I’m looking at purchasing my first flintlock and have been seriously considering a used custom/kit rifle in the $1,500 range. I can’t help but wonder why so many used flintlocks on the market have varying degrees of cracks in the stock. Why do you suppose this is? Is it simply the nature of flintlocks? Due to errors in the inletting process? Abuse?

I’m not a masochist, so I plan on keeping my charges to reasonable levels. I just hate to think that the rifle I’ve spent my hard-earned cash on is destined to develop a crack or split at some point.

You see extra long tangs (including the lollipop style) in many Southern Mountain rifles and some of the Tennessee rifles. Those do help strengthen the wrist according many folks. I have the barrel and wood for one but still lack the other hardware and lock.
If you are looking at used ones, those are pretty nice looking.

 

[Tommy Bruce]

More an appearance issue. Hogzilla longrifles look like trash.

Amen!!