I've gone and made a real newbie boo-boo on my first build. Installed the front lock bolt about 1/16th inch too low, blocking the ramrod from properly seating into its storage position. This is on a .50 cal B-weight Dunlap stock using Haines style 2-bolt lock plate and Siler lock. Right now, the threaded hole for the front bolt is almost exactly in the inside crook of the frizzen spring. After slamming my head against the wall (didn't help), I tried to list my options, as follows:
1. Plug and/or hog out the top of the bolt channel from the lock plate side, also raising the hole through the lock plate and hope the bolt head covers the unused bottom part of the hole and also that the bolt will still thread into the lock;
2. Drill and tap a new hole above the current hole in the lock plate, hogging out a new raised bolt channel through the stock from the lock side, assuming I have enough room between the old hole and the edge of the lock;
3. Buy a new lock (or just the plate if available) and drill and tap both bolt holes, doing it right this time;
4. Reduce the diameter of the last two inches of my ramrod from 3/8 to 1/4, and try and make it appear like its decorative.
I also considered reducing the diameter of the middle of the bolt, but that's probably a non-starter. I'm tempted just to buy a new lock.
Any words of wisdom or suggestions? The gun was really going nicely up to now...
1. Plug and/or hog out the top of the bolt channel from the lock plate side, also raising the hole through the lock plate and hope the bolt head covers the unused bottom part of the hole and also that the bolt will still thread into the lock;
2. Drill and tap a new hole above the current hole in the lock plate, hogging out a new raised bolt channel through the stock from the lock side, assuming I have enough room between the old hole and the edge of the lock;
3. Buy a new lock (or just the plate if available) and drill and tap both bolt holes, doing it right this time;
4. Reduce the diameter of the last two inches of my ramrod from 3/8 to 1/4, and try and make it appear like its decorative.
I also considered reducing the diameter of the middle of the bolt, but that's probably a non-starter. I'm tempted just to buy a new lock.
Any words of wisdom or suggestions? The gun was really going nicely up to now...