Hawken Butt Plate Advise

[EndoftheLine]

I’m finally getting around to getting started on a J&S Hawken Full Stock from a Don Stith parts set.
Years ago I had a two piece brazed butt plate built for me that looks really good for the gun.

The only problem is, there’s a slight crown in the heel. The steel is too thin (5/64”)for me to simply file the hook out. I’m thinking I can cut a hardwood block with a half round recess and gently peen the end of the heel to straitened it out before filing. Does this approach seem sound? Is there a better way? Am I missing something?

I do have a second butt plate that is pretty much the standard cast J&S butt plate that a lot of builders use. So I have a backup if I mess it up. But I prefer the forged butt plate if I can make it work.

 

[rich pierce]

I’m not sure hardwood would do it as a form. I’d try to find a steel rod or pipe to set it on. Then I’d use a hardwood concave form on top and beat on it.

 

[EndoftheLine]

I’m not sure hardwood would do it as a form. I’d try to find a steel rod or pipe to set it on. Then I’d use a hardwood concave form on top and beat on it.

So, instead of trying to expand the front, I’d be displacing the hump?

 

[rich pierce]

So, instead of trying to expand the front, I’d be displacing the hump?

Yes

 

[James Kibler]

Might be hard to bend. Probably easier to file or belt sand the hump out. After this you can change the buttplate pitch if necessary.

 

[reddogge]

Might be hard to bend. Probably easier to file or belt sand the hump out. After this you can change the buttplate pitch if necessary.

I gave the same advice on the other forum.