Hooks vs. underlugs on barrel.

[lanedh]

I am preparing to build a percussion target pistol and want to use a hook and cross-pin to secure the barrel instead of drilling through a dovetailed lug.

1. What do I make a hook from, and how do I secure it to the barrel?

2. How does the barrel slide forward to unhook if the tang is bent downward into the stock? I realize that I need clearance ahead of the hook, but may not be able to tip the muzzle down to raise the tang from its inlet. (Am I making myself clear here?) All suggestions welcome. Thanks.

 

[mule ear]

I have used hooks and pins on several rifles. They make cleaning very convenient. The tang screw secures the bbl. The bbl has to be straight as does the tang (or pointed enough) to slide forward about 1/4 inch. (IMHO conceptually, the system would not work on tapered or swamped bbls, unless "gaposis" is acceptable on your wood-to-metal fit, so I've never tried it.)

The hook is made like a conventional pinned lug, but with the breech-end cut out of it. To install, follow all directions for installing a pinned lug. I prefer dovetail lugs - purchased or home made lugs will do just fine. I place the pin slightly forward of the center of the lug. A 1/16" pin may be too thin and bendable; you can use stronger drill rod or a larger diamenter pin. After installation, remove the pin from the stock and then remove the bbl. Carefully saw out the rear end of the lug, and file a downward curve on the ramrod side of the hook for a camming effect that will seat the bbl downward. Remove a tad at the foreward end to the hook to allow for stock shrinkage. Replace the pin in the stock and finish the fitting. AVOID filiing the ramrod side of the hook - unless you want to loosen the bbl in its channel. It isn't too difficult :imo: Good luck to ya.

 

[lanedh]

Thanks, Mule Ear--
I am using a 13/16 inch Rayl barrel in .40 caliber with a straight tang breechplug. I need to draw-file the barrel to remove milling machine "tracks", and shorten/taper the tang for a good fit to the stock. In the end, the barrel flats and tang sides will all be parallel to each other.

My main concern in the first posting was answered in your response to use a machined dovetail lug. I saw a picture once of a forged iron hook somehow stapled into a hole in the barrel, and thought I might use one of the staple loops offered by TOTW and cut away the rear half. The dovetail lug seems the better way to me, and if I cut the slot too big I can scrap the lug and install a fresh one.

Thanks for the advice and counsel.

Bluejacket

 

[mule ear]

Blue Jacket: How did it go for you? I'm just now getting around to following-up on my posts. Mule Ear

 

[lanedh]

Hi Muley:

Haven't got there yet! The lawn finally woke up and I seem to be spending most of my free time in the yard these days.
Still leaning toward putting a lug instead of a hook.

Weekend of 9, 10 July will be visiting an old friend in Cushing. No shooting but will make the obligatory stop at KTP in Kittery to check out the gun racks, buy some powder and so forth. Looking forward to visiting Maine again.

 

[mule ear]

Be ready to spend some time and $$$ @KTP!!! Their selection is amazing!!! They sell BP if you ask for it. They're my source (even tho it is a bit of a ride from here)! Enjoy yourself!