Missing wood between barrel channel and lock inset a problem?

[leam]

I have a stock that is missing wood between the lock inset cutout and the barrel channel. If I understand correctly, that means powder residue can get on the underside of the barrel and begin to rust if it gets moist. Since spring is pretty rainy here, this seems to be an issue. Do I misunderstand, or is this a real problem?

Thanks!

 

[BS]

Do you have a picture?

 

[leam]

Yup.

 

[deerstalkert]

all lock plates have a bolster that should fit tight against barrel, this precludes having wood through that part of the inlet.
if i am understanding your question correctly, if not disregard.

 

[Flintandsteel]

This is common to allow room for the mainspring.
Not a problem.

 

[leam]

I have another rifle that I can remove the barrel to clean. There is always powder residue on the barrel, even when the lock is snugged in tight. It's a flintlock, sorry I forgot to mention that.

 

[deerstalkert]

I have another rifle that I can remove the barrel to clean. There is always powder residue on the barrel, even when the lock is snugged in tight. It's a flintlock, sorry I forgot to mention that.

just part of the fun.

 

[Phil Coffins]

Yup.

That is just the way it should be. More wood here would be balky.

 

[tenngun]

Pull your barrel and apply furniture wax in the channel. Reapply the barrel. The channel will remain fouling free.
Middlesex arms had an officers fusil, found in bad shape. They used it as a pattern for a gun they offer
This is not about Middlesex arms as I have heard lots bad things about the company, I have never had dealings with them and have no opinion of them,
But the thing they found is rock solid info.
The barrel was rusted and part of the lock was missing. Wood was old and cracked, but the barrel channel bottom was clean, the original blue unsullied

 

[The Crisco Kid]

This is one of the reasons I like back action locks. No fouling gets into them.

 

[tjiann]

Jim Kibler discusses this in one of his FAQ videos. His stocks have this missing wood. No issue. Wax the barrel channel to prevent moisture and rust, as said above.

 

[leam]

This is one of the reasons I like back action locks. No fouling gets into them.

Ha! I had to go look up "back action". Nice! I shot an underhammer as a teen, not sure I could do that as a flintlock.

 

[Hatchet-Jack]

As stated it's normal for the main spring to need to break through that spot.

 

[Wncman]

This is not a serious issue. If you make sure the bolster fits snug to the barrel you won’t have much if any get into the area or in the lock. It’s advisable to remove the lock and clean the inside and oil the internals after a session at the range. This allows an inspection of the area as well.

 

[oreclan]

Yup.

Not unusual, or a problem as long as the bolster of the lock is flush with the barrel flat.

 

[James Kibler]

Perfectly normal even on the highest level custom guns. Not a problem. If I only had a dollar for all the times I've been asked this...

 

[sussexmuzllodr]

Go to home depot or Lowes. Grab a rep. and ask him kindly for a bag of sawdust from their cutting machine. My Wife has this piece of furniture she really loves....you get the drift......they are more than willing to help. since its on the inside a little ca then sawdust until it,s filled. sand and its stronger than new. A little PJ on the lock to keep it from sticking to the filler. If it really bothers one that much...

 

[James Kibler]

Go to home depot or Lowes. Grab a rep. and ask him kindly for a bag of sawdust from their cutting machine. My Wife has this piece of furniture she really loves....you get the drift......they are more than willing to help. since its on the inside a little ca then sawdust until it,s filled. sand and its stronger than new. A little PJ on the lock to keep it from sticking to the filler. If it really bothers one that much...

Uh, no.... This will just make a mess. The hole is there for a reason. Clearance

 

[mikesto44]

As one well known gun maker said. " We way over think things. Plus now days we way over build them. "
If you ever get a chance to take apart an old original. You will see what he meant.

 

[Rob M.]

I have a stock that is missing wood between the lock inset cutout and the barrel channel. If I understand correctly, that means powder residue can get on the underside of the barrel and begin to rust if it gets moist. Since spring is pretty rainy here, this seems to be an issue. Do I misunderstand, or is this a real problem?

Thanks!

Picture is of a good seal , flintlock at touch hole . After shooting session ... Take lock out and clean that area real quick then replace lock . No biggy , just part of the fun . If this is different than what your talking about I apologize . Best of luck , take care ...