No tang screw????

[Scott mcadams]

I just acquired two custom ky rifles.a 32&36cal.the guy that built them did not put a tang screw in.he says the bolt that holds the lock on passes through an under lug and that's enough to hold the barrel in place.is this normal.thanks so much for your timescott

 

[Black Hand]

To the best of my understanding, the lack of a tang bolt is not normal. The tang bolt usually screws into the trigger plate from above or (in some tradeguns) goes through the trigger-guard and screws into the tang from below.

 

[Scott mcadams]

Actually the bolt goes through the bottom of the breach plug.you can't run a bolt all the way through to the trigger guard it's not made that way.the trigger guard is cross pinned on.thanks scott

 

[Scott mcadams]

I have a French fusil and it just has a wood screw through the tang into the stock.not sure if that's normal either.im very new at this.

 

[Black Hand]

Actually the bolt goes through the bottom of the breach plug.you can't run a bolt all the way through to the trigger guard it's not made that way.the trigger guard is cross pinned on.thanks scott

On the majority of guns, one lockbolt goes through the breechplug web and a bolt goes from the tang to the trigger plate (or through the triggerguard to the tang). Some guns are built with a tang screw, but they aren't as secure as a bolt (used as a short-cut by some builders).
http://sittingfoxmuzzleloaders.com...14/05/Assembly-for-trade-gun-pic-1024x584.jpg
https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.M842fdfaefce7721327b3ebcf9495d082o0&pid=15.1

 

[Scott mcadams]

Thanks for the reply and the links.im wondering if I should either secure the tang with a wood screw or two or try to drill through to the trigger guard some how.

 

[Black Hand]

Unless you have experience, I'd suggest having a gunsmith who builds muzzleloaders do it for you...

 

[longrifle78]

Where in southern Illinois are you from ? I might could help you fix the rifles if you need it.

 

[Scott mcadams]

Thanks for your generous offer longrifle Im sending you pm.scott

 

[Pete G]

Thanks for the reply and the links.im wondering if I should either secure the tang with a wood screw or two or try to drill through to the trigger guard some how.

NOT the guard; the trigger plate. When a screw is run from the tang to the forward part of the plate it helps clamp things together in a very weak part of the stock. Some of the Southern guns and most pistols will use a wood screw at the tang, but it is not as strong.