Screw alignment

[Matabele]

Hi all,

I was wondering how you go about lining up the tang, trigger guard, and lock screws so the screw slots run parallel with each other and the centre line of the barrel?

To me it makes a lot of difference to the looks of a piece and that extra bit of effort went into its construction.

Thanks in advance!

 

[John Archer]

By tweaking the depth of the countersink.

 

[grey8833]

Matabelle:

And by "tweak" he means ever so carefully deeper on the countersink until the screw locks tight parallel to the barrel line. You only get one shot at this so go slow, check often.

Mike

 

[Stophel]

I used to think it was crazy to bother with lining up screw heads, but, I tried it once, and now I can't stand to see them not lined up! Especially since it ain't hard to do. Like was said, just countersink until she draws down tight where you want 'er.

 

[LRB]

I am with Chris on this. I like them lined up, BUT, given some time, wood shrinkage, compression, or expansion, and things change.

 

[Stophel]

I don't worry about the sideplate screws. They're taken in and out so much, they'll never stay put. I just do the screws on the buttplate, triggerguard, and breech tang. Those should basically never be taken out once the gun is completed. :winking:

 

[WRussell]

If the frizzen screw isn't countersunk, you can trim down the bottom of the head. A file with a 'safe' (toothless) side to bear on the screw shank will work.

 

[TANSTAAFL]

And tight is a relative thing, there is tight, and then there is (western) tight. :winking:

 

[Matabele]

That was easier than I expected :grin: Thanks a lot for your help gents, I'm going to give that a try :thumbsup:

 

[CrackStock]

Something that has not been addressed is that once you have countersunk to your desired depth and everything is properly placed, grind off the screw tip/point so that you do not dig in deeper when putting your screws in later.

The screw will set nicely and you are not likely to over tighten.

CS

 

[Matabele]

Thanks CrackStock thats a handy tip to keep in mind :thumbsup: