underlug placement

[kentucky bucky]

Howdy folks!
I am in the process of restocking an old Bill Large Hawken barrel while I recover from back surgery (3 since March). I call it occupational therapy and as long as I don't lift anything over 10 lbs., I'm OK. I'm completely rebuilding a gun and only have the barrel. Anyway, the old barrel lugs(or loops) don't seem quite right in proportion to the new stock. I don't have any info on Hawkens to guide me. On a pinned barrel, I wouldn't worry, but the wedges and oval inlays will stand out on a hawken type rifle. Is there a formula for the placement of lugs as they relate to the other features of the stock? Thanks

 

[Liver eatin’ Johnson]

KB,

There are so many Hawken styles to choose from that it is hard to say what your layout should be. TOTW (among others) sells plans for building a Hawken that will make it easier for you and save a lot of problems along the way... good luck :winking:

 

[kentucky bucky]

Thanks for the response. I'm just going to have to study a bit more on the parts That I have assembled. I've been buying pieces and parts for this thing for years and now is the time to stick it all together. I've learned alot from pictures I've seen here and there, but some things aren't as obvious in photos. I've come to the conclusion that I'm going to have to cut 2 new barrel lug dovetails a bit farther toward the lock to make it look right.If I don't I'll think about them every time I look at the gun.

 

[Zonie]

Many years ago, in MuzzleBlasts there was an article about the human eye and mind and the way it sees things. I don't remember exactly when the article was published, so I'm going by memory.

It seems the odd numbers hold appeal for us.
The number 3, 5 and 7 seem to be especially interesting. Well, it's not the numbers themselves that look interesting, but the ratio of them when applied to the location of things.

As I recall, the middle item would be located about 3/5 to 5/7 of the span between the end features.

I'll try to find the article but don't hold your breath.

If your going to install new keys at new locations, place the escutcheons on the side of the stock and walk across the room from the stock. Take a good look at how their location looks to you. Move them around and look again. Sooner or later you'll find a place that looks "right" to you. After all, it's you who you need to please. :results:

 

[kentucky bucky]

Thanks for the info!

Since I've started paying attention to this matter, I've seen several variations in the placement. Even in muzzleloader supplier's catalogs, I've seen differences in the precarved stocks and the pictures of the guns supposedly built with the same kits. I think someone is fibbing!! :nono: Anyway, I am torn between letting well enough alone and moving them back. The problem is that the optimum distance may not be far enough back to clear the old dovetails, which is another problem to overcome. I'll have to sleep on this one for a spell.

 

[Liver eatin’ Johnson]

As you have seen there are no set rules to lug placement as this photo also illustrates - note how far forward the front lug is on this S. Hawken stock...

 

[kentucky bucky]

Thanks L.E.Johnson
You have helped me make up my mind, I'm pretty sure they will stay right where they are. My lug placement isn't as far foward as the gun in your picture. If it's good enough for S.Hawken, it's good enough for me! :thumbsup:

KB