What Is That Square?

[ShootistJack]

In the photo, atop the barrel about 10-12 inches from the lock,
we see what looks like a metal square. Please, what is it?

 

[Thomas.bill92]

Looks like someone didn't like where the rear sight was and filled the dovetail with the intention of cutting it flush to the barrel when they cut a new dovetail for the sight... Maybe.

 

[duca]

Looks to me like a sight filler..

 

[Larry (Omaha)]

In the photo, atop the barrel about 10-12 inches from the lock,
we see what looks like a metal square. Please, what is it?
View attachment 137603

From what I see it looks like a filler to protect the dovetail. The dovetail of course is for your rear sight.
Larry

 

[doubleset]

Yup. Dovetail blank: Dovetail blank

 

[ShootistJack]

Thanks for the education!

 

[springfield art]

In the photo, atop the barrel about 10-12 inches from the lock,
we see what looks like a metal square. Please, what is it?
View attachment 137603

Yeah, just a sight base unfinished.

 

[hanshi]

Dovetail plug. I've used them on modern guns as well as muzzleloaders.

 

[Rifleman1776]

Looks like someone didn't like where the rear sight was and filled the dovetail with the intention of cutting it flush to the barrel when they cut a new dovetail for the sight... Maybe.

Yep, my guess also.

 

[doubleset]

Looks like someone didn't like where the rear sight was and filled the dovetail with the intention of cutting it flush to the barrel when they cut a new dovetail for the sight... Maybe.

Or put a tang sight on it at some point. Then removed it when it was sold. Maybe. (Bunch of maybes here. )

 

[MN284]

So, where is the current rear sight on this rifle?

 

[toot]

it is a dove tail plug. it protects the cut from getting damaged.

 

[SamTex1949]

Jack, where was this photo taken ? or did you just find it online ? what does the rest of the firearm look like ?
inquiring minds wanna know !



QUOTE="shootistjack, post: 2062242, member: 53196"]
In the photo, atop the barrel about 10-12 inches from the lock,
we see what looks like a metal square. Please, what is it?
View attachment 137603
[/QUOTE]

 

[Robby]

I would need some context for the picture.
Robby

 

[dave_person]

Hi,
It looks like a contemporary gun and the inset could be for a variety of reasons. For example, it could be a smooth rifle that someone removed the rear sight so he could shoot smoothbore matches, it could a so the new owner could select what rear sight he wanted, it could be the owner mounted a peep at the tang and removed the rear sight, etc.

dave

 

[ShootistJack]

DAVE_PERSON has made the correct analysis based on the collection of pictures available in the for sale ad.
"... it could be the owner mounted a peep at the tang and removed the rear sight, etc."
Here's the link to the for sale ad for the rifle that my question comes from:
Transition Flintlock 62 cal. Made by Jerry Wetherbee - Stk #P-99-70 for sale

 

[deerstalkert]

nice looking stick.

 

[nhmoose]

It keeps the dovetail from slicing your hand and fingers.

 

[PathfinderNC]

I just pounded lead into mine when I moved my rear sight forward on one of my rifles.

 

[Acorn Mush]

Dovetail filler as many already pointed out. The new tang-mounted rear peep sight clearly shows in the picture in post #16.
VERY nice-looking wood by the way.