Original finish on Butt Plate?

[Mark W.]

What was the original finish on a c1918 smooth trap door butt plate?

And anyone have a tip for how to start a blunt original style butt plate screw into a new hole? I been thinking about starting the hole with a proper sized lag bolt to get the threads started.

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[Mike D]

Parkerizing started in late 1918 for SA, I believe RIA was earlier that year. Kinda depends on what you have. Original or rebuilt rifle?

As far as the hole, if your working with a new stock, you might need to "woller" out the hole a little more. I had to do this with some repro stocks, 'cause it was just ridiculous tight using just a screw. The lag bolt is a good idea.

[Mark W.]

The rifle I am working on is a Feb 1918 Receiver with a 1919 barrel. So I am guessing Blued. For now I am trying to get the rifle to "Look" right. And I am using a Boyds finger groove stock. The lower band is a reproduction. The rest of the small metal parts are of various generations. The top band is correct and will need refinishing to come close to the look of the NOS parts.

Some day if I get rich I might try to correct the rifle. But since I doubt it will ever be sold I'm not looking to increase its value just have it look correct.

I tend to be the last stop for firearms that make it in the door. My son has every indication of having my same habits. So I doubt he would ever sell it as well.

[Mike Haas]

Mark - You can buy a tapered wood screw drill bit (blade style) cheap at most any hardware store. Take your buttplate screw with you and get the proper undersize drill bit. Drill a small pilot hole with a 1/8' standard drill bit first..then use the tapered bit. Quick, simple and cheap!!

[John Beard]

What was the original finish on a c1918 smooth trap door butt plate?

And anyone have a tip for how to start a blunt original style butt plate screw into a new hole? I been thinking about starting the hole with a proper sized lag bolt to get the threads started.

(1) Blue.
(2) Use bees wax.

[Chuckindenver]

dont over size the holes...tap them with a correct tap..you can make a tap..or buy them from brownells.

[Mark W.]

The holes are already drilled in the stock. So I think I will buy a lag blot with the same size thread cut some vertical slots in the screw like a tap has and use it as a pilot to get the thread started.

I managed the biggest hurdle out of the way today. I managed to get my hobby work bench cleaned off. I admit its a little intimidating sitting there waiting for me to get on with it.

[Bill Hollinger]

I managed the biggest hurdle out of the way today. I managed to get my hobby work bench cleaned off. I admit its a little intimidating sitting there waiting for me to get on with it.

Ha Ha Ha!!! Boy, do I know that feeling!

[Rick the Librarian]

Ha Ha Ha!!! Boy, do I know that feeling!

Amen to that!!

[Mark W.]

Well progress made I have one of the finger grooves cleaned up (Boyds shape at the ends of the grooves sucks) I have the trigger gaurd area sanded to fit (wood was very proud) And I have the butt stock matched to the Butt Plate (the lag bolt as a tap worked very well) So if I have the time and energy after work today I should be able to get the other finger groove done and the rest of the stock sanded to 150 grit. The I will go over the whole stock with 220 grit (as fine as I will go) I'm going to do some stain experimenting tonight as well. Looking for that Dk Walnut hint of red.