Butt plate

dozer · Post by **dozer** » Sat Nov 01, 2003 10:41 am

I'm looking at a used Shilo. It has the plastic butt plate and I would like to know if a steel plate can be purchased and installed? Are they "standard" enough for a good fit or will it need to be fitted?

Parley Baer · Post by **Parley Baer** » Sat Nov 01, 2003 3:47 pm

Hi Dozer

I have the metal buttplate(traditional) and the plastic buttplates on my Shiloh's. I can tell you right now that the metal buttplate would have to be fitted. The plastic buttplate is flat and the metal one has a slight curve along with an indentation at the top. I just did some measuring with my micrometer and there are some other problems. The plastic buttplate on my rifles are a little shorter and a little wider than the metal buttplate. It is the shorter part that would be a problem. Kirk would be the one to answer the best but I'am not sure it can be done do to the differences. Parley

dozer · Post by **dozer** » Sun Nov 02, 2003 12:26 am

Parley, Thanks for doing the measuring. That answers the question about just changing them.

I do have a milling machine and the thought of making one has crossed my mind. If I want steel, that may be what happens. It may take a few trys, but I think I can do it

. I plan on refinishing the stock, so It would be a good time to fit it.
Doz

Ken Hartlein · Post by **Ken Hartlein** » Sun Nov 02, 2003 8:07 pm

I know you didn't ask, but in case you might be interested the plastic butt plates are period correct for an 1874. I like the steel better also, but the plastic was put on a lot of guns in the 1870's.

Post by **Kirk** » Mon Nov 03, 2003 8:07 am

Hi Dozer, I have had guys put these on later, they are a little smaller than the plastic, so you just have to work the wood down to the metal. If you do decide to do this, give me a call, and when you get it done I will case it for you. Thanks, Kirk

dozer · Post by **dozer** » Fri Nov 21, 2003 10:33 pm

Kirk, Per our phone conversation, I decided to make one exactly the size of the hard rubber one on the rifle and match the screw holes. It has been polished and shipped to you for coloring.
Please note: I included a letter but the email address is wrong. It is cornaggia @ hscis.net
Thanks
Dozer

Frank · Post by **Frank** » Sat Nov 22, 2003 10:50 am

Dozer,
The checkering on the Traditional Steel Buttplate is a big help in keeping the rifle secure to your shoulder. I have all types smooth, plastic, rubber and leather. I by far like the checkerd the best of them all. The checkered one is almost a must with a repeating lever rifle.
Frank Costa

dozer · Post by **dozer** » Sat Nov 22, 2003 11:56 am

Frank, I decided to leave it smooth. It has a gentle curve and fits me almost perfectly. The original plate was almost flat, but my shoulder isn't. I tried it on the rifle and I don't think it will slip. I also think the curve will spread the recoil better. I'll know after a few hundred rounds. I can always cut in the checkering if needed. Now that I have made one, the second one with a change in design wouldn't be as much of a challenge

Doz

Trigger Dr · Post by **Trigger Dr** » Sat Nov 22, 2003 1:28 pm

Dozer, Just a thjought, How do you think the skeleton butt plate with checkering in the wood would look? Not period correct, but then atgain we arn't period correct either.
trigger dr

dozer · Post by **dozer** » Sat Nov 22, 2003 2:48 pm

Trigger Dr, There's a second reason for the steel butt plate which I haven't mentioned. It will add about 14 oz of weight. It started life as a piece of 1/2" thick steel. The rifle is a tad light at 10.5 lbs and this with sights will get it near 12 lbs.
Doz

dozer · Post by **dozer** » Wed Dec 03, 2003 3:55 pm

Thank you Kirk!!! The butt plate is already back and installed. Beautiful color on it

There is a photo on the MS site.
Thanks again,
Dozer