Install Ramrod Thimbles:
I install the front thimble 4 inches from the end of the muzzle. Then I lay the thimble in the ramrod channel and trace a line behind it. Draw a line down the center of the ramrod channel. Using a "V" groove chisel I cut out material along the line. Then re-emphasis the line again with a pencil. I measure the thickness of the thimble tab and using a matching drill, drill several holes along this line. Using a knife and chisels I smooth out the trench for the thimble to recess into the stock.
Next I trace around the thimble. Using these lines, I use a groove chisel to remove material. I use candle soot to blacken the thimble to remove wood till the inside of the thimble is flush with the ramrod channel. I use a dowel to check this.
Once the thimble is set in place, I use a depth gauge inside the barrel to find the depth of the barrel channel. Placing the depth gauge outside the barrel, I can determine where I want to drill my hole for the pin to secure the thimble. I use 1/16" pins. Once I have the depth I use an awl to make a indentation in the wood 1/8 inch above the depth gauge. The pin will now pass thru the webbing of the stock and thru the tab of the thimble.
Once the thimble is drilled, I remove and burrs from the face of the thimble tab. I will also use a triangular file to make a notch in the rear of the thimble to ensure it is properly positioned should it be removed later.
To determine where the middle thimble will be located, I measure from the rear of the front thimble to the front of the rear thimble location. In this case it measured 23 inches. Half of this is 11 1/12 inches. I make a mark and place the rear end of thimble at this line. This moves the thimble 1/2" forward. This makes the forearm appear to be longer.
Install this thimble the same as the front thimble as stated above. I also place two notches in the thimble for future installation.
For the rear thimble, I remove and install the middle thimble into the thimble location. I will continue to do so till I can pass the dowel thru the thimble and smoothly into the stock. Now I know it is fully inletted. I remove the thimble and placed the rear thimble into the slot. I notice the face of the stock needs to be filed down a little to allow for easier transition of the tail into the stock. Now I can trace along the sides of the thimble and start inletting the tailpiece into the stock.
Checking again with a dowel to ensure it is fully inletted. Once inletted, I again use the depth gauge and drill for two pins into the thimble. After the pins are installed, I draw a line on the extended tab into the barrel channel. I do this for the other two thimbles and cut off the excess brass. Now they are flush with the bottom of the barrel channel.
Hoot AL Rifle Shop
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