Underlug capture pin question

My build underlug key rifles do not have capture pins, by my choice. I am building a 1803 Harpers Ferry which calls for a capture pin for the under lug key. On a rifle or pistol where the underlug is above the RR groove, I see no issue for a hidden capture pin. The HF rifle has a key where there is no RR groove, just the drilled hole. My question: Is the capture pin exposed on the underside of the stock? What is the correct way to do the capture pin.
Thanks
Larry

I will be interested in what an original HF is like. When I capture a key I place the pin under the escutcheons so as not to drill a hole in the stock.

Phil Coffins said:

I will be interested in what an original HF is like. When I capture a key I place the pin under the escutcheons so as not to drill a hole in the stock.

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There are no escutcheons as you know on the HF.
Larry

i use 1/16 brass for the capture pin, drilling down through the 45 degree flat in the stock just through the key slot. with the bottom end of the pin pointed and long enough to drive into undrilled wood. with the key in place i drive the pin flush with the 45 degree flat of the barrel channel. this way the barrel keeps it from migrating out. works so far for me.

Hi Larry,
I've written about doing this several times on this forum. The pin is not exposed. It is permanent if a pin or if you use a tiny screw, it can be removed if needed. On most original guns, it is simply a permanently installed iron or steel pin. I use a very small finishing nail. Cut off the point along with about 1/4" of the shaft. Install your key to mark the location of the slot in the barrel channel. Then drill a hole in the channel just deep enough to go through the key, no deeper. Install the key and place the pin in the hole and tap it with a hammer to set the point in the wood. File the excess pin flush with the barrel channel. You are done. Just make sure the slot in the key is long enough so the key clears the barrel lug when pulled out.

dave

deerstalkert said:

i use 1/16 brass for the capture pin, drilling down through the 45 degree flat in the stock just through the key slot. with the bottom end of the pin pointed and long enough to drive into undrilled wood. with the key in place i drive the pin flush with the 45 degree flat of the barrel channel. this way the barrel keeps it from migrating out. works so far for me.

Click to expand...

deerstalker, dave_person,
Thanks, that is kind of what I was thinking some time after my original post. I was in the dark with respect to protocol, and wanted to hear it from those who know.
Larry

oh heck! Dave_person knows. I just stumble through things. kinda like the blind hog. find a nut once in a while.