drum bolsters

Track of the Wolfe mentions in their catalog that the drum bolster ought to rest on the lockplate. I always have left a little room between the two and have never had a problem. It seems to me that any contact would disturb how the barrel was bedded in the stock. Any thoughts?

A very thoughtful chain of reasoning and theoretically correct if we were concerned with some form of modern center fire rifle capable of 1/4 minute accuracy, but this is not the case. I doubt, if there were a way to measure such a difference, that there would be more than a .005 varition. the idea of having the bolster rest on the lock cut is for additional strength, however if your mainspring is not exceedingly heavy,I doubt you will ever have a problem, and I see nothing wrong with the way you are going. Just keep in mind that a heavy lock action could give problems and go accordingly.

I think a drum screwed .20 or .25 inch through a barrel wall and tightened up will take a hell of a whack and not put any stress on the lockplate, even if the two are touching. I have bubbad together guns from various parts, sometimes where the hammer of the lock will not line up with the drum and nipple if the plate notch is right up against the drum (which of course looks the best). One had an 1/8 inch gap. Oh, well, still shoots good.

All the good quality guns of old that are in good condition that I’ve seen have the drum or bolster neatly matched to the lock. I believe that is stronger and is certainly a mark of skillful work.

Drum should touch lock.

If there is interference, file the underside of the drum and mate it to the lock.

That's why the Gun Gods invented black markers and jeweler's files.