45 cal Kentucky full stock..need help

[walkerman233]

..Ok I've put this off long enough..I built this rifle about 2 years ago and got to the point I need to drill the pin holes...that where I stopped.. I've watched a few videos..I gut don't want to mess it up after every thing I've done...any pointers for markings the holes in the stock would help..thanks

 

[deerstalkert]

assuming you have the tennons already inlet, if you have a depth gauge measure from the top of the barrel channel to the bottom of the tennon mortice. subtract about 1/16th from that and transfer to the outside of the forearm.
if you don't have a depth gauge use a stick with a nail in a drilled hole through it. lay across the flats of the barrel channel and tap the nail to the bottom of the mortice. again subtract the 1/16th and use the nail to get your mark transferred .
put the barrel in the channel and clamp it as best you can full length.
drill through the side of the stock, through the tennon tab and SLOWLY through the far side.
that is the scary part but there is literally only one way to do it. just do it!
best of luck and hope this is understandable.
others may have a better way.

 

[JamesT]

First thing to do is completely understand what you are trying to do before you execute. If that makes sense. deerstalkert gave good advice in the post above. I have miss drilled tennons before and had to fix it. Worst case is you would have to make another tennon or plug a hole in the stock. Not the end of the world. Look at originals enough and you will see some imperfections that had to be overcome by the builder. Do you have any books on the matter? They are a tremendous help and you should be able to build a rifle by reading them. Do your best and take your time.

 

[rafterob]

I have only built one rifle. But I did as mentioned above, measured from the top down and marked the spot. I drilled free hand, no drill press or jig and did just fine.

 

[walkerman233]

Thanks for the advice.. I'll give it a try this weekend and see how it goes.. I'll let everyone know