Installing Trigger Assembly Question

[PathfinderNC]

Hi,
I have a trigger plate.bar assembly for a Fusil de Chasse (Pecatonica) that I am unsure of how to best install it.
It has a plate with a "drum" on it that I am assuming gets drilled and tapped to receive the barrel tand screw.
My question is:
1) Do I pre-drill (and tap) the trigger assembly part before installing it into the stock, and then try to drill the barrel tang screw down into it?
2) Install the trigger assembly first and then drill the tang hole down into the 'drum" ?
3) Do I drill/tap all the way through or only partially down into the drum?
or,
4) Chuck it and get a simpler one to install?

I am attaching some pics to show what I am working with.
Thanks,
Bob

 

[BillKilgore]

On the Fusil de Chasse, does the screw meet the trigger plate at 90 degrees? My colonial longrifle screw intercepted the trigger plate at an angle.

 

[Ames]

#2.

 

[2 shots]

drill AND tap with all parts in place . do not drill all the way through trigger plate.

 

[Hatchet-Jack]

Agree #2. I've not done one with that drum but you could use a jig to drill down through the tang, wood and part way into that drum.

 

[rich pierce]

Good advice above. However everyone has different skill levels. One safe way to do this is to drill from the tang through the stock where the trigger plate will be and then inlet the trigger plate with the boss centered on that drilled hole as best you could. Additionally I would file the top of the boss such that the tap drill would hit it at 90 degrees and not want to skate off. Drill slowly with the trigger plate in place.

just saw Hatchet Jack’s post with picture. Great setup but be sure to drill a little simple in the trigger plate to rest securely on the centering bolt.

 

[Rich44]

If I am understanding correctly, this is what steps that would be used.

I have long center drill of small diameter that would be used, but a twist drill could work also. Would set the tang and stock up to drill, so exit hole thru stock is where you want the boss to be. Drill size would be same as center drill. Flip stock over and align using the center drill in the exit hole in stock and secure stock. Drill hole of proper diameter and depth for the boss. Go ahead and inlet trigger bar and then flip stock over again and position stock using center drill thru tang and secure. Center drill the boss and drill tap size hole the depth you feel is enough to tap. Then drill tang out proper size for screw being used. Sounds like a lot but puts you in the tang where you wish and also center in the boss. Well just another way to skin a cat.

 

[2 shots]

however you do it make sure you run tap trough everything. if you tap the trigger and than put it in will likely have problems getting bolt to line up / start.

 

[PathfinderNC]

Good advice above. However everyone has different skill levels. One safe way to do this is to drill from the tang through the stock where the trigger plate will be and then inlet the trigger plate with the boss centered on that drilled hole as best you could. Additionally I would file the top of the boss such that the tap drill would hit it at 90 degrees and not want to skate off. Drill slowly with the trigger plate in place.

just saw Hatchet Jack’s post with picture. Great setup but be sure to drill a little simple in the trigger plate to rest securely on the centering bolt.

Thanks Rich- That is a good point you made about filing the top of the boss flat first. The thing about this kit is that the mortise for the trigger assembly is already cot so I will have to install it in first. Not too much wiggle room which scares me but I think the boss/ drum is big enough to tolerate any slight misalignment. I have the drill jug from Robert Bogg and it’s really good. Like everything I just need to prepare everything carefully and as you said drill slow.
And Take a deep breath.

 

[PathfinderNC]

Agree #2. I've not done one with that drum but you could use a jig to drill down through the tang, wood and part way into that drum.
View attachment 121111

Hi Hatchet Jack- nice set-up! I have a jig that I will use with that same design. It’s good to know from the proper method to go about this. Thanks!!

 

[PathfinderNC]

however you do it make sure you run tap trough everything. if you tap the trigger and than put it in will likely have problems getting bolt to line up / start.

Thanks. I will try that

 

[PathfinderNC]

drill AND tap with all parts in place . do not drill all the way through trigger plate.

Ok sounds like the plan . Thanks!

 

[PathfinderNC]

Success! I followed your suggestions and the trigger assemble install went perfectly
I fit the thing into the mortise after dressing it up a little. Then I drilled a small hole on the bottom of the plate directly under the center of the drum. I eyeballed a line up to the barrel tang and, butterflies and all, made a small hole where the top should be.
I attached the Robert Boggs drilling jig and drilled the tapping hole all the way through the tang and the trigger plate. (I went through the plate to see where the bit would come out. Right on the spot! I then re-drilled a larger hole until the bit touched the drum and next I tapped the trigger plate.
The moment of truth and I pushed the bolt down and it lined-up and threaded into the plate perfectly. Then I drilled a counter-sink hole in the tang and job done.
Thank you everyone for your excellent advise on this one!!!

 

[Eric Krewson]

You did a really good job! I was faced with the same thing, I made a simple pinned trigger and separate trigger plate on my fowler.

 

[PathfinderNC]

You did a really good job! I was faced with the same thing, I made a simple pinned trigger and separate trigger plate on my fowler.
View attachment 121423

Looks good. That is the type I have to do on the Clay Smith Fusil up next.

 

[Hatchet-Jack]

Success! I followed your suggestions and the trigger assemble install went perfectly
I fit the thing into the mortise after dressing it up a little. Then I drilled a small hole on the bottom of the plate directly under the center of the drum. I eyeballed a line up to the barrel tang and, butterflies and all, made a small hole where the top should be.
I attached the Robert Boggs drilling jig and drilled the tapping hole all the way through the tang and the trigger plate. (I went through the plate to see where the bit would come out. Right on the spot! I then re-drilled a larger hole until the bit touched the drum and next I tapped the trigger plate.
The moment of truth and I pushed the bolt down and it lined-up and threaded into the plate perfectly. Then I drilled a counter-sink hole in the tang and job done.
Thank you everyone for your excellent advise on this one!!!

A job well done!

 

[PathfinderNC]

A job well done!

Gracias!!!

 

[deerstalkert]

nice work! i am beginning to hate tang bolts in my old age. always give me a knot in my stomach when drilling.

 

[Eric Krewson]

Looks like he provides a correct trigger plate with his kits, I couldn't find a correct English fowler trigger plate that had an off set slot and was shaped correctly. I had some of the guys here post pictures of the trigger plates on original guns, grabbed my file and went to work.

Done;

 

[deerstalkert]

makes my hands and wrists hurt just looking at the pictures Eric!
or maybe its the filing i did on an entry pipe