Henry Rifle Forums

Last time I cleaned my .50cal Plains pistol, I damaged the right-side escutcheon with the wedge when re-assembling the hooked breech barrel. The wedge caught the side of the escutcheon, bent it, and possibly did some stripping of the screw threads in the wood frame. I was installing the wedge from left side of barrel to right side. I found an asterisked notation in the instruction manual which states:

*Note: The wedge is installed from the right to the left. Sights are also installed from the right to
the left. Sights are removed from the left to the right.

The LGS owner from whom I bought the Plains said the wedge can be inserted from either side which disagrees with the manual. My question is what is the reason that it needs to be put in from right to left? The four escutcheon screws are identical and the two escutcheons are identical. Is there something about the construction of the wedge that I'm missing? TIA.

PT7

My question is what is the reason that it needs to be put in from right to left?

Typically a 'wedge' is tapered and the openings on the escutcheons are tapered and only allow the wedge to enter from one side. The taper may be difficult to see as it will be subtle and on the inside edges.
Look closely at it.
This is so the wedge snugs up in the underlug and draws the barrel tightly into the stock.

I haven't looked at the escutcheons tonight. But from what you said, are the escutcheons then not identical due to the tapers?

Mistered wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 16, 2019 9:48 pm

The taper may be difficult to see as it will be subtle and on the inside edges.

are the escutcheons then not identical due to the tapers?

I can't say without seeing it but if you look closely at them one may have a slightly larger opening to accept the WIDER end of the wedge - providing the wedge is tapered.

Helpful answer...thanks, MrEd. What you've said about one having a slightly larger opening makes sense. If in fact the wedge does have a wider end, that's what did it I'd say.

I continue to find the design of BP firearms interesting. Live and learn.

Mistered wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 16, 2019 10:14 pm

I can't say without seeing it but if you look closely at them one may have a slightly larger opening to accept the WIDER end of the wedge - providing the wedge is tapered.

Hope you get it fixed to your satisfaction, PT. I know how much you are digging this new shooting venture. Keep it up.

If in fact the wedge does have a wider end, that's what did it I'd say.

Pop it out and look at it.