This rifle by Stoffel Smith shows how the old timers handled problems with defects in wood and when the blank was too short. The close up of the butt plate shows a rectangular piece of wood added to cover a defect. The fore stock was made in two pieces . The rear portion has a tongue that fits inside the front portion and the front is pinned. This supports the rear portion.
Barrel length.....49 1/2 inches
Trigger pull.......13 inches
Drop at heel......4 1/4 inches
Drop at comb....1 1/16 inches
