Skeleton butt plates. How many sizes?

[Jeff Bonadurer]

Howdy All,

Like the title states. Just curious if there is one for every frame size or
some work for a couple of frame sizes. Thanks.

Best regards,

Jeff

[Bill Murphy]

They are all over the map. I doubt that anyone has studied this subject in detail. When I think I have the biggest, I find a bigger one. When I think I have seen the smallest, I find a smaller one. Some for small frame sizes are rather big. Some for bigger frame sizes are rather small. It depends on the stock size that was used on the individual gun. Many #1 frame guns were made with #0 frame stocks and vice versa. I have a #1/2 frame 12 gauge gun that has an original skeleton buttplate smaller than my .410 buttplate. None that I have seen are marked for frame size. I'm sorry I can't give you a more definitive answer. If you are looking for a skeleton buttplate to install on a gun, you have to deal in inches, length and width, not frame sizes.

[Jeff Bonadurer]

Thanks Bill,

A good explanation. Parker Bros. they can keep you guessing, that's
for sure. Very interesting indeed. Gotta love it. Thanks again.

Best regards,

Jeff

[Brian Dudley]

Generally, the overall sizes will vary with frame size. Just like the dhbp's do. But to complicate things. The inside shaping is also different from buttplate to buttplate within the same frame size from different eras. Basically, finding a ssbp to replace a missin one is difficult. For inside and outside dimensions.

In my mind, the best way to repair a missing ssbp is the find one that fits the outside shape as close as possible, but bigger. Take it down to meet the wood if need be. If the inside does not fit, remove the original center, punt on a new block that matches grain and color and re inlet it to fit the replacement buttplate. Since that butt end is isolated, it is a perfect candidate for this type if repair. Just my rambling thoughts...

[Bill Murphy]

I don't quite know what Brian was saying, but the interior part of the skeleton plate can be inletted as a separate piece, rather than being part of the actual stock. This is the way the Parker Reproduction people did it and it should be a clue to modern stockers.

[Brian Dudley]

That is exactly what I was saying.

[Bill Murphy]

Thanks, Brian. Your system will simplify the fitting of skeleton buttplates on Parkers.

[Thomas Garver]

I am looking for a skeleton butt plate for a DHE also. Can anyone direct me to someone that may have one?
Regards, Tom

[Bill Murphy]

At the Southern, Brian and I tried to fit the skeleton buttplate from my CH two barrel set to another stock of the same frame size. It wasn't even close in any measureable dimension, inside or out. Good advice, Brian.