Matt,
I made the one in the pics out of a 1/16" diameter orthopedic pin. You'll have to make your own, but any sort of stainless rod in approx. the same diameter would work fine. Perhaps a stainless welding rod of a similar diameter from a welding shop, or you could always ask your local veterinarian who does their own orthopedic work if they could get you one. In the end, stainless isn't really necessary, but I just feel better using it over the long run and I have it readily available. If you can't find any, I wouldn't hesitate to use plain old mild steel rod, which you probably can find a the hardware store. Look carefully at where it has to fit into the "meatiest" portions of the stock and bend it to fit appropriately (see the pic).
Jim
|