Skeleton butt plates. How many sizes?

[B. 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.