1898/1902 Hand Guard Blank — Inletting for Sights

[P0H0]

I have opted to go with new wood hand guards to match the new walnut stocks. Unfortunately, I have to complete the proper inletting. However, I do have an original to measure from. I’m inexperienced at this, so please look over my plan and offer any improvements.

Here is what I have in mind to complete the job:

#1 Assemble a jig to cut the sight hole with a router. The jig is a standard router dado jig with stops to set proper length. This dado jig is set atop a wood brace in which the hand guard is secured between.

Hand Guard Brace Drawing

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Dado Jig with Stops Example

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#2 Place the new hand guard right side up between the braces. Use the original hand guard inverted to trace out the hole onto the new hand guard.

#3 Measure and align and secure the dado jig on top.

#4 cut the hole

#5 Add a drill drum sander to the drill press.

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#6 Use a 2x4 to place the hand guard against on its side so the top of the hand guard is exposed to the drill-press sanding drum.

#7 Carefully sand down the rear dimensions of the hand guard sight.

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Hopefully you can picture what I’m doing… lol

[butlersrangers]

Wow! You are asking questions above my pay grade.
I just seem to get in trouble with machinery like Routers!

BTW - It is good practice to twist a Quarter and a Penny into the Krag hand-guard 'spring-clips', when the hand-guard is stored off of the rifle.
This helps to counteract the strong inward pressure the clips exert on old brittle wood.

Also, do not snap the Krag hand-guard on or off the barrel.
First remove the stock and rear-sight, this allows the hand-guard to be slid along the barrel taper to remove or install it, gently.