BUTTPLATES

Nomenclature   Sand Cast Buttplates   Investment Cast Buttplates   Home

Each buttplate and triggerguard has a notation describing as much information as I have on the style and maker each is attributed to. Some may not have complete information, but I have given it my best. I depend on some of you to help me catch errors and update me on much needed information. Please, never think your observations fall on deaf ears here. The only way we can get it right is to edit ourselves as soon as we can and as accurately as we can. I will never claim to know it all!

Sand Cast
The first category of buttplates is sandcast and represents an extremely thorough listing of available sand castings which are in stock. Sand castings are much heavier pieces and are typically rougher with less detail when they are cast. Although much cheaper in cost, they have a lot more material to work with and to remove. I actually prefer them since the mass of material allows for increased detailing and even allows a crossover to another style when the plate or guard is similar but not quite correct. Please note that although there may be more styles out there, these are standard stock items and readily available.

Investment Cast
The second category of buttplates is Investment Cast and shows a readily available and ever increasing line of castings. Investment castings are also known as wax cast; a nickname describing the lost wax method of casting. A good way to remember the difference is to remember you have an investment in investment castings since they always cost substantially more. The complicated process begins with an injection of melted wax into the mould which then hardens. The 'wax' (part) is then removed from the mould and attached to a 'tree' of same parts (most of the time) and then coated in ceramic. The wax is then melted in a lower heat firing to also set the ceramic, the wax then exits the ceramic and the ceramic taken up to maximum heat and 'fired/. While this is happening the molten material is brought to the pouring temperature. The ceramic is then very quickly removed from the firing oven, the moltent poured in, and left to cool. This process results in the term 'lost wax'. The ceramic is removed to expose the finished casting. This is an extremely labor intensive process as you can see. But, you get the picture!

It is this category of castings in which MBS is dedicated to improve. Hundreds of parts are being studied and planned for development. Understand that under the best of circumstances, undisturbed, that one simple two part mold takes a minimum of eight hours to construct. Multi part/pull molds which require 'pulls' and or releases to be engineered within the mold, will require much more time. It is easy to see why this is going to take us a while! It is however, a most intensive but very honorable job! Much research is required prior to the design of each part so that authenticity and correct architecture can be attained. I have already been in touch with historians for helpful information for developing correct parts. Be patient with us, and watch for the new castings! This is going to be great fun!

Susanne Warren-Bicio President, Muzzleloader Builder's Supply, LLC

Nomenclature   Sand Cast Buttplates   Investment Cast Buttplates