Posted by David Williamson on March 2, 2015, 2:01 pm, in reply to "10 gauge"
James, I have never seen a crack in a side plate. Are you saying both sides are cracked or just multiple cracks in the one?
If they are indeed cracked, they have to be annealed and preferably on the inside of the lock, a groove where the crack is and then micro welded, filed flush and then re-case hardened. It might be cheaper to look for another set of lock plates. The serial number will tell what type of side plate you will need as there were 4 types made from 1884-1934.
If you could post pictures or send them to me and I can post them for you. Also if you do send me an email could you please include the serial number and length of barrels for our records. Thanks.