Posted by Jim A. on July 7, 2007, 2:09 pm, in reply to "Lockplate Screws"
David I doubt that these screws were ever 4/40; I have 3 FW guns that I checked to be sure, this is what I found.
1. #FWE 54522, 16ga, made 1923, may have been messed with as it was restocked when I bought it front lock-plate screws are 6/40, shank is .138
2. #FW 146746 12ga, made 1936, I am sure the screws are the original ones on the gun front lock-plate screws are 8/32, shank is .160
3. #FWS 33168 12ga, made 1948, I am positive the screws had never been turned on this gun. Front lock-plate screws are 8/32, shank is .160
The clearance hole in the lock-plate on the 1923 gun is .142, clearance cut for the head is .201; on the other 2 it is .162/.220.
I think it is obvious there was a change some time between 1923 and 1936, it would be interesting to see what other members come up with. Does the Plans and Spec. book by Brophy list screw sizes?