doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion Classic & Custom Single Barreled Sporting Rifles @ doublegunshop.com Dan'l Fraser breech block

I have a ca.1904 Fraser action on the bench for an up-coming project. In all it is quite crisp with much original finish remaining.
However someone has converted the breech block to rim fire. I notice in pictures of the Fraser action that some have a small screw top-center on the block and others have no screw there.
On the action I have a shadow of the screw hole having been filled is apparent.
Can anyone shed light on the presence or absence of this screw?
Thanks,
Jim Westberg

Jim,
I have no experience with Dan'l Fraser actions,but on other actions, such screws are often used to hold the firing pin in. Maybe when the pin was changed to RF a more secure system was used. On the other hand, it may be something altogether different.
Mike

Jim

The screw holds the firing pin in the upright position, so when the hammer swings up from below, it will not catch on the edges of the milled slot in the bottom of the firing pin.

It has a smaller diameter stud turned on the end, and there is a corresponding hole in the top of the firing pin. It is just a plunge cut with an end mill, but is larger diameter than the stud, and it's dimension is correct to allow clearance for the firing pin to move back and forward.

I hope this makes sense.

PM me if you need some dimensions.

Mike,
I took the breech block apart and see the end of the screw is formed to guide the firing pin via the slot. I am beginning to think the presence of a screw head or the use of a screw with the head peined and dressed off is a change made along the production history. If one tried to remove the screw prior to removing the firing pin, the guide nub would be broken off or damaged. Simplest way to avoid the problem from Fraser's point of view would be to dress off the screw head.
Thanks,
Jim

It's quite possible the breech block you have is made differently. The action designs during that period were in constant evolution, with improvements ongoing at bench level, both to improve function and ease manufacture.

I know this is a little late in this conversation, but Jonathan Kirton has completed a book on Frasers and is awaiting the printing.