Why are the dowels used for the plugs so large? I was told a good rule of thumb for selecting a plug size is, the diameter of the hole to be plugged plus a quarter of an inch to remove any screw threading and leave a clean hole in the wood.
Balance, I'd guess...Geo
Most traditional side by side stock are pretty hollow to get the weight down and to give good balance and handling with fine hand struck barrels. AyA’s are made in the traditional manner by hand. I have a Alex Martin sidelock with a leather covered pad. I have removed the pad once and there is an ovalish plug - the stock is probably hollow with the walls less than 1/4” thick. The barrels are lightweight 25” ribless and it handles beautifully. Most of the weight is between the hands. It would be wonderful on grouse (one day) but i use it on snipe and it has connected with several.
