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Brass tack removal on stock. (Read 1225 times)

jimmy Oldtimer Offline Now available in Oklahoma. Posts: 500 Location: Skiatook Joined: May 12^th, 2009	Brass tack removal on stock. Jul 24^th, 2026 at 8:02pm	Print Post
	Traded for this Pedersoli frontier flintlock a few years ago. 14? Thought removing the brass tacks would be easy to remove and steam the stock to repair. A quick search back then, and now, says it is not to be. So it has sat unfired. Anyone think of a way to remove these? I'll post a picture of one removed. Edit to add, how to fix the hole? Any plug will be end grain.


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cellargun Full Member Offline Posts: 185 Joined: Feb 28^th, 2022	Re: Brass tack removal on stock. Reply #1 - Jul 24^th, 2026 at 9:07pm	Print Post
	Any repair will stand out, possibly/probably more than the tacks. I have a HighWall with easily 3 or 4 dozen small tacks, 1/16-3/32” or so, that create concentric circles, outline the buttplate, and are all definitely old. In the case of my rifle, I left them primarily due to age, but also because removing them would cause so much harm. Tacks have been used as ornamentation for a long time. I’d find a match to the others to fill the hole, then leave them alone.


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jimmy Oldtimer Offline Now available in Oklahoma. Posts: 500 Location: Skiatook Joined: May 12^th, 2009	Re: Brass tack removal on stock. Reply #2 - Jul 25^th, 2026 at 6:13am	Print Post
	cellargun wrote on Jul 24^th, 2026 at 9:07pm: Any repair will stand out, possibly/probably more than the tacks. I have a HighWall with easily 3 or 4 dozen small tacks, 1/16-3/32” or so, that create concentric circles, outline the buttplate, and are all definitely old. In the case of my rifle, I left them primarily due to age, but also because removing them would cause so much harm. Tacks have been used as ornamentation for a long time. I’d find a match to the others to fill the hole, then leave them alone. I have the tack that was there, just removed it. Thinking anything would look better than the brass tacks. May just replace the tack and sell it.


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Jonathan Full Member Offline Posts: 159 Location: THE GOOD PART OF NY Joined: Sep 5^th, 2025	Re: Brass tack removal on stock. Reply #3 - Jul 25^th, 2026 at 11:00am	Print Post
	It looks like the tacks are on a flat surface with a different finish than the surrounding area, if so there's hope. The thing is that the entire surrounding area is going to have to be taken down to bare wood and the grain is going to have to be raised many times and scraped with a razor blade. I've repaired hundreds of tack holes over the years in antique furniture and it's no fun. I can tell you more but I would suggest that you let it go rather than spend a lot of time and frustration in repairing it.


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2152hq Junior Member Offline Posts: 53 Joined: Oct 18^th, 2024	Re: Brass tack removal on stock. Reply #4 - Jul 25^th, 2026 at 11:17am	Print Post
	You can remove them and then take the wood down, etc as Jonathan has stated. But with the number of them and being a flat surface, I would remove all of the tacks. Then face off the surface to get it absolutely flat. Never mind if the tack outlines still show. You can even scrape the center section of the side plate down a small amt for an easier and better fit of an overlay at the edges. Same thing done when fitting a flat butt plate to a stock. Then overlay a thin piece of straight grain walnut (or what ever wood it is or will match) and glue it to the flat surface. Trim that all around the contour of the side plate and take the piece itself down to bare minimum thickness so that the side plate is back to about it's orig height. Done carefully so as not to leave gaps around the edges especially which will show a wide glue line, it will disguise the damage. A bit of staining and coloring on the concave contours around the side plate will hide any hint of a glue line. Stain and match the flat portion to the rest of the stock. A lot easier than trying to make umpteen tack outlines and tiny holes disappear. You have to know that at least some of the old damage will still be visible after all that.


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jimmy Oldtimer Offline Now available in Oklahoma. Posts: 500 Location: Skiatook Joined: May 12^th, 2009	Re: Brass tack removal on stock. Reply #5 - Jul 25^th, 2026 at 11:47am	Print Post
	2152hq wrote on Jul 25^th, 2026 at 11:17am: You can remove them and then take the wood down, etc as Jonathan has stated. But with the number of them and being a flat surface, I would remove all of the tacks. Then face off the surface to get it absolutely flat. Never mind if the tack outlines still show. You can even scrape the center section of the side plate down a small amt for an easier and better fit of an overlay at the edges. Same thing done when fitting a flat butt plate to a stock. Then overlay a thin piece of straight grain walnut (or what ever wood it is or will match) and glue it to the flat surface. Trim that all around the contour of the side plate and take the piece itself down to bare minimum thickness so that the side plate is back to about it's orig height. Done carefully so as not to leave gaps around the edges especially which will show a wide glue line, it will disguise the damage. A bit of staining and coloring on the concave contours around the side plate will hide any hint of a glue line. Stain and match the flat portion to the rest of the stock. A lot easier than trying to make umpteen tack outlines and tiny holes disappear. You have to know that at least some of the old damage will still be visible after all that. Tacks on the other, curved side as well. Guess I should sell it. Really wanting one of those Kibler southern mountain rifles in 40 caliber.


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Schuetzendave Frequent Elocutionist Offline Retired Ex-Shooter Posts: 4253 Location: St. Albert, Alberta Joined: Jan 28^th, 2005	Re: Brass tack removal on stock. Reply #6 - Jul 25^th, 2026 at 1:00pm	Print Post
	This rear stock of this Martini Henry Cavalry Carbine converted to an Artilary Carbine's butt was surrounded by brass tacks which were removed, filled with walnut sawdust and tung oil and then sanded down before refinishing with tung oil. Stock repair and new barrel put on at the Armory and then sold to some Aboriginal after it was converted to an Artilary Carbine. It had little use except the addition of brass tacks by the previous owner. You can still see the holes that were filled on the butt end.
	« Last Edit: Jul 25^th, 2026 at 1:09pm by Schuetzendave »

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westerner Frequent Elocutionist Offline deleted posts and threads record holder. Posts: 12464 Location: Why, out West of course Joined: May 29^th, 2006	Re: Brass tack removal on stock. Reply #7 - Jul 25^th, 2026 at 5:28pm	Print Post
	You don't like brass tacks? Love those tacks!

	A blind squirrel runs into a tree every once in a while.
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jimmy Oldtimer Offline Now available in Oklahoma. Posts: 500 Location: Skiatook Joined: May 12^th, 2009	Re: Brass tack removal on stock. Reply #8 - Jul 25^th, 2026 at 8:59pm	Print Post
	Schuetzendave wrote on Jul 25^th, 2026 at 1:00pm: This rear stock of this Martini Henry Cavalry Carbine converted to an Artilary Carbine's butt was surrounded by brass tacks which were removed, filled with walnut sawdust and tung oil and then sanded down before refinishing with tung oil. Stock repair and new barrel put on at the Armory and then sold to some Aboriginal after it was converted to an Artilary Carbine. It had little use except the addition of brass tacks by the previous owner. You can still see the holes that were filled on the butt end. That looks great. Thanks.


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stevens52 Full Member Offline Posts: 239 Location: Fairview,NC Joined: Jun 6^th, 2004	Re: Brass tack removal on stock. Reply #9 - Jul 26^th, 2026 at 7:31am	Print Post
	Let’s be honest about this. Anything you do can be noticed. You will always be dissatisfied about that and it will annoy you. Best thing is to sell it and buy something you’ll be happy with. Been there. …….


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cellargun Full Member Offline Posts: 185 Joined: Feb 28^th, 2022	Re: Brass tack removal on stock. Reply #10 - Jul 26^th, 2026 at 9:17am	Print Post
	jimmy wrote on Jul 25^th, 2026 at 6:13am: cellargun wrote on Jul 24^th, 2026 at 9:07pm: Any repair will stand out, possibly/probably more than the tacks. I have a HighWall with easily 3 or 4 dozen small tacks, 1/16-3/32” or so, that create concentric circles, outline the buttplate, and are all definitely old. In the case of my rifle, I left them primarily due to age, but also because removing them would cause so much harm. Tacks have been used as ornamentation for a long time. I’d find a match to the others to fill the hole, then leave them alone. I have the tack that was there, just removed it. Thinking anything would look better than the brass tacks. May just replace the tack and sell it. Have you considered a new stock from Pedersoli? They sell replacements for their products, although it takes a while to receive the part. As an example, a trigger guard for a flintlock took a couple months. Richard


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Jamey Participating Member Offline Posts: 35 Location: Hilltowns of Albany County NY Joined: Jun 3^rd, 2021	Re: Brass tack removal on stock. Reply #11 - Jul 26^th, 2026 at 9:40am	Print Post
	I always thought that stuff like this were part of the guns life story, either that or I’m just lazy… I leave things that don’t affect operations alone


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Sure shot Frequent Elocutionist Offline Posts: 1204 Location: East central Iowa Joined: Jun 22^nd, 2020	Re: Brass tack removal on stock. Reply #12 - Jul 26^th, 2026 at 10:13am	Print Post
	cellargun wrote on Jul 26^th, 2026 at 9:17am: jimmy wrote on Jul 25^th, 2026 at 6:13am: cellargun wrote on Jul 24^th, 2026 at 9:07pm: Any repair will stand out, possibly/probably more than the tacks. I have a HighWall with easily 3 or 4 dozen small tacks, 1/16-3/32” or so, that create concentric circles, outline the buttplate, and are all definitely old. In the case of my rifle, I left them primarily due to age, but also because removing them would cause so much harm. Tacks have been used as ornamentation for a long time. I’d find a match to the others to fill the hole, then leave them alone. I have the tack that was there, just removed it. Thinking anything would look better than the brass tacks. May just replace the tack and sell it. Have you considered a new stock from Pedersoli? They sell replacements for their products, although it takes a while to receive the part. As an example, a trigger guard for a flintlock took a couple months. Richard $1448.95 for a new stock.


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jimmy Oldtimer Offline Now available in Oklahoma. Posts: 500 Location: Skiatook Joined: May 12^th, 2009	Re: Brass tack removal on stock. Reply #13 - Jul 26^th, 2026 at 12:50pm	Print Post
	Sure shot wrote on Jul 26^th, 2026 at 10:13am: cellargun wrote on Jul 26^th, 2026 at 9:17am: jimmy wrote on Jul 25^th, 2026 at 6:13am: cellargun wrote on Jul 24^th, 2026 at 9:07pm: Any repair will stand out, possibly/probably more than the tacks. I have a HighWall with easily 3 or 4 dozen small tacks, 1/16-3/32” or so, that create concentric circles, outline the buttplate, and are all definitely old. In the case of my rifle, I left them primarily due to age, but also because removing them would cause so much harm. Tacks have been used as ornamentation for a long time. I’d find a match to the others to fill the hole, then leave them alone. I have the tack that was there, just removed it. Thinking anything would look better than the brass tacks. May just replace the tack and sell it. Have you considered a new stock from Pedersoli? They sell replacements for their products, although it takes a while to receive the part. As an example, a trigger guard for a flintlock took a couple months. Richard $1448.95 for a new stock.


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Jeff_Schultz ASSRA Board Member Offline Posts: 1673 Location: Ransomville, NY Joined: Apr 25^th, 2004	Re: Brass tack removal on stock. Reply #14 - Jul 26^th, 2026 at 2:06pm	Print Post
	I'd live with the tacks.

	"We have met the enemy and he is us." Pogo “There is no situation so bad that it cannot be made worse." "We are holding our own." Ernest McSorley Nov. 10, 1975
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cellargun Full Member Offline Posts: 185 Joined: Feb 28^th, 2022	Re: Brass tack removal on stock. Reply #15 - Jul 26^th, 2026 at 6:19pm	Print Post
	Sure shot wrote on Jul 26^th, 2026 at 10:13am: cellargun wrote on Jul 26^th, 2026 at 9:17am: jimmy wrote on Jul 25^th, 2026 at 6:13am: cellargun wrote on Jul 24^th, 2026 at 9:07pm: Any repair will stand out, possibly/probably more than the tacks. I have a HighWall with easily 3 or 4 dozen small tacks, 1/16-3/32” or so, that create concentric circles, outline the buttplate, and are all definitely old. In the case of my rifle, I left them primarily due to age, but also because removing them would cause so much harm. Tacks have been used as ornamentation for a long time. I’d find a match to the others to fill the hole, then leave them alone. I have the tack that was there, just removed it. Thinking anything would look better than the brass tacks. May just replace the tack and sell it. Have you considered a new stock from Pedersoli? They sell replacements for their products, although it takes a while to receive the part. As an example, a trigger guard for a flintlock took a couple months. Richard $1448.95 for a new stock. I didn’t look it up. I’d think you could nearly buy a brand new rifle for that much. Ouch.


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cellargun Full Member Offline Posts: 185 Joined: Feb 28^th, 2022	Re: Brass tack removal on stock. Reply #16 - Jul 27^th, 2026 at 4:33pm	Print Post
	Sure shot wrote on Jul 26^th, 2026 at 10:13am: cellargun wrote on Jul 26^th, 2026 at 9:17am: jimmy wrote on Jul 25^th, 2026 at 6:13am: cellargun wrote on Jul 24^th, 2026 at 9:07pm: Any repair will stand out, possibly/probably more than the tacks. I have a HighWall with easily 3 or 4 dozen small tacks, 1/16-3/32” or so, that create concentric circles, outline the buttplate, and are all definitely old. In the case of my rifle, I left them primarily due to age, but also because removing them would cause so much harm. Tacks have been used as ornamentation for a long time. I’d find a match to the others to fill the hole, then leave them alone. I have the tack that was there, just removed it. Thinking anything would look better than the brass tacks. May just replace the tack and sell it. Have you considered a new stock from Pedersoli? They sell replacements for their products, although it takes a while to receive the part. As an example, a trigger guard for a flintlock took a couple months. Richard $1448.95 for a new stock. The only one I found for that price was tiger stripe maple. Were you able to find a walnut stock?


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jfeldman ASSRA Board Member Offline Posts: 1125 Location: Imperial Beach, Ca Joined: Nov 5^th, 2005	Re: Brass tack removal on stock. Reply #17 - Aug 15^th, 2026 at 12:15am	Print Post
	Sand it down to remove the outline and then fill the hole with some fake gemstone? Regards, Joe


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westerner Frequent Elocutionist Offline deleted posts and threads record holder. Posts: 12464 Location: Why, out West of course Joined: May 29^th, 2006	Re: Brass tack removal on stock. Reply #18 - Aug 15^th, 2026 at 5:00am	Print Post
	jfeldman wrote on Aug 15^th, 2026 at 12:15am: Sand it down to remove the outline and then fill the hole with some fake gemstone? Regards, Joe Rhinestones? Here is a Ballard with about 25 brass tacks in it. You white people, why so averse to ornamentation? A while back I was using this Ballard in the indoor silhouette matches at Blackfoot. Was shooting next to Dave Heninger. During shooting I chanted hey yay yay yay, ho yay hay yo. Not loud but just loud enough Dave could hear me. It had the desired effect and I was able to beat him. I'm assuming the "E" stands for Eagle Feather.
	« Last Edit: Aug 15^th, 2026 at 5:08am by westerner »
	A blind squirrel runs into a tree every once in a while.
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jfeldman ASSRA Board Member Offline Posts: 1125 Location: Imperial Beach, Ca Joined: Nov 5^th, 2005	Re: Brass tack removal on stock. Reply #19 - Aug 15^th, 2026 at 3:42pm	Print Post
	Joe, I was thinking something more like tiny little agate cabochons. Regards, Joe


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jhm Frequent Elocutionist Offline Posts: 2094 Location: georgia Joined: Sep 4^th, 2011	Re: Brass tack removal on stock. Reply #20 - Aug 15^th, 2026 at 4:29pm	Print Post
	That is a unique lever on that gun... JMH


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jimmy Oldtimer Offline Now available in Oklahoma. Posts: 500 Location: Skiatook Joined: May 12^th, 2009	Re: Brass tack removal on stock. Reply #21 - Aug 15^th, 2026 at 6:23pm	Print Post
	Beautiful Ballard.


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830singleshot Oldtimer Offline Posts: 505 Location: Texas Joined: Feb 11^th, 2007	Re: Brass tack removal on stock. Reply #22 - Aug 15^th, 2026 at 6:41pm	Print Post
	westerner wrote on Aug 15^th, 2026 at 5:00am: jfeldman wrote on Aug 15^th, 2026 at 12:15am: Sand it down to remove the outline and then fill the hole with some fake gemstone? Regards, Joe Rhinestones? Here is a Ballard with about 25 brass tacks in it. You white people, why so averse to ornamentation? A while back I was using this Ballard in the indoor silhouette matches at Blackfoot. Was shooting next to Dave Heninger. During shooting I chanted hey yay yay yay, ho yay hay yo. Not loud but just loud enough Dave could hear me. It had the desired effect and I was able to beat him. I'm assuming the "E" stands for Eagle Feather. Westerner, I like your style. 25-30 years ago I was shooting a H&R mod 12(52D copy, stupid accurate). The stock was birch and lots of extra, bulky wood. I had started reshaping the pistol grip and it was just roughly rasped while I was shooting it at the match. My buddy Mark, who is a perfectionist was shooting next to me and razzing me so when he started to shoot I pulled out my pocket knife and started scraping that area making enough noise for him to hear. It had the same effect as your chanting. Back to the repair. I wonder if you can find a piece of walnut vernier of similar color and glue it to the flat area, orienting the grain to follow the stock flow. Just thinking out loud. I like the tacks on the Ballard. I wouldn't have put them in but I like it. I like guns tastefully and artfully modified by the men that used them

	J. Scott McCash&&New Braunfels, TX&&830-237-2376&&jsmccash@yahoo.com
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