I have made quite a few of them by hand. I have used a lot of different ones. One thing to ask is what gun will it go on, and is the stock hand made or panagraphed?

If I make a big bore rifle, I often make my own plates because I can make them about 5 inches tall and 2 inches wide, with rounded countours. A butt plate like this on even a 375 0r 416 isn't bad to shoot at all. It spreads the recoil out A LOT, and there is no pain. But I have to make the stocks large enough to work with such a butt plate.
If you are makeing something in the "deer/elk calibers" I would just say to get what ever looks good to you. It only have to please You. No one else.
Good shooting

The Neidner buttplates I've seen have been too thin and cheap for my taste as well.



I like Biesen buttplates best, especially the trap version. They are about ten-times the quality of the Neidner buttplates.



Another quality alternative is Sunny Hill Enterprises steel buttplate:



www.sunny-hill.com



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The Neidner buttplates I have seen were a cheap little metal stamping that will degrade the value of a custom/semi-custom stock. IMHO

If you like the thinner shape and tighter toe of the Neidner, have a look at the MacFarland buttplates. They are equal to the Bieson's plate in quality, but a slightly different shape.

Glen71:

The Bieson plates are made in steel, as well.

Allen, thanks for the Sunny-Hill link. I can't tell too much about its shape from the picture, but it is certainly reasonably priced.

Scrollcutter,

Does Macfarland make a trap-door style similar to Biesen's? I couldn't find anyone but Roger making that style.

Rick

Thanks for the link, I didn't have that one.

I like the Niedner style steel buttplates. Also the skeletonized type with the wood checkered.

Interesting that the Biesen site states that the grip caps and buttplates are made from German Silver and then blued. Does that really mean they are available in blued German Silver or is it blued steel or German Silver?

While the workmanship is not great, I like the proportions of the Neidner buttplate and have one on my hunting rifle.

I don't think that MacFarland makes a trap buttplate.

They do make different sizes, however.

Sorry, my number is an old one. I think Stan is/was a guild member. I don't know if Max ever joined or not. Somebody should be able to provide an address or phone #.

Brownell's sells a couple of their buttplates, I think.

Any links or ideas where I can find MacFarland buttplates?

Roger Biesen has the most beautiful steel buttplates around...in my opinion. www.biesen.com

I bought three of his steel, checkered, trap-door plates and they are beautiful!

He makes several styles and the prices are extremely good when you consider the workmanship. They are head and shoulders above the Neider style sold by Brownells.

Rick

I've been trying to find different pictures of these to see what I like. I haven't been able to find much other than what Brownells lists. Any preferences? So far a pre-64 type is most appealing. I don't want a lot of curvature.

Brownell's carries the MacFarland checkered bolt knobs, but no buttplates.

I wonder if Stan has passed away. Ask Dressel next time your down there. If I remember correctly, Paul and Stan were pretty tight.