Quote Originally Posted by alfajim View Post
Please make sure that the hammer is in the cocked position when removing the lock so it won't chip the stock around the lock plate. Otherwise it will chip the top of the stock above the lock plate because of interference of the inside parts with the stock.

Jim O
Actually the chip occurs below the lock plate, but the point made is VERY valid. Half-cock will work as well, but full-cock is safer.