What is the purpose of a side plate?

[Smokey]

I have recently learned that some guns, like "barn guns" for example, do not have a sideplate.  Why not?
What is the purpose of a side plate?    Does it have a function?

[RobD]

it's mostly about form and aesthetics than function.  there is no real pressing need for a lock side plate.  one bushed machine screw will suffice quite nicely, and has done so for centuries.

is there a need for a patch box?  a butt plate?  a muzzle cap?  an entry rod pipe?  nay.

[Ohio Joe]

I agree with what Rob posted...

Sometimes I'll use a side plate, and other times I just use beveled brass or silver washers... My reasoning has always been that when the lock screw(s) are inserted through the wood & into the lock plate - I cut off any of the excess screw that comes through the plate / off flesh with the plate. 

In this way you know when removing and re'installing the lock that when that screw is flesh with the plate, you haven't over tightened the lock screw(s) which makes the "lock plate or washer(s)" a nice reference,,, and there's no worry of over-tightening the lock...

That's always been my reasoning... Otherwise if you start over tightening the lock screw(s). well you might start ballooning the wood where that screw head rests... The side plate and washers, I have found to be good reference points... 
 

[Hank in WV]

Its' basically a decorative washer.

[Nessmuk]

None of my rifles or pistols have side plates, does  that means they're  "Barn Guns"? What makes a "Barn Gun" a "Barn Gun"?

[Ohio Joe]

None of my rifles or pistols have side plates, does  that means they're  "Barn Guns"? What makes a "Barn Gun" a "Barn Gun"?

I was reading over on ALR many years back that the folks over there referred to a barn gun - simply as a gun that was kept in the barn, and it was in no way shape or form - fancy,,, but was simply there if you needed it to say, shoot a varmint - I reckon 4 or 2 legged.

Now whether or not this is factual, I don't know?

Seems to me that if I thought I was going to need a gun in the barn, I'd bring one with me from the house...

It could also be that some guns where found in barns, so they called them "barn guns" - and why they were there, well I expect only the owner of the barn could of told a person that. 

[Ohio Joe]

Its' basically a decorative washer.

Quite right Hank... My brain could not come up with the proper name last night of those washers, and I've used them a bunch... Thank you! 

[Smokey]

Thank you for replying, folks.  I learned something: Side plates can be helpful but, they are not necessary. 

[JB67]

I would imagine they added some structural strength to the side panel, especially on the more slender guns.

[RobD]

I would imagine they added some structural strength to the side panel, especially on the more slender guns.

not much if any.  not really needed in that area of the stock considering the tang bolt and the amount of wood there as compared to the barrel channel where it can get wafer thin.  with the aesthetics of really slim stock wrists behind the tang bolt and before the stock comb in vogue on lots of those 18th century long guns, that's an area of the wood that seems to get lots of break repairs.

[Puffer]

None of my rifles or pistols have side plates, does  that means they're  "Barn Guns"? What makes a "Barn Gun" a "Barn Gun"?

IMHO = it is simply a gun (a long gun(?)) kept in the "barn". Why, perhaps, as already said = to shoot varmints. ( on our rural property, the man who maintained the prop, kept a simple bolt action .22 in the barn for that reason.He had enough to carry (from his abode) w/o packing a long arm

It seems that they were inexpensive models made by gunsmiths & could be "rifles" or "smooth bores" (imo the smoothies out #d the rifles.  { other names for them (??) - poor  boys, shmmers, }

[Nessmuk]

So my takeaway is a side plate is an aesthetic  addition to a fancy gun (for more engravings, perhaps ) and a "Barn" gun is disparaging  term for a cheap or worn-out  gun.
Learning everyday, 

[RobD]

my take on the "barn gun" moniker is for a simple, durable, working man's long gun.  perhaps "cheap" in terms of little to no embellishments, but not lacking in quality of service.

[Puffer]

 

my take on the "barn gun" moniker is for a simple, durable, working man's long gun.  perhaps "cheap" in terms of little to no embellishments, but not lacking in quality of service.

[Einsiedler]

My opd muzzleloading mentor begain collecting all kinds of guns during the depression. His father was a county judge in the Texas Red river valley. On Weekends they would drive backroads looking for guns. They would stop at farms and ask about old guns. Invariably they were directed to the chicken house where "granny" had a gun of some sort on nails over the door. It’s purpose was for the elimination of chicken hawks and other pesky vermin.

He went on to say that generally they found many shotguns in this manner.  But there was the occasional rifle,,,,, and wait for it, muzzleloader!  Which was there most prized prey!