Author Topic: Huntsman Breech Plug (Read 3566 times)

LONGTOM · « **on:** January 01, 2012, 11:42:46 AM »

I just bought a 1972 (prefix AJ) Huntsman 58cal here on GBO and have a question.
The owner said it will use either a musket cap or a #11 cap.
It has no provision for primer carriers.
I have never owned a Huntsman before and not sure what things are supposed to look like.
It has a 28" barrel with a brass blade front sight, barrel band that looks like stainless along with stainless sling swivels installed.
The rear sight is a sort of buckhorn style with a square notch and adjustable both windage and elevation by a small screw
Looks a little on the cheap side to me.
The cleaning/ram rod is broken and chewed up.
It did not come with a wrench to remove the plug.
The only markings on the barrel is a Pin a circle and 58 CAL.
Below is a couple of pics.
Can anyone tell me what I have?

LONGTOM

bikerbeans · « **Reply #1 on:** January 01, 2012, 12:01:00 PM »

LT,
Phatinjun or Busta can probably answer all your questions. ~~I believe you breech plug is a slip fit with an "o" ring and if it has been installed for a bit it might take some work to get it out.~~ (thanks for the CORRECT information guys). I think the primer carriers are for the later Huntsmen and 209 primers only. I have read of, but never seen, a breech plug for the older Huntsman that will allow your to convert to 209 primers. Gun should be able to launch a pretty heavy 58 cal minie ball or round ball. Let us know how it shoots.
BB

PHATINJUN · « **Reply #2 on:** January 01, 2012, 04:39:41 PM »

It is a screw out or threaded plug. You can tell by the 2 holes on either side of the nipple . I got your message will reply later as I just got back from deer camp. Kurt

Busta · « **Reply #3 on:** January 01, 2012, 05:09:56 PM »

LT,
You have a .58 cal Huntsman with a screw in breech plug, that has had the OEM sights replaced. They made a wrench for that breech plug, but unless you can find one, you will have to make one for it. The breech plug might be siezed up, but first I would make dure there is not a load in it. Once you determine that it is indeed unloaded, then you can safetly work on the breech plug. If you have a nipple wrench, you could try unscrewing that, you might get lucky and the whole works will come out. If the nipple turns out on it's own, I would plan on replacing it anyway's as it looks like it is worn from the pin.
The breech plug wrench will have a T-Handle, with two prongs that fit into the two holes, one on each side of the nipple. You may need to use some type of penetrating oil if the threads on the breech plug are locked up, if you want to remove it.

Sprint · « **Reply #4 on:** January 02, 2012, 02:47:51 AM »

Longtom,
Your rifle was indeed manufactured in 1972 (1st issue) and has a screw in breech plug as Busta says. The front sight only has been replaced and the rear sight (Williams WGOS) was standard on that model/year.

The barrel band has been replaced also, as the original band was plastic. As Busta mentioned, the breech plug may be seized but the overall appearance of the rifle does not seem to show neglect as far as cleaning goes. You may be lucky and remove it easily.

Someone may be able to help on a source for the ramrod. My understanding is that Hubbard makes an excellent replacement.

Good luck!
Sprint

LONGTOM · « **Reply #5 on:** January 02, 2012, 05:16:21 AM »

Thank you guys on the info.
I have looked through the nipple while holding the barrel up to a light and it is not loaded.
The barrel is exceptionally clean inside with no rust showing at all.
Shouldn't be to hard to make a plug removal tool.
I kind of like the front sight but not sure about the rear.
Just seems cheaply made.
May or may not replace it latter after shooting it some to see how well it works.
I will check with HUBBARD on the rod.
Now that I know that the plug is a screw in I think I can get it out without any real trouble.
I will keep you posted.
Thanks for the info.

LONGTOM

kevinsmith5 · « **Reply #6 on:** January 02, 2012, 05:33:34 AM »

If that is the 7/8" screw in plug I think I've got a .25 ACP plug around here that will fit it.

PHATINJUN · « **Reply #7 on:** January 02, 2012, 05:35:32 AM »

Frank I will send you a plug wrench and some load information. Is your wood all that is chewed up on the ram rod? What is broke/pic? From what I can tell in pic of the bbl band looks like if you remove the screw the band should slip off then just take apart like any H&R. They may of tried to use a screw in ball remover and pliers to unload because the plug is stuck. Once you get it apart put it in a vice muzzle down and soak plug in penetrator it will screw lefty lucy once your plug wrench arrives. PS got calender thanks. Kurt

LONGTOM · « **Reply #8 on:** January 02, 2012, 09:47:05 AM »

Thank you Kurt, that is very kind of you.
I will gladely buy it from you, just let me know how much.
It looks like the rod has had the bullet seater jag broken off up inside the rod.
I have not tried to drill it and use my ez-out to remove it yet.
The bullet seater jag is missing.
The handle is chewed up right badly.
It can still be used, just looks bad.
Where the two sections screw together it looks like someone has used a set of pliers on it at sometime.
Again, not so bad that it can't be used.
A little sand paper will smooth it back up I am sure.
Below is a few up close pics of it along side the rod from my 50 cal.
The 50 cal is the shorter rod and the longer one is the 58 cal.

LONGTOM

ceadersavage2 · « **Reply #9 on:** January 03, 2012, 11:48:01 AM »

Longtom I had never had the breach plug out .An as said its a musket cap or #11 to use .The sights an the sling swevel on barrel band are the way it came to me also the ram rod also.My freind has a newer one that I shot was fun .His breach plug pulls out an pushes in this one is difference from his.I thought this screw out . The load I shot out of his was 80 gr 2ffg black powder an patch round ball .

ceadersavage2 · « **Reply #10 on:** January 03, 2012, 11:53:41 AM »

Also had a guy tell me to try a pair of needle nose pliers then a nother pair to turn if sturborn If this helps

LONGTOM · « **Reply #11 on:** January 03, 2012, 04:58:15 PM »

Thank you cs2.
I didn't mean to imply that it was you who was a little rough on the cleaning rod.

From what others are saying it is the screw in type.
I am pleased with the gun and intend to use it so a few dings or marks doesn't bother me that much.
Never owning one like this one I want to make sure I understand all the workings of it.
I do need to get the right wrench for the plug.
Looks like PHATINJUN is going to take care of that for me.

I do need to either get this rod fixed or find a replacement.
If nothing else I know I will need another bullet seater to screw into the end of the rod if I can get the broken stud out.
I was able to tighten up the rear sight with a screw driver and it seems a lot better now.
The sights do match up nicely when shouldered.
My best friend shoots a couple of 58s of different brands and he said he had plenty of different size balls and patches and would be glad to help me get it dialed in for next season.
He loves the old big bores!

LONGTOM

ceadersavage2 · « **Reply #12 on:** January 04, 2012, 05:00:37 AM »

No I am glad you like it try to give all info I could . I don't try to screw a person . the ram rod should just unscrew .Ive had that open . Breach plug was told to try a needle nose pliers. try to help you out thanks ceadersavage2.Oh was told by H&R that a few were sent out with Stainless Steel bands on front and should have a rear to match

PHATINJUN · « **Reply #13 on:** January 04, 2012, 07:38:26 AM »

That's interesting that you say you were told that H&R sent out a few with that type of bbl band. I have never seen nor heard of this... but we are just a small few here of many of these that were originally sold. It looks to be very well fit. I wonder if they did not come out with that band late in the life of manufacture after complaints of how to attach slings as we still get that ? asked today. Frank you may in fact be able to get your plug out with the pliers as stated if it looks good and clean. i will get a wrench out soon just been a little busy my wife is having colon surgery friday. Kurt

ceadersavage2 · « **Reply #14 on:** January 04, 2012, 09:11:29 AM »

That what a feller told me from H&R any way not sure if it was sent back or they try to correct a problem . Can't say and don't know if the guy I hunt with has this band or what on his, but know his breach plus just pushes in an out he told me that

LONGTOM · « **Reply #15 on:** January 04, 2012, 10:25:17 AM »

Thanks for the updates.
No problem Kurt.
I am in no hurry.
Had to put my Dad in the hospital this morning.
He is 83 and just out of breath and dizzy.
Has fluid on one lung and may have some heart blockages.
I know what that is all about.
He is feeling a little better now but they will keep him overnight and run more test tomorrow.
Will be here & there for a few days.
Will keep you informed.

Thanks again!
Frank aka LONGTOM

ceadersavage2 · « **Reply #16 on:** January 04, 2012, 11:20:38 AM »

You two guys hope wife and your dad come out of these problems fine . god bless an good luck

catncarp · « **Reply #17 on:** January 05, 2012, 10:51:15 AM »

Longtom

hope everything turns out ok

LONGTOM · « **Reply #18 on:** February 05, 2012, 06:28:32 PM »

Update on the breechplug.
Sorry I have taken so long to get back about this.

PHATINJUN made me a plug wrench and sent it to me, no charge.
Thank you again Kurt, that was very kind of you.
The wrench will not go over the nipple.
The slot needs to be opened up a little.
That was no problem as I have a nipple wrench from one of my other MLs that I used to take the nipple out.
Came right out.
The plug wrench fit the plug tightly.
Had to tap it a little to get it to go all the way into the holes.
Tried to turn it, no go.
I had quit a bit of pressure on it and was afraid the pins were starting to bend so I stopped.
The plug really is in there tight.
I think I will take the barrel off and mount it in my vice and try the needle nose pliers trick with some good penetrating oil.
Might need to let it soak a while first.
Will get back with my results after I give it a try.

BTY.
Dad is a little better now that he is over the cold and the fluid is gone, but still doesn't have the energy or breath to do much.
The heart test all came back good, no problems there.
Saw something on a TV crime show that might point to asthma.
Might have to have that checked out.
May just be age also.
We'll see.

Kurt, how is the wife?
Hope all went well with her surgery.

LONGTOM

LONGTOM · « **Reply #19 on:** February 07, 2012, 03:30:27 AM »

New update:

Finally got the old breech plug out yesterday.
Ended up having to drill it out and use an EZ Out on it.
Drilled it to 1/4" first and broke the EZ Out off.
Was able to drive it on through with a punch.
Then drilled it to 1/2" and used my biggest EZ Out and a 14" wrench.
With the barrel lug in the vice and my foot on the bench along with both hands on the wrench it finally came loose.
No damage to the barrel.
It really didn't show much rust in the threads at all.
Shouldn't have been that hard to get out.
Now I need a new plug.
No problem, I really wanted to change it over to a 209 primer setup anyway.
Barrel is exceptionally clean inside.
Plug didn't show any sign of grease or anti seize on it at all.
At least it's out!

LONGTOM

OldSchoolRanger · « **Reply #20 on:** February 07, 2012, 05:57:07 AM »

LT

"Plug didn't show any sign of grease or anti seize on it at all."

I had a feeling that it was something like that. Happy you got it out. Keep us informed as to how it shoots after you get it up and running.

garbhead · « **Reply #21 on:** March 14, 2012, 01:51:24 AM »

Longtom...If your plug happens to be a 5/8" one, pm me your address and I'll send you my old one from .50 uses the orange carriers if you want it (don't have wrench tho)..since I recently updated it to a different one. Pics of 1/2" drive socket tool I used to take mine out KD#731945 3/4

OldSchoolRanger · « **Reply #22 on:** March 14, 2012, 03:57:54 AM »

garbhead - The Huntsman that LT has, is the "older" style Huntsman (approx. 1972 production) in .58Cal.. It used a special two pin wrench, to get the breech plug out, and the "newer" Huntsman breech plugs don't fit, plus they're the wrong caliber.

LT - I think the only way your going to get a breech plug for this gun is if you ask Mr. Hubbard, if he could make one for you. I did find a .58Cal "older" Huntsman upper (barrel assembly) on ebay, but the price is ridiculous. Link is below.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180840267217&ssPageName=ADME:B:SS:US:1123

OldSchoolRanger · « **Reply #23 on:** November 10, 2012, 05:01:49 PM »

LT,
How did you make out with the .58 cal Huntsman? Did you manage to get a replacement breech plug? If so, who made it for you?