Author Topic: Breach plug Removal (Read 1388 times)

THE#1hunter · « **on:** March 05, 2004, 10:50:12 AM »

Hi all, I just picked up a Traditions .50 cal Hawken Woodsman flinter, and I was wondering about the plug removal, because most of the time it says DO NOT REMOVE BREACH PLUG , but I heard that this one had one that was able to be removed, like a twist one? Im pretty new to this fine sport, so I really dont know much past the basics. I was just wondering because I was looking at it while I was cleaning it, and even though the book said not to remove it, the book isnt only about this gun, it talks about pistols and cap's, but it does looks like it can be without worrying about, (if I get it out will I be able to but it back in tight enough). Any suggestion, or input would br greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance

rollingb · « **Reply #1 on:** March 05, 2004, 11:36:32 AM »

#1hunter,.... Why are you think'n of remove'n the breech-plug?? I know of many rifles thet have never had ther breech-plugs out in over 30 years!!

THE#1hunter · « **Reply #2 on:** March 05, 2004, 01:35:35 PM »

Someone told me to give the gun a really good cleaning, to remove the plug. Is he wrong, because even though it would be easier to clean, that there is really no need for it. When I cleaned it last it seemed as if I got basically everything out, but I was just wondering?

filmokentucky · « **Reply #3 on:** March 05, 2004, 03:44:36 PM »

In thirty years, I have yet to de-breech a gun for cleaning. Or for any other reason, for that matter. It's just not necessary unless something extraordinary happens to the gun.

wallynut · « **Reply #4 on:** March 05, 2004, 05:23:17 PM »

Don't try to remove that breech plug, you can easily damage it and you can not get a replacement barrel (at least not as easily as buying a new gun). It can be done, but for the life of me, I've forgotten what it was they did when they made them that makes it difficult. I got a barrel from one of them rifles that someone had damaged, the threads that are metric. Nobody, not even the manufactor wants to mess with them for parts replacement. I ended up cutting off that end of the barrel, re-breeching it and am know building a flinter out of it.

If you clean it like your supposed to and then oil, you should have no problems.

rollingb · « **Reply #5 on:** March 05, 2004, 07:11:09 PM »

Wallynut,... I'm sure thet Traditions "breech" ther barrels very much the same as CVA consider'n everthin "else" is (for ALL practical purposes) identical and ther both made in Spain.

The reason both companies advise "aginst" remove'n ther breech-plugs, is because of the "method" in which they are breeched. This "method" consists of screw'n a breech-plug into the barrel, then counter-bore'n the breech-face, then drill'n thru the side of the barrel into the counter-bore and tap'n this "side" hole for a "drum", or "vent-liner"!!

CAUTION:.... IT IS PRACTICALY "IMPOSSIBLE" TO RE-INSTALL A BREECH-PLUG (when breeched with this "method") SO THET THE THREADS THRU THE "SIDE" OF THE BARREL,... AND,.... THE THREADS THRU THE "SIDE" OF THE BREECH-PLUG "LINE UP" PERFECTLY UPON "RE-INSTALLATION"!!

In fact CVA reccomends send'n the gun back to them for removal of breech-plugs, or ther warranty is "VOID"!!
I have talked to fellas thet did as recomended by CVA, and recieved a NEW barrel w/new breech-plug (I guess CVA cain't git things "lined-up" neither, and find it easier/safer, to simplely replace a breeched-barrel)!!

#1HUNTER,.... The feller tell'n you to remove the breech-plug fer clean'n,... might not have been aware of this "type" of breech'n, or is purty "new" to various muzzleloaders himself!!,..... "DON'T REMOVE THE SPANISH BREECH-PLUG"!!

Singing Bear · « **Reply #6 on:** March 05, 2004, 07:49:56 PM »

#1hunter, better listen to the other guys. Been there and done broke mine. :eek:

Didn't know about what rollingb is telling you, at the time, and twisted that hook right off. :shock: :cry: At least I left enough to still be able to "hook" the breech and shoot the darned thang. Now, I didn't know about being able to get a new barrel from CVA. Think I'll give them a call. :oops:

rollingb · « **Reply #7 on:** March 05, 2004, 08:22:35 PM »

Singing Bear,.... If you tryed to un-screw the breech-plug from the barrel while the "drum/vent-liner" was still in place, the CVA breech-plug was (in all respects) effectively "LOCKED" into the breech threads and no amount of power would have permited it's re-moval short of "shear'n off" part of the "drum/vent-liner"!!!!

I don't know how old yore CVA is, but the "old warnings" stated thet "attempting" to remove the breech-plug, would VOID the warranty!!

I wish you "good luck" with CVA (or, any Spanish maker) in regards to ther warranty!!

I personaly haven't dealt with them in years!!

Please let us know what CVA has to say, if you contact them!!

wallynut · « **Reply #8 on:** March 06, 2004, 02:40:00 AM »

Yea, now I remember after what rollingb said. This gunsmith/friend of mine, had a hard time getting a replacement barrel for the guy that distroyed it, took over six months, by then the guy lost interest in black powder guns.

THE#1hunter · « **Reply #9 on:** March 06, 2004, 09:31:44 AM »

Thanks for the input! Im deffinately not going to attempt to remove it now. I dont even know if I was before, but like I said I only know a little past the basics, and was open to do what I was told to. Come to think about it. That guys gun only goes off like twice when we go shooting. :? Thanks again all