Author Topic: Made some smoke, now a few Qs (Read 605 times)

New Hampshire · « **on:** February 29, 2004, 11:44:31 AM »

Well I finaly shot off both those CVAs and got the stupid sabots out. I was expecting much worse. First of all the recoil was not bad at all. After 60 rounds through the .30-06 this was a sweet breeze. obviously did not hit a damn thing. I saw where one projectile hit the whit of the target, but it looked like a keyhole strike. I was tempted to buy some BP and patches and balls, but decided to just get the gun unloaded and take care of cleaning it. The bbl looks pretty good. I cleaned it and then ran some JBs compound through it. But I have a question about cleaning. There is a srew on the end of the drum that the nipple is on. Is this supposed to be removeable? Both guns have the screw securly locked on there and are un-budgeable. Plus the previous owner must have tried too as the screws are all buggered.
I also have what I hope is not a stupid question. When Hunting are you supposed to keep the gun at half cock with the cap on the nipple. I doubt Imnot supposed to actually keep the cap on the nipple with the hammer down. That just spells trouble in my eyes.
But it was fun to make some smoke. I actually shot mine and let my uncle shoot my buddies gun. We had smile on our faces even though we did not hit jack squat!
Brian M.

simonkenton · « **Reply #1 on:** March 01, 2004, 12:54:15 AM »

When hunting I keep a cap on the nipple and the gun at half cock.

WD45 · « **Reply #2 on:** March 01, 2004, 01:55:47 AM »

filmokentucky · « **Reply #3 on:** March 01, 2004, 10:17:27 AM »

WD45 · « **Reply #4 on:** March 02, 2004, 02:04:13 AM »

As stated above keep it on half cock ..... squeeeze the open end of the cap just enough to make it a friction fit on the nipple and it wont fall off so easy whilest galvanting thru the woods.
The screw in the side of the drum should come out. It is probably just rusted in from never being removed.
work up a good load and it will bring home the bacon so to speak :grin:

New Hampshire · « **Reply #5 on:** March 02, 2004, 12:01:09 PM »

Thanks for the posts guys. So what should I do about the screw on the side? SHould I try and bust it loose if possible or is it really not that important anyways as long as I clean out the nipple area as much as possible?
Brian M

flintlock · « **Reply #6 on:** March 03, 2004, 05:12:02 AM »

I'd get the screw out...if you mess up the drum you can always replace...
I had a buddy that bought a used CVA with the same problem...I replaced
the drum...I also increased the diameter of the hole in the drum and
used a coning tool to let powder into the drum easier...if you use bore
butter in barrel after cleaning...you will be able to remove the drum
clean out screw to remove any buildup of grease...that can keep fire
from the cap from getting to the main powder charge....While we are
in the "off season" I'd put a new drum and screw in...make sure when
you screw in the drum that it doesn't protrude into the barrel...the end
that screws into the barrel can be filed off to prevent this...you will need
4-5 threads to keep it from blowing off...
You can also order hickory ramrods from Dixie Gun Works...use sand
paper and taper the end that goes into the stock...If you will soak them
in kerosene for 4-5 months they won't break as easily...
Or you could just make a touchhole to screw into the barrel where the
drum goes (use stainless steel threaded rod) Counter bore from the
backside...drill your touchole to line up with the heel of the pan..and convert to a flintlock...then you don't have to worry about powder making the 90 degree turn into the drum....and you don't have to mess
with those tiny caps....flintlock

simonkenton · « **Reply #7 on:** March 03, 2004, 05:40:53 AM »

hey flintlock-- I am in NC also.
Yesterday I went to see Jim Chambers shop. Good God what a fabulous collection of guns in that place.
I don't have a flintlock, but if I had $800 I would buy one of those kits.