1851 L&R Disasembly Problem- Need Help

[BE Wild Willy]

Hello Gents,

Today the postman delivered my new/old High Standard Leech & Rigdon 1851 and I can't seem to get the darn thing apart. I have removed the wedge and retaining screw, but the barrel doesn't want to slide off, it's one tight bugger. I don't want to force anything, are there any tricks of the trade you might be able to share? Oh, and yes, this is my first C&B.

Thanks in advance for any advise...BEWW

 

[Fingers McGee]

Popsicle stick or some other piece of wood between the cylinder and loading ram. Drop the loading lever on it, and tap it with a plastic/rawhide hammer. It should pop right off. Then, when reassembling, coat the arbor with borebutter. Not only will the cylinder spin freely for upwards of 75 rounds; but, the barrel will just slide off.

Welcome to the world of blackpowder, smoke, and fire Willy

 

[BE Wild Willy]

Thank you kind Sir...

I was able to get the barrel off with a modified version of the method you desribed. I used a hard plastic toothbrush handle in lieu of the popsickle stick and carefully pushed the loading lever. Seems that the actual culprit(s) were the two posts/pins on the frame to barrel fit. I don't think the gun has been apart since the factory in 1974, it's unfired, just fondled for nearly 40 years. I look forward to my first range report, I have both ball and conical to test.