How do you remove the breech plug from a side lock rifle? It is a traditions .50 cal and I broke off the end of the ramrod (with tip and patch) in the barrel while trying to clean it. The only way I see getting the pieces out is by removing the plug. Do I need special tools and perform any special procedures?
Removing breech plug from side lock rifle
- Thread starter jr45
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Before you go tho that trouble try to shoot it out. Take out the nipple and put in a bit of BP. Screw the nipple back on, cap it and fire in a safe direction. This should move the stuck parts out. I've done this several time and have seen it done several times. Works well. Another option is to get one of those CO2 dischargers for just such occurances. Try the powder behid the nipple a few times first. good luck.
paperpuncher49
Member
+1 for "Take out the nipple and put in a bit of BP. Screw the nipple back on, cap it and fire in a safe direction."
I had to do that once when my brother-in-law did the same thing. It worked.
I had to do that once when my brother-in-law did the same thing. It worked.
Macmac
Member
I too agree to try and shoot it out, not that I like that idea so well, but once you move a breech plug you will never get it tight and also alined again.
If the gun is a hexagon you will never really match the points again and then if it is a round barrel still the sites will end up off center, in both cases...
The tangs will be off but won't line up anyother way byt down and screw to true, which will put everything else out of wack.
To not tighten the breech fully will mean gasses could escape and or gases will crud up the threads as the seat won't fit.
A breech plug has a taper to fit up on tight in the bore wider than the threads something like a valve in a internal combustion engine has, A seat and a valve face to seal hot gasses..
It is not common to pull breech plugs.
If the gun is a hexagon you will never really match the points again and then if it is a round barrel still the sites will end up off center, in both cases...
The tangs will be off but won't line up anyother way byt down and screw to true, which will put everything else out of wack.
To not tighten the breech fully will mean gasses could escape and or gases will crud up the threads as the seat won't fit.
A breech plug has a taper to fit up on tight in the bore wider than the threads something like a valve in a internal combustion engine has, A seat and a valve face to seal hot gasses..
It is not common to pull breech plugs.
eagle24
Member
You might get it out using a ball puller. Before you try and pull it, soften it up by pouring some cleaner down the barrel to wet things. If that does'nt work you can probably blow it out using air.
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