What's the purpose of this screw on my TC flintlock

sorry for stupid question but I could never figure out the purpose of this crew in my TC Flintlock

Rear screw for scope mount.

Often those are just a plug to fill the hole so manure doesn't fill it and won't be able to use the screw holes in the future, for a scope base.

its a plug screw, it doesn't hold anything, now if its for the scope mount or for a base why there's only 1 screw?

Just a guess, is it there to index the breach plug during the manufacturing process? The barrel and plug are both round so do they index it for when the hook on the breach plug goes into the tang the touch hole, under rib (if it has one) and sights are in the correct alignment.

That's a TC Firestorm made to use Pyrodex pellets and has a "quick/easy" removable breech plug like a modern inline. The screw likely is a locking/clocking screw. The Firestorm is the same concept as the Traditions PA Pellet rifle or newer Shedhorn, a combination of traditional and modern features.

It's the same screw location as on several other TC offerings for mounting optional sights. Not for locking or clocking anything. Their Gorilla scope mounts come to mind.

NOW I'D BE WAY MORE CONCERNED ABOUT THAT BROKEN TANG IF IT WERE MINE!!!

I'm suprised no one is talking about the fact the barrels not secured at the tang with that big ole'cracky crack.

Take it out.. If the hole don't go to the bore.it'd be a dandy place for an Apprietcure sight. If it does go to the bore, I'd use it for cleaning or a dry ball type situation......Be Safe>>>>>>>>>Wally

It is for a matching variant of this current ebay item: TC Round barrel scope base

As noted above, you could also use a peep sight like Skinner offers: Skinner's Lo-Pro Peep sight

With that tang fractured there's not much holding the back of the barrel/breach in the stock. I would get that TIG welded and cleaned up before the barrel comes adrift, and quit worrying about that plug screw. Only thing holding the tang down is the taper on 1/2 of the screw head.

For a scope base. After removing the rear sight there are 2 holes close together, the third further back gives more strength and stability. Many TC guns have that extra screw -encourages even the casual shooter to buy an accessory without worrying about drilling a hole in the barrel. Most also have a small screw in the tang for an optional peep sight.

As a number of posters have mentioned, the TANG IS FRACTURED through the front screw hole. Nothing but the friction of the front half of the screw head holding things together.

I have seen this on a number of Firestorms, and back when TC was in the sidelock business they used to replace the part, as it would easily break when the barrel was being lifted out of the stock unless one was very careful. Remember speaking to one of their ‘engineers’ about the design of the tang and the stress riser they designed into it on the bottom side. Explained a simple fix, but it was above their ability to comprehend what I was talking about. They did send me a handful of spares for my time.


And for what it is worth, in my opinion the gun IS NOT SAFE TO FIRE in is current condition. I also believe TC showed loads in there user’s manual for this particular gun using charges up 150 grains. Good luck.

I am glad most of you seen the crack, I spotted it right off and it needs fixed or there will be a face full of barrel.

Although we can't see the gap between the screw in question in the OP's original post, I suspect that the distance between that screw and the rear sight screws is pretty large. Indicating that the screw he pointed out isn't a scope base screw.

Rawhide67 said:

Although we can't see the gap between the screw I question in the OP's original post, I suspect that the distance between that screw and the rear sight screws is pretty large. Indicating that the screw he pointed out isn't a scope base screw.

Click to expand...

It is a base and or a sight mounting hole. The item that looks like a screw is just a threaded plug they put in every unused accessory hole in every barrel they sold for cosmetics. Many of us on here are TC nuts, both black powder and the stuff we're not allowed to talk about in these hallowed halls.

I get that it’s a plug and not an actual screw for a scope base. But, I’m having a hard time picturing a base 10 or 12 inches long to span the gap from that hole, to the holes under the rear site base.

Anybody got a measurement on that distance, or a photo? Better yet, one of those scope bases.

Rawhide67 said:

I get that it’s a plug and not an actual screw for a scope base. But, I’m having a hard time picturing a base 10 or 12 inches long to span the gap from that hole, to the holes under the rear site base.

Anybody got a measurement on that distance, or a photo? Better yet, one of those scope bases.

Click to expand...

There is a link to one in an above post from another member and I mentioned the Gorilla optic mounting system. I can take pics of any number of mine if you like.

I will have to send them in a PM as they don't meet the requirements to be discussed here.

Rawhide67 said:

I’m having a hard time picturing a base 10 or 12 inches long to span the gap from that hole, to the holes under the rear site base.

Click to expand...

Not sure what your concern is, but you’re looking at 8”-9” between the rear hole and the sight holes on a TC Firestorm barrel. You can now purchase one with confidence, or if not purchasing, maybe you will sleep better.

It’s for a fuse!

Just Incase you want too convert it too a matchlock….
Seriously, I have no idea what the screw hole is for.

But I definitely would put some duck tape around the tang & close both eyes before firing it in either configuration….