1816 cone in barrel conversion

[Sharab85]

Hello,

I recently purchased a cut down 1816 Belgian Cone in barrel Conversion musket and I am in the processes of cleaning and evaluation. After much persuasion I got the nipple off and this is what I found, I am not familiar with this style of musket so I was wondering if the metal at the bottom of the the nipple socket was part of the conversion or something else like solder. I was hoping the live fire this musket and would like to know if this could affect its probability of being safe. The rest of the bore is in really good shape and is cleaning out nicely.




I am considering sending off the barrel to be lengthened and relined, and I might try my hand as splicing the stock back to full length if I can find a donor section. (the barrel was cut six inches back and stock cut to match)

Thank you for your help,

Shawn Rabideau

 

[Sharab85]

I was able to remove breach plug, came out quite easily really. Here is a pic from the inside.

 

[Rifleman1776]

Maybe you should move this to the gunsmith section. I don't know if welding that nipple hole and redrilling is feasible. But there are those here who can advise. If the barrel is otherwise safe I hope you can make it a shooter.

 

[Sharab85]

mods, thanks for moving!

 

[Grizzly Adams]

The breech plug threads are in nice shape. Don't know if I would trust the threads for the nipple though.

 

[Sharab85]

Nipple threads look ok-ish they still need some more cleaning and they might be a little shallow but they sure held the original nipple in tight.

Can I drill it all out and redo threads for larger nipple if they make one?

I have read some threads that suggest helicoils as a fix but people seem to have mixed feelings on them.

Here are some more pics.

 

[Grizzly Adams]

The threads don't look too bad, but it only looks like there are 2, maybe 3 complete threads in good shape. You might be able to fresh out the existing threads with a bottom tap.

I am 99% sure they do make larger nipples in case you want to go that route.

 

[varsity07840]

Hello,

I recently purchased a cut down 1816 Belgian Cone in barrel Conversion musket and I am in the processes of cleaning and evaluation. After much persuasion I got the nipple off and this is what I found, I am not familiar with this style of musket so I was wondering if the metal at the bottom of the the nipple socket was part of the conversion or something else like solder. I was hoping the live fire this musket and would like to know if this could affect its probability of being safe. The rest of the bore is in really good shape and is cleaning out nicely.




I am considering sending off the barrel to be lengthened and relined, and I might try my hand as splicing the stock back to full length if I can find a donor section. (the barrel was cut six inches back and stock cut to match)

Thank you for your help,

Shawn Rabideau

The decision on what to do with the nipple should be left to the person doing the barrel stretch and reline. I assume you're
considering Hoyt or Whitacre. Keep in mind that the Belgian
conversion is the weakest percussion conversion on the 1816.

Duane

 

[hawkeye2]

Exactly what Duane says. What you see at the bottom of the hole is part of the barrel wall left behind when the nipple hole was drilled. My preference is Bobby Hoyt. Don't touch the nipple area just make a note of it to him when you send the barrel and he'll deal with it. When you get it back it will be as safe as or safer than the original.

 

[Sharab85]

I have used Hoyt before and will prob use again, I was thinking about maybe using the musket while I save up for the barrel extension and researching stock splicing but if it not safe or will make it harder for Mr. Hoyt I wont.

Thanks for all of your help!!