1863 dated LG&Y special musket nipple hole has no threads

[JonewallStackson1861]

I just acquired an 1863 LG&Y special musket in a trade and received it to find that there are no threads for the nipple to thread into. How can you fix this issue? Thanks!

 

[Nobody85]

I don’t know bud. You sure they aren’t just worn out?

 

[JonewallStackson1861]

I don’t know bud. You sure they aren’t just worn out?

They could be, it appears they’re not there anymore haha

 

[hawkeye2]

Worn out or stripped out you do have a problem. The correct thread size is 5/16-24 and I don't know of any oversize nipples for that gun. It can be repaired by using a Heli-coil or boring it larger, inserting a plug and drilling & tapping that for the nipple. Welding that hole closed and retapping would disqualify the gun for N-SSA competition as they do not allow any welding near the breech. You might call Dan and ask him if he would repair it.

http://www.whitacresmachineshop.com/

 

[Notchy Bob]

Maybe the gun was “decommissioned” to make it unshootable (?).

Dan Whitacre sells a musket nipple with oversized 3/8”x24 threads for old barrels like that. Look up Whitacre’s Machine Shop to find his website.

Personally, I would not feel comfortable redrilling and retapping that nipple seat, because you need to get the angle right. I would try to find a professional to do it. I don’t know if Dan offers that service or not.

Good luck!

Notchy Bob

Addendum: @hawkeye2 posted while I was typing. That’s two recommendations for Dan Whitacre.

 

[JonewallStackson1861]

Thank you guys! I will contact him!

 

[springfield art]

I just acquired an 1863 LG&Y special musket in a trade and received it to find that there are no threads for the nipple to thread into. How can you fix this issue? Thanks!

I'm sure someone from the N-NSA would know who to refer to. Good luck! S&S Firearms probably knows a "mechanic" that could re-thread it.