Barrel Tenon Problem

[SCLeunissen]

Okay so I bought a kentucky rifle kit from traditions, I’ve never done anything like this before and I got to the part of fitting the barrel tenons, I was being very careful to not shave off too much but apparently I still did because they fit very loosely and just fall out, if I just take the rifle to a real gunsmith (which I should’ve done from the start but I wanted to try and learn) would they be able to get new tenons and put them in for me the right way? I will really appreciate any help at all. If need be I can take and post some pictures after work. Thanks

 

[deermanok]

You can get a new barrel tenon from the gun works/muzzleloading emporium. Or you can shim the one you have with a piece of metal from a soda can or similar.
Easy fix either way. Just remember to take your time filling and fitting parts.

 

[SCLeunissen]

You can get a new barrel tenon from the gun works/muzzleloading emporium. Or you can shim the one you have with a piece of metal from a soda can or similar.
Easy fix either way. Just remember to take your time filling and fitting parts.

Thank you so much! I’m going to try shimming it first, didn’t even think of that. If that doesn’t work out I’ll just have to get new ones. You’re an absolute life saver!

 

[rchas]

Another alternative is to use a prick punch on the bottom of the dovetail to raise some metal. After putting in the tenon, stake it in with a pin punch hitting the barrel surface on the four corners of the dovetail thereby pushing metal against the tenon.

 

[excess650]

I wouldn't use shim stock unless it could be soldered to the tenon/underlug. TOTW, and MBS have underlugs in both blank and slotted, for flat surfaces and round.

Mine are just snug in the dovetails, but then staked and soldered.

 

[Eric Krewson]

You can also turn your undersized under lug upside down on the anvil of your vise or any other hard flat metal surface and tap the underside lightly with a ball peen hammer near the beveled edges. The metal will expand just enough to give you a tight fit. This is a tap and check procedure, peen a little, check the fit and repeat until you have to drive the underlug in with a little force.

You can also put your loose lug in the dove tail and solder it in place with solder paste, super easy and little heat is needed, you could probably do this with a Bic lighter if you had to. I have soldered underlugs on a round barrel with is stuff, I tried to knock one off with a hammer as a test and it wouldn't come off.

Solder paste;

 

[andy52]

The fastest and easiest way to tighten a tenon is to stake it.
With some type of tenons, it's the only way.

 

[SDSmlf]

Staking and/or soldering are good options. Or if the fit isn’t too loose, you can peen the dovetail in the barrel with 3/4” to 1” socket. Lay the socket across the dovetail and then lightly tap the socket with a hammer to tighten up the dovetail.

 

[Larry (Omaha)]

Okay so I bought a kentucky rifle kit from traditions, I’ve never done anything like this before and I got to the part of fitting the barrel tenons, I was being very careful to not shave off too much but apparently I still did because they fit very loosely and just fall out, if I just take the rifle to a real gunsmith (which I should’ve done from the start but I wanted to try and learn) would they be able to get new tenons and put them in for me the right way? I will really appreciate any help at all. If need be I can take and post some pictures after work. Thanks

Three methods to correct a loose tenon: 1. Stipple the bottom with a center punch. 2. Bend the barrel dovetail top edge down with a 2 lb hammer and punch. Be careful to make it neat. 3. Solder a bump on the bottom of the tenon and file it flat, but keeping a thickness to raise and tighten the tenon. A separate shim will work, but I prefer the shim to be part of the tenon.
Larry

 

[oldwood]

Word of caution.......Wouldn't beat on the barrel w/ ball peen . Ok to tap on the edge of the dovetail , but go lightly. Lotsa light hits , not hard pounding , be patient and do it right if going that rout. Lead bearing steel can collapse causing a tight spot in the bore. I know about that. .............oldwood

 

[BS]

I was taught to just bend the tenon.

Only works one direction.

 

[mooman76]

I was taught to just bend the tenon.

Only works one direction.

That's what I do. easy peasy.

 

[Ames]

ALL of the above. Or.....a slip of tin foil from the kitchen and nobody knows.

 

[Pete G]

Make a new tenon out of a piece of sheet metal.

 

[Black Powder Guy]

Like deermanok said,The Gunworks Muzzleloading Emporium. Brian.