Breech Plug Pull + Reinstallation Services?

[Comfortably_Numb]

Any competent gunsmith can remove a breech plug... well, most breech plugs. You probably can't legally ship it with a charge and a ball in it.

There are numerous ways to remove a stuck ball. You should be able to get it out yourself. Might need a grease gun and a zirk fitting that fits the threads if all else fails, but it works nearly all the time. I've never had to get that extreme. I normally put a little 3f powder under the nipple, make sure the ball is seated on a charge and then shoot it out.

Don't heat the breech. Not saying it doesn't work, but why tempt fate. I once deliberately detonated the primer in a .50 BMG round with the charge and projectile removed using a torch. That primer damaged the torch tip, then ricocheted around the shop for a while, breaking a window in the process and I don't know where it ended up. Yeah, I was young and stupid. Don't be me at age 25.

Actually, any competent plumber could do it. Nothing but a pipe plug in a pipe.

 

[user 34300]

Here is an untested and possibly crazy idea.

If one understands it will fire, that may be a way to discharge it. Set up a safe backstop and strap it down. Apply a propane torch, get away. When it reaches the autoignition temp it will fire. The heat will not bother the steel.

And, not every plumber can remove a breech plug and re-install it. Only if he has a proper understanding of the problem and the correct gunsmithing tools. Using plumbers wrenches and a regular vice will severely maul the barrel and plug. Lot of guns, modern and ML, have pipe wrench marks on the barrels from this, vandalism .

 

[Dale Allen Raby]

Here is an untested and possibly crazy idea.

If one understands it will fire, that may be a way to discharge it. Set up a safe backstop and strap it down. Apply a propane torch, get away. When it reaches the autoignition temp it will fire. The heat will not bother the steel.

And, not every plumber can remove a breech plug and re-install it. Only if he has a proper understanding of the problem and the correct gunsmithing tools. Using plumbers wrenches and a regular vice will severely maul the barrel and plug. Lot of guns, modern and ML, have pipe wrench marks on the barrels from this, vandalism .

Ooooo.... I can think of a dozen ways this could go horribly wrong.

 

[2 shots]

Actually, any competent plumber could do it. Nothing but a pipe plug in a pipe.

dang ,all this time im spending money on specialized tools and all i really needed was a 4 foot pipe wrench and a pipe vice.. ....so... anyone who can swing a hammer. can build a house.???? have seen many nice old [ and new] guns with pipe wrench marks on barrel. not the best advice.

 

[Rob M.]

Very entertaining blog right here ! LOL !!

 

[Comfortably_Numb]

who said anything about a pipe wrench? I've only been making a full time living building muzzle loaders for 43 years.

 

[2 shots]

I've only been making a full time living building muzzle loaders for 43 years.

yes i know. but i think newbies could get in trouble with this idea. just sayin. [do i get a grumpy salute]

 

[Comfortably_Numb]

yes i know. but i think newbies could get in trouble with this idea. just sayin. [do i get a grumpy salute]

Too many people with too little experience post here. Plumbers also use monkey wrenches as do I with a 3 foot cheater if I need it. I also use a large Cresent wrench with a cheater for the same job. The real problem is not ripping your vice off the bench in the process. Some rosin on the barrel helps too. Especially with all round barrels. I have made specialized tapered blocks for tapered round barrels.
I would love to reproduce some pipe wrench scars on a barrel. I think on next gun I will. Anyone that is familiar with my work won't be surprised.

 

[Shiloh]

I’ve never removed a breech plug but from what I’m reading not all breech plugs are exceedingly tight. I seem to remember hearing some years ago that some breech plugs were screwed in with interference fit threads, making them pretty much unremovable.

 

[Pete G]

Been there, done that. Shot out my shop window.

…and probably ruined a perfectly good pair of underwear!

 

[Chris In SE PA]

To make it easier, apply heat around the base of the barrel prior to wrenching.

Not with a charge in there. Lol

 

[rafterob]

Not with a charge in there. Lol

Certainly not. The OP does not say there was also a charge in the barrel and has not replied to that affect. So who knows?