ML build/repair question

[N.Y. Yankee]

I'm working on reassembling an old .45 cal. cap lock with 40 inch barrel. It uses 3 pins to retain the barrel and has a section of 5/8 inch hardened bolt as a breech plug. I recently got hardened steel pins from TOW for the barrel. Question is, if the tang is affixed to the stock with screws but is not attached to the barrel in any way, what happens if the rifle is fired, even with light loads? The barrel and breech plug make full contact with the tang. Everything else is good but the barrel is not attached to the tang. This is a family heirloom and I would like to shoot it a few shots on special occasions, but it will be mostly a wall hanger.

 

[2 shots]

as long as it makes FULL contact all is well. i would slot the tennons a bit in case there is slight movement of the barrel so as not to split the forearm. you could always tack weld the tang to the plug. see what others think.

 

[Phil Coffins]

The breech tang is the weakest part of the stock, having it not attached to the barrel seems like spot to break.

 

[wiscoaster]

In addition to the tenon slots to allow barrel movement, I'd want to make sure the end of the breech plug completely and evenly contacts where it interfaces the stock in the barrel channel and tang inlet, so it's the stock itself taking the major recoil force, not the tang and the tang bolt.

 

[Flintandsteel]

Don’t understand? Why would the tang NOT be attached to the breechplug? They are one piece.
Maybe some photos?
Are we talking about a hooked breech?

 

[ronaldrothb49]

Have to agree with Phil on this one. The stock doesn't support the barrel it is actually just the opposite the barrel supports the stock. That area around the breech is a very weak area it won't take much of a bump to crack that area.

 

[Sam squanch]

Pictures please?

 

[Tumbledown]

(Misread the OP...)

 

[tallPercshooter]

Like Flintandsteel, I can't picture how a tang could not be attached to the threaded plug. Maybe we have some terminology problem here?

 

[CuNosecap]

The question is “why would you ever shoot a rifle that is not fully assembled?”

 

[bldtrailer]

hooked breach ?

 

[Wncman]

I'm working on reassembling an old .45 cal. cap lock with 40 inch barrel. It uses 3 pins to retain the barrel and has a section of 5/8 inch hardened bolt as a breech plug. I recently got hardened steel pins from TOW for the barrel. Question is, if the tang is affixed to the stock with screws but is not attached to the barrel in any way, what happens if the rifle is fired, even with light loads? The barrel and breech plug make full contact with the tang. Everything else is good but the barrel is not attached to the tang. This is a family heirloom and I would like to shoot it a few shots on special occasions, but it will be mostly a wall hanger.

Pictures please.