Parts fitting issue

[KenB]

Hello,
I'm having an issue with the percussion rifle I recently purchased. The bolster does not have enough clearance from the lock plate to easily thread in and out. My question is would it be ok to file down some of the side plate to allow for more clearance, or is there an issue of one part supporing the other?
Thanks,
Ken

 

[Rebel]

Not sure i understand your question. Why would you want to unscrew the bolster? Are you refering to a percussion with a Drum that the nipple screws into? If so, there is no reason to unscrew the Drum to remove the barrel from the stock for cleaning.

 

[KenB]

Ahh yes it's a drum, I guess I got my terms wrong. So, you're saying their's no real reason to need to unscrew the drum from the barrel while in the stock?
Thanks,
Ken

 

[Rebel]

There is no reason to unscrew the Drum at all. The nipple you can remove from the Drum for cleaning, but you don't want to be unscrewing the Drum. If you do, eventually the threads will wear and it will not seal right or line up with the hammer right.

 

[KenB]

Oh, I understand. Should I grease it the last time I install it or leave the threads bare?
Thanks for the input.

 

[Rebel]

You have already been removing it? You can use anti-seize grease on the threads or, like i use on vent liner threads, Teflon tape.

 

[KenB]

Yeah, I've been removing it. It came off very easily when I bought the rifle. Hasn't been that long. Didn't know any better. I'll stop now.

 

[Pittsburghunter]

Wow never heard of them coming right out usually the things are set in after the breech plug. Keep it with the same rifle and don't pull it anymore.

 

[Zonie]

I agree with the others. The drum should not be removed unless it is damaged.
When cleaning the barrel, removing the nipple is about the only thing you need to remove.

As to your question about support, yes, the drum should be resting very lightly against the lock so that the threads don't have to take the impact of the hammer hitting the nipple.

If your drum's nipple is aligned with the hammer when the drum is tight, just use some grease or tape as the others have suggested.

If the threads are not moderatly tight when the nipple is aligned with the hammer and tightening it causes the nipple to swing past it's proper alignment, I would recommend that you go to an Auto Parts store and buy some thread locking compound. It's relatively cheap.

Before you install the drum, clean the threads in the barrel and on the drum. With the lock in the stock and the hammer at half cock or full cock and the nipple in the drum, apply a very small amount of thread locking compound to the drum threads which will be in the barrel. Screw the drum in finger tight, place the barrel in the stock so the drum is seated in the lock (you do not have to install the barrel screws).

Lower the hammer so it is contacting the nipple and rotate the drum until the nipple is square with the hammer face. Then let it set so the locking compound can cure.

This will keep the drums nipple aligned with the hammer for years and will prevent the high pressure gas from leaking thru the threads when the gun is fired.

If the drum ever needs to be removed, applying heat will cause the thread locking compound to loose it's strength.

 

[KenB]

It seems to be tight when installed and lines up correctly but I do get some marks on the barrel from a little leakage during shooting. Perhaps I'll try some threadlocker. Do you think I would want to use red or blue Lock-tite?

Thanks for all the help.

 

[Rebel]

If it is tight and lines up ok, you might try the Teflon tape first. It may give you the seal you need, and still be able to remove it if it ever had to be. If the tape didn't seal it for ya, you could always use the thread locker later.

 

[bdarin]

The blue locktite will make it tight but still removeable. The red stuff will make it hold fast. You'll need to heat it with a propane torch to remove it. :front: