Pitting where powder charge sits

[Sandpounder3/7]

There appears to be pitting in the chamber area of my .45 cal Kentucky rifle. Is this something that can be addressed? I’m considering shortening this rifles barrel anyway, so I’m curious if I could kill two birds with one stone. Can the breech plug and nipple drum be moved forward on a rifle barrel? It’s a CVA barrel so there’s no apparent taper to it. In a previous post I’ve said I’m wanting to make this shorter for a handy kids rifle, and the pitting also makes me want to be sure it’s safe for him. Bore is shiny and clean still above the affected area.

 

[Phil Coffins]

That’s the traditional way of shorting a barrel, should work if well done.

 

[Mulebrain]

Some pitting in that area is not a problem, and won't effect how it shoots. If you go ahead with your plan, get ready! You will have to bore and tap the breech, drill and tap for drum etc... a real pain!

 

[Grimord]

I have a original 1843 half stock .35 caliber percussion gun that the breech area where the powder sits is severely corroded. I couldn't get the gun to hit a 8.5 X 11" paper at 25 yards as the patches were shredding. I found that if I put a 1/8" felt wad over the powder, then seated the patched ball the accuracy improved tremendously (1.5" @ 25 yards) Patches came out whole and not shredded, Give it a try, it may be the easiest solution to the issue.

 

[deerstalkert]

if you shorten that CVA from the breach, you will also have to move the wedge tenons .
most certainly be done. had to do it to a CVA mountain rifle after someone mauled the breach plug and drum.

 

[TDM]

Without photos or a better description of the problems being caused by the pitting it’s hard to say on whether to cut the breech or not. And, as said, shortening will lead to a number of other mods required. Unless the pitting is grabbing your cleaning jag and patches and pulling them off or getting the jag stuck I’d just leave well enough alone. Just shoot and enjoy.

 

[deerstalkert]

if the pitting causes you to lose sleep, you can use a shotgun mop small enough to fit into the fire channel and polishing compound to polish said pits out or reduce them some. chuck up the rod with mop in a hand drill, sit on a stool with a tall one or a sandwich and polish until she shines.