Removing Breech Plug - Round Barrel Fowler

[Buckskinn]

Well, I'm finally getting some energy after my bout with covid. So decided to start on the Chambers English Fowler and I'm stuck on step one. Removing the breech plug... Unlike the others I've build this on is round, which makes it a bit tougher. I've put in vise and it just spins, taper doesn't help any either. Already boogered it up a bit so figured I'd see what ideas you guys have before going further

Thanks!

 

[Phil Coffins]

To grip a round barrel make square form that the barrel fits threw. Cut a hole in a piece of card board that fits tightly to the barrel at about 3” from the breech. Place tablet backing on either side to make a divided form. You want to have two jaws that fit the barrel. Pour lead into this form to make these jaws. Once cool clamp the barrel in these jaws very tightly then turn the breech out.
I do this often so I made aluminum forms for reuse but the idea is the same, a photo may help.
90768CA6-9BAE-4D89-9FD3-A9B2D42E2EB5 by Oliver Sudden, on Flickr

 

[2 shots]

a barrel vise and bushings is a wonderful thing. much cheaper than a new barrel. just my 2 cents.

 

[Bnewberry]

I would use this.

Barrel vice

 

[tallpine]

Make you two 2x4 V blocks like this. Chalk them up good and clamp in a good vice. Works for me, I hope you don't have a Rice barrel.

 

[user 34300]

"I've put in vise and it just spins"

Uggh!

You can make hardwood blocks that fit the barrel closely. Maple is best. Apply rosin the the blocks. Get it at the sporting good for baseball player and weight lifters. That will hold the barrel from spinning. You really need a barrel vice. You also need a plug wrench.

IF you are not equipped and knowledgeable leave the plug alone.

 

[Buckskinn]

Thanks for all the ideas. I tried the 2x4 and a hole saw method with some chalk and I got her. Ridiculously tight and it has an R on the barrel, so... There's one character mark that might be too deep to buff out, but I can live with that...

 

[Monkeyman]

I’ve had success with rubbing violin rosin on the barrel in a standard wood vice.

 

[dave_person]

Hi Buckskinn,
Remember you will be filing a flat on the side that mates with the lock. That flat will help you hold the barrel in a vise from then on.

dave