Scope mount hole fix

[awreis]

I was recently given a TC New Englander that the previous owner drilled for scope mounts. The problem is they drilled all of the way through the top of the barrel. My question is, would it be safe if I installed a screw with loctite the same thickness as the barrel where it didn't stick out the bottom to plug the hole. My other thought for a permanent fix would be, install screw to correct depth, cut off excess and weld it in place. What are your all's thoughts?

 

[Kmcmichael]

I would not. I have never seen this in a black powder gun but have on a smokeless. It does not work.

 

[awreis]

I would not. I have never seen this in a black powder gun but have on a smokeless. It does not work.

You would not as in just put screws in the holes? The holes were already drilled and tapped by a previous owner so I'm just trying to come up with a safe fix.

 

[wiscoaster]

.... The problem is they drilled all of the way through the top of the barrel. My question is, would it be safe if I installed a screw with loctite the same thickness as the barrel ....

No, it wouldn't be safe. The barrel's ability to contain the pressure loads from powder ignition has been compromised. There may be another solution; I don't know. But locktited screws aren't the answer. I'd suggest consulting a black powder competent gunsmith.

 

[Andrewmtnman]

How about sending it out to have the barrel lined and then lock tite the screws in

 

[jdw276]

So lets say the screws blow out from the pressure? Where they gonna go? Up......not back, not sideways but up. Put your hand out and catch on the way down before they hit the ground and you lose em.

Is it ideal? No of course not. It is not breech plug that comes backwards. Probably was shot just fine with the scope mounted.

 

[Kmcmichael]

if I did that, I would mount it in a tire and shoot it with a max load...and still would not trust it.
If you could get it lined, that is a different story. It might not be worth the expense to you.

 

[awreis]

Would anyone have contact info of a reliable gunsmith that I could pick their brain

 

[Semisane]

I see no real problem with a full length screw of the correct thread. How much different is that different from a flash hole liner or nipple?

 

[awreis]

I see no real problem with a full length screw of the correct thread. How much different is that different from a flash hole liner or nipple?

This thought had pop in my mind but I didn't know if it was hopeful thinking or actually a reasonable thought.

 

[R Ellis]

If the threads are good it should work but do not weld any barrel ever

 

[wiscoaster]

.... How much different is that different from a flash hole liner or nipple?

Both of those have a hole in them to vent pressure through. A screw does not.

 

[Sam squanch]

I read of a gunsmith that was given a modern rifle that had the same problem. He just epoxied a screw in the hole and lapped the bore in that area. It held. But I’d get an experts opinion first.

 

[snakebit]

Risky. Black powder is an explosive, not a propellant. I vote with the competent gunsmith crowd.

 

[French Colonial]

I would not have a problem with it holding the pressure if the threads were in good condition and we can assume they are fine threads if they were for mounting a scope. Black powder just does not develop the pressures that smokeless does.

What I would have a problem with is, even if you get the threads on the inside of the barrel exactly flush, you are still going to have an imperfection in the bore that will retain fouling and I would worry about rust pitting in time.
Also, two dissimilar metals in contact.

If it was mine, I would contact Bobby Hoyt about installing a liner.

 

[Rum River]

I read of a gunsmith that was given a modern rifle that had the same problem. He just epoxied a screw in the hole and lapped the bore in that area. It held. But I’d get an experts opinion first.

I would never trust this fix. Modern smokeless rifles can develop chamber pressures of around 60,000 psi, or more. In the 1980's I attended two years of gunsmithing school. One day a fellow student came out of the test fire room with a bolt action rifle whose rear sight had ricocheted around the room. The mounting screw holes had been drilled all the way through to the bore.

Blackpowder pressures are lower, but I personally would not trust a fix based on just threading a screw into the hole. Maybe if it were silver soldered in place?

As others have already stated - check with Mr. Hoyt.

 

[Sidney Smith]

I would trash that barrel. Why take chances?

 

[wiscoaster]

Another con about screws is that nowadays most of them come from China, and they're pretty soft.

 

[awreis]

If I were to get a new barrel, I would like to get the 50 cal. The barrel I currently have is a 54 cal. Are these a direct drop in replacement?

 

[bigstick6017555]

Unless you are in a very big rush, contact at least 4 competent gunsmiths in your area and ask of their opinion on the issue, before you make a final decision, you may be surprised at what you find out.