FWIW, I can see that the lock is a back action lock.
LD
LD
Seeking help
- Thread starter TheTyler7011
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As I do not believe anyone has asked or suggested it, but have you confirmed the gun is not loaded?
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Thank you for the comments. A chambered breech is a possibility. I don't think it is likely, but until the rifle is examined by someone knowledgeable, we won't know for sure.
I think there is a very faint seam between the tang and the end of the barrel or breech, which suggests to me a common breechplug. Again, we won't know for sure until it is examined.
I would like to see some photos of the whole rifle. I think this would help us make some estimate as to its potential value. If it should turn out to be a valuable piece, probably the less done to it the better. If it is a more common type, it might be worth investing some work to make it a shooter.
Knowledgeable muzzleloading gunsmiths are really pretty scarce. Lots of us putter around and tinker with our guns, and there are a number of talented builders here on this forum. However, professional gunsmiths willing to conserve, restore, or rehabilitate antiques are harder to find.
Hopefully, we will learn a little more about this rifle in time.
Best regards,
Notchy Bob
let it rest... it has earned it. 
That doesn't look like a shooter, best hang it up because the repairs would be expensive and it may still end up a wall display. IMHO If the outside is pitted the inside is usually worse but I admire your ambitions. If $ was no object I'm sure it could be made safe to shoot but is that the best option?
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Get an autopsy done on the gun by someone that knows about old guns like this. You may just hang it up .
Hard to say for sure, but appears to be an original collection of parts that have been somewhat molested. Except for clocking, the bolster appears to line up with the hammer. I find it hard to believe that a builder would have moved the face of the plug back far enough to allow the drum to be in front of it. If a common breech plug, a likely possibility, I would think that it extends into the barrel and the hole for the drum is drilled through the barrel and into the breech plug, meeting up with a sub caliber drilling in the breech from the bore. Think some variation of what CVA does. And as repeated a few times now, we won’t know until a knowledgeable person does a hands on examination.
One thing I would suggest to the OP, other than confirming the thing is not potentially loaded, is not to change or do anything until that hands on examination happens. Also, as others have suggested, a few overall photographs may help figure out what you’ve got.
Hang it on a wall. If you shoot it you have more nerve than I have. Never had any desire to set off a grenade next to my head even as hard as it is.
TheTyler7011
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Breech has been removed. Everything looks good inside. I guess I just twist this drum off and figure it out? Lol
TheTyler7011
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Everything is great except the drum alignment.
How does the breech plug look? Was the face of it behind the hole for the drum, or was it notched? Or possibly have a clearance hole through it to a chambered breech?
TheTyler7011
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Not sure I understand the complex language haha. But it looks really good. I didn’t snag a photo
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Kinda yea.
I would figure out the thread diameter / pitch attempt to clean up the threads with the appropriate tap, if possible. Then if your satisfied with the threads install a new drum matching the threads you just corrected. A new drum will allow you to get the drum flush with the side of the barrel, then drill & tap the nipple in the correct location.
If your not satisfied with the drum threads you just cleaned up with the tap, then you will need to cut a short section of the barrel off and redo the breach plug and drum. Somewhat more labor intensive, but the surest method to be safe.
Track of the Wolf has drums that are not previously drilled for the nipple, get that style. Once installed, you can drill and tap the new nipple in its proper location.
TheTyler7011
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I kinda just moved the drum to the left and it’s perfect haha. Super secure so we good
Was the breech plug just a straight plug? How deep into the barrel did it go?
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I'm not there and I would hate to have to give that judgement call from a distance. The drum looking to have been cross threaded, I'm not so sure I would trust it. I suppose you would have to ask yourself if you would let a friend or family member stand on that side of the rifle while you shoot? If not 100% secure the drum can shoot out the side of the barrel, rather than the ball exit the muzzle. The drum as a projectile can cause serious harm or injury to innocent bystanders or personal property.I kinda just moved the drum to the left and it’s perfect haha. Super secure so we good
TheTyler7011
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I didn’t snag a pic but I would say like a good 8-10 turns. It was pretty deep
I have personally seen a drum shoot loose scared the shooter and everyone on the line .When the BANG went right not forward luckily he was last in line right it bent the hammer we never found the drum. The shooter stripped the drum threads on his CVA fiddling with it and had a mechanic friend install a thread repair insert and rethread the drum to fit the insert .Needless to say the RSO banned him for a month and nobody stands on hi right now 12 years later The rifle was cut apart after the incident by the owner
Reason I asked what the plug looked like is because in one of your earlier posts your photograph (below) suggested very little breech plug thread engagement if the plug face was behind the threaded hole for the drum. Remember, depending on how much powder you use if you fire this gun, that plug could be holding 7000-10,000 psi, or around 1400 to 2000 pounds of force if the plug is say 1/2” diameter. You want more that a couple of rusty threads to hold it. Will be interesting to hear your ‘range report’.
Looks like you're making some progress.
