Removing antique screw barrel

[culpeperlt]

I recently purchased an antique screw barrel pistol.  Already checked and insured it is not loaded.  I would like to remove the barrel both to clean the bore and breech area better and be able to show how this type firearm works.  I could make a key to slip over the barrel and lug, but since its probably going to be rather tight having not been removed for so long, is there a better way to go at it?  It should be essentially the same as removing the breech plug from a round barrel.  Any suggestions?

[Artificer]

I would be concerned the barrel screw threads were rusted in place.  If you can’t turn the barrel off without using too much force, it will probably require soaking in penetrating oil.  I used to use Kroil for that, but found a product called “PB Blaster” is even better.  However, it MAY take the finish off the barrel, so I would try it first in the bottom rear of the barrel where the stock would hide it to see what it would do to the original finish. 
Gus

[T*O*F]

“PB Blaster” is even better.  However, it MAY take the finish off the barrel,

PB Blaster will only dissolve "red" rust.  It won't harm "converted" rust as found in browning.

[Acer Saccharum]

Check to see if there is a load in it. 

[culpeperlt]

Thanks for the replies, I'll give that a try and can also pour some down the inside, which should penetrate the treads equally as well.

Yes, always good advice to check for a load on receiving an antique firearm.  That was the first thing I did.

Thanks,

Kyle

[Jim Chambers]

I bought a screw barrel pistol a few years and could not get the barrel unscrewed.  I soaked the whole barrel in a mixture of half acetone and half transmission fluid, a mixture that Popular Mechanics magazine says is far superior to any of the commercial penetrating oils.  After a few days of soaking in the mixture the barrel unscrewed easily with no harm at all to the finish.

[billd]

Jim,   
you beat me to it.  An old time mechanic told me that recipe many years ago.
Best stuff I've ever used.

Bill

[Artificer]

Jim,
Thanks for the forumala of Acetone and Transmission fluid.  Will definitely try that.
Gus

[culpeperlt]

Thanks, will have to give that a try.