Some while back I was asked to free-up a plugged-up breech on a 32 cal TC Seneca rifle that had an obstructed breech. I tried to get that breech off but it wouldn't budge. I played a torch on the breech to try to get the metal expand some. That's when the load finally lit-off. Surprized me some.
The heat from the torch made a spot show up on the breech that appeared to be a threaded cross-pin that had been sanded/buffed flush and flat and invisible after bluing. I don't KNOW for sure that they are cross-pinned but it wouldn't surprise me.
As for regular breech plugs, I just pulled one off a barrel from a nationally known maker to get it ready for let-in. It is all fitted nice and pretty with a match mark cut. The only problem is the face of the breech plug is 1/8 inch shy of the shoulder inside the breech end of the barrel. Somebody had a bad day at the barrel shop! Now its my problem to fix.
Some might think that refitting isn't "necessary" but if a rifle is going to have my name whittled on the top flat of the barrel that breech face will be polished to 1500 grit and show nice even color all the way around upon fitting.
Best Regards,
John Cholin
The "problem" is far more common than many would like to think. There are apparently a LOT of them out there.
Nice fouling/oil traps.
Dan
