Breech Plug--Replace or Repair

[Karl K.]

I removed the breech plug while replacing a touch hole liner and came across this gap
between the threads and tang. It looked like just crud when I removed the plug and ended up
looking like this after I went over it with a toothbrush.
I'm sure I'll replace the plug but I thought I would get opinions whether it could be repaired.

[Dave B]

I would get some one to weld it up. its a not going to effect the strength of the plug. My two cents worth.  I guess the bigger question is if you put a new one in there and drilled the cross hole would you end up with the same thing all over?  YOu  may need to pug the hole in the lock plate bolster and move the screw placement to bring up the  hole from the bottom of the lug. If you were able to get it broke loose with out it twisting off maybe you dont need to do any thing and just run it back in  for the time being.

[E.vonAschwege]

If you replace the plug you're going to still have to drill the hole there for the lock bolt, right?  I'd have someone carefully TIG weld the gap, then redrill the existing hole to clean it up again.  As far as strength goes, Dave B said it already - the plug isn't going anywhere.  My biggest concern would be wrenching the tang off of the plug at some future date - a little extra meat at the bottom would help prevent that.  Good luck,
-Eric

[Pete G.]

If it is breeched and indexed correctly I would attempt a repair. As noted previously; if you leave it as is and twist off the rear portion you are not going to be a happy camper.

[Hungry Horse]

 I don't think this happened by accident. You will probably go through all the work to repair it, and find, once the gun is back together, that you have recreated the original problem, and wasted a ton of time in the process. I'd just be very careful when I reinstalled the plug, and leave sleeping dogs alone.
 The only way I would mess with this, is if the lock is a back action lock, that depends on the cross bolt, and the snail/drum contact, to limit the upward movement of the lock.

                  Hungry Horse

[flehto]

The breechplug was removed w/o twisting it apart....I'd leave it alone.....Fred

[Dphariss]

I would not replace it if its properly fit. Lot of work and no practical gain.
If the hole is worrisome have it welded or silver solder/braze a plug in the hole.

Dan

[David R. Pennington]

 The only worry I see is if it twists off trying to pull the plug some day. Keep some anti seize on the threads and grip firmly when installing and removing. You still have more meat there than some hooked breech plugs have.

[Mark Elliott]

As long as the breech plug face pulls up tight against the shoulder at the back of the bore,  I would leave it alone.    Given that condition,  it is not a safety issue.   Just my two cents.

[Paul Griffith]

+1 on letting the sleeping dog lie. I'd cllean it up good & put it back in with some Never Sieze to aid in the event of taking it out again one day.

[Gaeckle]

As long as the breech plug face pulls up tight against the shoulder at the back of the bore,  I would leave it alone.    Given that condition,  it is not a safety issue.   Just my two cents.

..........I concur with this.....think of a hook breech design.....leave it be.