3/4 barrel

[Ephraim]

Hi all
My question is how safe will a 3/4 .40 cal. to build in percussion is there enough wall thickness for the drum.
Ephraim

[Bill of the 45th]

I would recommend you use the cast in drum breech  assembly that Track sells.  That's what I used on the last cussin gun I built a few years back.  Makes it easier, and safer.  I don't think it's for a 3/4" barrel, but it files down easily enough.  One of our Board members designed it I believe.

Bill

[Charlie B]

In my opinion NO!

[northmn]

Drums can be tricky, but I would use a 5/16 by 24 thread drum.  The best way to install them is to get the blank drum and use the tool TOW sells to drill the nipple hole, other wise be very careful about not overtorquing to align to the hammer and messing up the threads.  It is better to have one a slightly loose and then solder it in place, ideally with a silver solder, but I have used 50/50.  Remember to measure the walls and file off enough so that it does not stick through and interfere with cleaning. Use the top and bottom of the holes to gurantee the most thread contact.  A patent breech would be more reassuring.

DP 

[Roger Fisher]

Drums can be tricky, but I would use a 5/16 by 24 thread drum.  The best way to install them is to get the blank drum and use the tool TOW sells to drill the nipple hole, other wise be very careful about not overtorquing to align to the hammer and messing up the threads.  It is better to have one a slightly loose and then solder it in place, ideally with a silver solder, but I have used 50/50.  Remember to measure the walls and file off enough so that it does not stick through and interfere with cleaning. Use the top and bottom of the holes to gurantee the most thread contact.  A patent breech would be more reassuring.

DP 

Would suggest that instead of 'measuring' on how much to file off the inward end of the drum threads,  After you are done nutzing with all that plumbing and she is installed to your satisfaction, take the trouble to pull the breach plug hold her up to a light and using a rat tail (ground off safe in front) and work the end of the drum down to it's proper concave shape.  Run a tight patch thru the bore to make certain she clears.  Re install the breech plug and your good to go.  This insures that you don't cut her back too short and get all the strength available from the threads....

[Ephraim]

Thanks for all the ideas I will consider them all. I have a bedford co with a 3/4 .32 cal. I used a drum but the .40 cal seems so thin. I may use the patten breach from track. I didn't think of that most of what I build is flint. I just happen to have a small Siler that I need used.
Ephraim

[Bill of the 45th]

Trade the lock, and make it flint, then there's no problem

Bill

[Ephraim]

Bill have you got a small Siler flint to trade?
Ephraim

[Pete Allan]

If Track dosent have our 3/4" drum and nipple patent breechs give Tip Curtis a call. He handles more of the 3/4" ones than any other dealer and I know he has them in stock. The nice thing about them is you don't have to worry about wall thickness or the drum ever twisting because of hammer impact.
Good Luck