Botched liner install, need help!

[high_on_a_mtn_17]

Did exactly what I was afraid I would do today... while trying to install a 5/16 White Lightning vent in 15/16 octagon barrel, and let’s just say things “went for a walk.”

Has anyone gone up as large as the 3/8ths liner on that size barrel? Looking at it, I can almost be certain would extend beyond the flat on the lower side. Is this an big issue? Or something that can be fixed with a file and still be safe to shoot?

Only other option I can even think of would be some kind of helicoil insert, but I’m not sure that would work either. I really hope I didn’t just trash this barrel...

Thanks everyone... Can’t believe I did that...

[Mauser06]

Can you post pics of it? 


Depending on what happened, If there's a way to correct it, someone here likely knows the way.   

[B.Habermehl]

We can't post intelligent advise with out pictures. BJH

[ltdann]

What exactly happened?  Finding that out will go along way in finding the solution.  Pictures would help as well.

I've gone from a stripped 1/4 liner up to a 5/16 liner...that's pretty easy.

[high_on_a_mtn_17]

Pretty much wallowed out the top of the hole...

[Eric Krewson]

A possible solution would be buy a steel liner instead of a stainless one, drill for a 3/8", install the liner ane draw file the little that gets into the flats to match the flats and brown. I doubt if it will be very visible.

The other option would be to shorten and rebreech your barrel.

[bob in the woods]

With that breach, a larger liner would still have plenty of thread engagement even though it would probably extend onto the bottom flat. I'd just file it to fit after installation and call it good. Otherwise, you could cut off the end of the barrel and re breach . I wouldn't use a heli coil .  As per Eric's post, I believe that Chamber's sell a carbon steel liner

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

That's a patent type breech plug.  Install a new plug.

[heinz]

What Taylor said!  Anything else will not make you happy

[Daryl]

Looks to me as if there are still 5 good threads there.

or

follow the advice to install a new breech - piece of cake (or pasta).

[J. Talbert]

First off, I agree with Taylor.  A new breech plug will solve the problem.

Secondly, I generally use 1/4 inch liners.  I've always had good ignition with them so I don't see a need for the larger sizes. 
This also gives you another bite at the apple in case of an oops, as in this case, or down the road if it ever becomes necessary.

Just my take on it.

Good luck,
Jeff

[B.Habermehl]

You look pretty well centered, I would try a 3/8 liner. Using the 3/8 white lightning liner tap you should be able to simply chace down your wallowed out portion of the hole. Double check with the tap drill first. I'm guessing that the patent breech plug might be hard to replace if it was a Pete Allen casting. Or a factory plug. BJH

[Eric Krewson]

Duh! I didn't notice the patent breech, senior moment........

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

That plug is easy to fabricate.  Think of it as an adventure.

[T*O*F]

That breech is known in the trade as a "flint hook."  I have previously purchased them from the Log Cabin Shop.  While not listed, they might still have one laying around.  Others may list them as well.

[Scota4570]

It looks like a TC.

https://www.trackofthewolf.com/Categories/PartDetail.aspx/667/1/PLUG-TC-F-15-11

Track appears to have replacements in stock.  Getting the old plug out may be a problem, I'd cut the shoulder off the trashed plug in a lathe.  I'd install the new liner using a milling machine as a drill press and use the same set up to guide the tap.  This is not a job I would do with a hand drill.  I'd install a regular 1/4-28 liner with a screw slot.  It was fine as originally made.  A removable liner has advantages, especially if one loads a dry ball. 

[Waksupi]

This is why I like to use standard 1/4X28 vent liners. IF you are using what is essentially a proprietary thread size, you are at the mercy of the supplier to always have them on hand. Nearly everyone has a 1/4X28 in stock.
I have used both the White Lightning and standard vents on many guns. The perceived advantage of the White Lightning is greatly overstated. 

[high_on_a_mtn_17]

Thank you everyone for the replies!

It is actually a Lyman, left handed, and that is the original factory plug, which from what I understand is an oddball metric size, and difficult to source.

I may just try to go up to a 3/8ths. It may be ugly, but it’s a hunting rifle. Safety and function are my primary concerns over aesthetics.

I cringe a little when thinking about trying to get that factory plug out of there. Almost think I’d rather get a Green Mtn and rebarrel the thing.

Just had to try to make it faster Couldn’t leave well enough alone...

[smallpatch]

Question..... what happened to the threads in top of the hole?  Are they just stripped?  Can they be recovered by running the tap again.  Please splain.
Maybe that will help with answers.

[Dennis Glazener]

I would just use a standard Chambers 3/8 White Lightning. If it extends over the flat just file to match flats. I would not use the standard metal Chambers White Lightning. Jim told me they would not last very long at all, I think they are made from 12L14 same as most barrels.
Dennis

[high_on_a_mtn_17]

The top section of the hole is where the wobble happened. Too wide for the tap to engage. The bottom seems to have threaded okay, but on install it trashed the liner threads.

I dunno... Even if I get another 5/16 liner, got it to thread in tight, shouldn’t I be worried about the fact that it’s only a few threads at the bottom engaging it in the barrel?

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

Forget about trying to fix the hole and using the same vent.  Go to the 3/8" x 32 WL Chambers liner, and install it properly. Done.

[PPatch]

...shouldn’t I be worried about the fact that it’s only a few threads at the bottom engaging it in the barrel?

Yes, very worried, that liner is now trash and no longer useable. If you don't feel up to rebreeching the barrel then perhaps you can locate a replacement barrel for the gun. You could then install a 1/4 inch liner which will work just fine. Don't be in a hurry with putting it in and make sure you have it drilled and tapped properly and well started before fully screwing it in.

dave

ADD: Regards a 3/8's liner; personally I would do what Taylor says - he is an extremely accomplished gun maker with loads of experience giving you his best advice.