How much pitting is too much?

[Hutch]

I know my bore is shot, I have a different thread for that.  Before I send it off to get rebored, I wanted to strip the Blu and see how bad the outside is.  Not gonna lie, it looks horrible.  How much is too much? I don't mean for looks, just safety.  For reference, it's a .50 going to be bored to a .54, it will get rust browned when I get it back.  Assuming it's even worth sending off.  This gun has a little sentimental value as it was my first blackpowder, but it can be sentimental hanging on the wall while I build a replacement if its unsalvageable.  Thanks for advice guys!

[Eric Krewson]

Pull your sights and draw file the barrel to clean metal on the worst flat, you will see how far you have to go, measure your barrel before and after filing. I can't imagine having to go so deep that you compromise the barrel although you may get a sloppy fit in your stock.

Post a picture of the damage.

[Hutch]

I'm such an idiot.  I took pics and forgot to add them! Makes more sense with them 🤣

[Hutch]

Pull your sights and draw file the barrel to clean metal on the worst flat, you will see how far you have to go, measure your barrel before and after filing. I can't imagine having to go so deep that you compromise the barrel although you may get a sloppy fit in your stock.

Post a picture of the damage.

Ok.  Now that I have the pictures added.  I tried to draw file a little bit but obviously the drum is making it difficult.  I was told that the breech plug has to be removed to get the drum out.  Or maybe that's the other way around.  At any rate it's stuck in there pretty good and I don't want to make it harder for the guy doing the work by trying to force it out with my limited experience and tools. 

[mikeyfirelock]

I’d be careful about filing the area beneath the drum edges………reducing this will change where the drum comes to  final rest when tightened, and could change  the point where the nipple ends up relative to the hammer throw.
( I would consider a  washer like shim if this happens..some others who’ve  experienced this may chime in )

[Hutch]

I’d be careful about filing the area beneath the drum edges………reducing this will change where the drum comes to  final rest when tightened, and could change  the point where the nipple ends up relative to the hammer throw.
( I would consider a  washer like shim if this happens..some others who’ve  experienced this may chime in )

Oh! Didn't think about that! Yeah that could be bad. 

[smylee grouch]

As for the drum, you might consider removing it, draw filing and replace the drum with a new one.

[Hutch]

As for the drum, you might consider removing it, draw filing and replace the drum with a new one.

I'm not opposed to that.  Assuming the rest of it can be saved.

[flinchrocket]

Personally, I would be more interested in what the inside at the breech looks like. Remember that this thing is only going to be inches from your face when it goes off.

[Mike Brooks]

No big deal , I'd leave it alone. You file around that drum area and your lock will no longer snug up against the barrel.

[Eric Krewson]

I agree with Mike, after seeing the pictures, its not that bad, leave it as is. If it is a CVA it is best to leave things well enough alone in the drum area.

[Hutch]

Personally, I would be more interested in what the inside at the breech looks like. Remember that this thing is only going to be inches from your face when it goes off.

The bore is trashed.  That's what started this project.   It's getting sent off to be rebored bigger. 

No big deal , I'd leave it alone. You file around that drum area and your lock will no longer snug up against the barrel.

Thank you sir.

I agree with Mike, after seeing the pictures, its not that bad, leave it as is. If it is a CVA it is best to leave things well enough alone in the drum area.

Thank you also.  It's a traditions, I know it ain't much but it's my first one so there's that 🤣

[flinchrocket]

Yes,I saw the picture of the bore. The breech plug on the inside probably looks worse and will have to come out to rebore it, then you can inspect it. Enjoy

[Hutch]

Yes,I saw the picture of the bore. The breech plug on the inside probably looks worse and will have to come out to rebore it, then you can inspect it. Enjoy

Ah I ok I gotcha now.  Yeah they said it would all have to come out to do it. 

[Birddog6]

I think repairing or filing it opens up a whole can of worms.

1:  It's pitted & as someone said, you file it down & you have clearance issues.
2:  It could be just as bad pitted Inside.
3:  The barrel is made in Spain so it is probably metric on the breechplug & drum.
4:  You may break off the drum & breechplug trying to get it out. 
5:  You can buy a barrel for it on eBay for $100-125 or so, & eliminate the issue.

All that being said, I would replace the barrel. Hang the old barrel on the wall saying
"This was a good ol barrel". 

Note:  Also, from the condition of the barrel, the Nipple threads may be eroded as well.
So IF you decide to use it, I would invest in a oversize tap & oversize nipple for it.
When nipples blow out, they don't give you a Warning, they come Out With Velocity. Loose
wobbly nipples in a drum are a No No.... 

[alyce-james]

Hutch. I believe D. Keith Lisle has covered all important problems the barrel exhibits. I personally  would make a hide scraper, or (2) two with this barrel. You will save money and time in the long run. Have a great week end. AJ.

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

To my eye, this barrel is toast.  I would not use it in a muzzleloading rifle again.  But of more importance, you must understand how it came to be like this, and correct your policies so it doesn't happen again.  If lack of knowledge or understanding is the cause that can be remedied.  There are plenty of threads here describing cleaning procedures.  But if it's just laziness and neglect, perhaps black powder shooting is not for you.

[Hutch]

I think repairing or filing it opens up a whole can of worms.

1:  It's pitted & as someone said, you file it down & you have clearance issues.
2:  It could be just as bad pitted Inside.
3:  The barrel is made in Spain so it is probably metric on the breechplug & drum.
4:  You may break off the drum & breechplug trying to get it out. 
5:  You can buy a barrel for it on eBay for $100-125 or so, & eliminate the issue.

All that being said, I would replace the barrel. Hang the old barrel on the wall saying
"This was a good ol barrel". 

Note:  Also, from the condition of the barrel, the Nipple threads may be eroded as well.
So IF you decide to use it, I would invest in a oversize tap & oversize nipple for it.
When nipples blow out, they don't give you a Warning, they come Out With Velocity. Loose
wobbly nipples in a drum are a No No.... 

I've looked a bit when I first realized I had a problem.  I haven't had much luck finding any.  That could be my inexperience speaking again also.  Could it be that other brand barrels will interchange? I was looking specifically for traditions.  I'm all for getting another barrel, especially in that price range, heck that's the cost of a rebore without the shipping. 

[Hutch]

To my eye, this barrel is toast.  I would not use it in a muzzleloading rifle again.  But of more importance, you must understand how it came to be like this, and correct your policies so it doesn't happen again.  If lack of knowledge or understanding is the cause that can be remedied.  There are plenty of threads here describing cleaning procedures.  But if it's just laziness and neglect, perhaps black powder shooting is not for you.

All of the above? Like I've said before, it was my first gun.  I didn't have anyone to instruct me back then and I know I did a lot wrong.  At one point I broke my cleaning rod(the cheap little ones with plastic tips for cleaning a modern gun at that) and had no idea how to remove it.  Life happened and it sat for many years.  Got back in to it and got it removed but I think at this point the damage was already done.  I have a MUCH better routine now!

[Hutch]

Now I really look foolish.  Quick search on ebay and find one right off, maybe it was bad timing last time. 

Y'all think this one is acceptable? https://www.ebay.com/itm/vntg-TRADITIONS-HAWKEN-WOODSMAN-50-caliber-barrel-black-powder-rifle-gun-parts-/174904302233?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l6249&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0

[Birddog6]

YOU have to decide what is acceptable.  I see some rust in the bore that would probably clean up, if that is all there is.  See other indications of neglect (rust starting) in other places. 

Looking in that bore it appears to have some oxidation or leading, they may have used Pyrocrap in it or something other than Real black powder.   

But even if it has a few small discolored places or just a tad of rust, it appears to be better than the one you have.
Would have been nice if he had shown photo of the Drum & Nipple.

Price is sure right.  It states you can get a refund  upon return.  Seller has a Excellent history & lots of sales.

Make SURE that is the barrel for your rifle Model (not just Brand) That way everything lines up correctly.

[flinchrocket]

A lot of people started out with a rifle like that, maybe not that rusty, hang it back on the wall and buy a Kibler kit. You will not believe the difference in quality. Do you live in a area where you can get to one of the shows or a NMLRA club. These guys will be glad to help you out. No matter how much money you sink in that gun it will still be a tradition factory rifle. Good luck

[Hutch]

A lot of people started out with a rifle like that, maybe not that rusty, hang it back on the wall and buy a Kibler kit. You will not believe the difference in quality. Do you live in a area where you can get to one of the shows or a NMLRA club. These guys will be glad to help you out. No matter how much money you sink in that gun it will still be a tradition factory rifle. Good luck

Funny you mention that.  I am pretty close to finishing up my Kibler kit now.  I just hate having a gun around that is non functional.  I put a bid in on that eBay barrel, if it sells cheap enough I'll grab it, otherwise I'll keep up the search.  There are a few guys in this area that shoot, I just haven't made it to the shoot yet lol!

[flinchrocket]

Don’t forget to post some pictures of the Kibler when it’s finished.

[heinz]

Hutch, if you want to attack that barrel, file two flats on the drum, one above and one below.  After that soak the bore with penetrating oil and let it stand muzzle up overnight, or couple of days is even better.  Clamp the drum tightly in a good solid bench vise and use the barrel for leverage to unscrew the barrel from the drum.  The drum should be the first thing to come out. 

Since that is probably a straight barrel with no taper, you can easily shorten the barrel several inches and get rid of the worst of the crud.  Then the barrel can be freshed and re-breeched.   Many old rifles went through this ritual.  It is a good learning experience although it is not likely to be a great shooter.