Unscrewing the breech plug on a Pedersoli Kentucky .45, need heating?

[HardlyWarcane]

I dont want to damage anything!
So I just bought a Pedersoli Kentucky in .45 and the barrel looks a bit rusty.
Im looking at it and can see a hair line between the tang and the breech plug.
I ASSUME (or is that bad of me?) that should unscrew !
What I don't know is ,would they have silver soldered it for better PSI or perhaps used a lock tight type of bond?
Any info would be appreciated!

[smylee grouch]

Before you try, make sure that a touch hole liner or percussion drum IS NOT screwed into the breech plug.

[smylee grouch]

ALSO when you clamp barrel in vice Do Not clamp over the treaded portion of the barrel

[whetrock]

If you grip it over the threads, then, as Smylee Grouch said, you might compress that thin area around the plug. But even if you grip it ahead of that point, it can still cause trouble. It is possible to grip it so tightly as to cause a slight constriction there. More than one gunsmith has had that trouble and then had to lap the barrel to deal with the problem accidentally created.
Rice sells aluminum barrel guards for holding an octagonal barrel. This helps you clamp it securely without having to clamp it so tightly. They may seem expensive at $50.00, but worth every dime. Very effective. Keeps you from causing trouble for yourself.

https://ricebarrels.com/product/barrel-vise-jaws/

[Scota4570]

I debreeched a flint one.  Same as Cabellas Hatfields?  The threads on the plug were about an inch long.  The liner threaded into the plug like CVA.  You can check by marking a rod when it stops at the plug face and compare the lenght on the outside of the barrel. 

If you do not have the specialized tools and experience with this kind of work, leave it alone.  There is no need to debreech it. 

I'd suggest clean the bore well and then de-greasing the bore.  Plug the touch hole.  Fill the bore with evapo rust.  Let it soak several hours.  Dump the evapo rust out.  Clean the bore.  Work it over with scochbrite, or steel wool,  and metal polish.   

Do not use Naval Jelly.     

[taterbug]

this thread covers some of what you may be up against...

https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/index.php?topic=75937.msg754201#msg754201

plenty of other threads too.  A search (using the tab at the top of the page) using "CVA drum" will turn up more results than you will be able to read in one night...

[oldtravler61]

   Before I unbreach a barrel I make up a small bottle of ATF an Acetone. 50/50 mix. Put down barrel and let set overnight. Whether it's percussion or flint. It does help a lot. Also use about a foot long pipe over your wrench when loosening your plug. Makes life easier. Then do what the guys suggested. Some barrel makers have a gorilla in the backroom tightening the breach plugs.

[steven baker]

Howdy, Scota4570 has the right idea .I would say if it aint busted dont fix! Elbow grease and a good clean would be my choice.
Sometimes those plugs are so tight "The Six Million Dollar Man" would have bent his whistle trying to move it!.Clean and scrub
and enjoy,take care Steven.

[tooguns]

I might not understand, the only reason you want to remove the breechplug is a hair gap between the barrel and breechplug? I'd leave it alone.

[OldMtnMan]

If it’s just a small gap, I’d leave it as is. Sometimes those plugs are on tight, and trying to remove it could cause more issues.

[Hawg]

If you remove it it might not line up correctly when you reinstall it.

[Paul from KY]

Attempting to unbreech the barrel may open up a new set of problems. I'd fill the barrel with Evapo-rust and let it set for a day or two. Pour out the rusty sludge and scrub the bore with grey or maroon Scotchbrite patches soaked in PB Blaster.  Good luck.