Zouave Breech Plug Removal?

[Ed Gallop]

I have been soaking my Armi Jager Zouave 58 cal. barrel in penetrating oil for months. It is still very tight. The flat sides are tapered and I'm afraid trying to remove it in a vise and wrench will damage the barrel. No gun shop within 100 miles will touch muzzle loaders. Is there a tool I can get to fit the barrel? If so, where can I find one? Ed.

 

[Chawbaccer]

Why do you wish to remove it? Sometimes it isn't a good idea to even try.

 

[Ed Gallop]

When running a cleaning patch it hangs up in the base and needs to be wormed out. The base of the barrel is apparently deteriorated and I want to see how badly it is and if I can possibly get it repaired. I'm afraid to shoot it. I bought it at a reanactment for a good price about 25+ years ago and failed to make a proper barrel inspection until I got home and cleaned it. Sure would like to fix it if possible. Ed.

 

[arcticap]

Maybe you can ask this fellow in Midlothian, Virginia for advice. He's the administrator of a muzzle loading gunbuilder's forum and he's a gunbuilder too.

Maybe he knows of or can recommend someone closer to your home, or give you instructions. He recently made arrangements to trade for a used Zoli Zouave for himself, and He's very knowledgeable.

His own webpage is: http://www.gillespierifles.com/

Click on "contact" for his email address.

The forum's URL is: http://www.americanlongrifles.com/american-longrifles-BBS-frame.htm
and his admistrator's name is "tdennis".

I would try him first before sending your barrel out just to see what he says, or try posting on the other forum for help. There's a lot of gun builders on the other forum, maybe they can help you find someone closer or give advice if he can't.
Good luck, let's us know how it works out.

 

[Leatherbark]

You might have a few mini ball skirts down in the breech hanging things up...........I've had mini ball skirts break off and block off the breech............Sometimes the rings of lead will shoot out............................Bob

 

[Malamute]

Some of the Civil War period military muzzle loaders had a powder chamber at the rear of the barrel. Your barrel may be fine. What type of patch jag are you using? If it isn't secure, the patches may come off when they get to the powder chamber. Try a bronze bristle bore brush in a caliber that allows the patch to get a decent fit in the bore. The patches will rarely ever come off a bristle bore brush. You can use a bristle brush as a worm also.

I'm accepting no questions regarding how I came into possesion of the information in the above pargraph, other than I used to own a Zoli Zouve many years ago.


If you are concerned about looking in the barrel find a gunsmith or shop that has a bore scope. It alows you to look at the barrel interior in very fine detail, and has a light. Only downside, you won't believe how rough with machine marks the bore of your favorite rifle is when looked at through a bore scope.

 

[Ed Gallop]

Articap... You put me on the right trail. Although Dennis did not have the tools for round barrels he gave me two other sources not too far from my home. He also suggested, and told me how, to proof shoot it. Many thanks.

No obstructions in the barrel. The patches fall of the jag as if a gap exist near the nipple vent. When using a rag on an eyed tip the rag balls up. If not deteriorated, then it is a chamber as Malamute suspects. I will use the bristle brush and patches.

Dennis also suggested using steel wool on a bristle brush to smooth up the barrel. I will do all of that and have someone with a bore scope take a look before doing anything else. Thanks to all for your help. Ed.

 

[Tru Griff]

When I first read this it reminded me of the same problem I have with my 1863 Colt 3 band contract 58 cal.. I've bore brushed it several times along with using a brush on an extention at the end of a Dremel tool. I've come to think that it has a build up of powder close to the end but just in front of this chamber mentioned in the military guns. No telling how old this build up is but I would imagine it's much older than me and the only best way to clean it would be through the breech.
I've asked abt having it cleaned and was told by this one person they wouldnt touch it. I didnt ask why but imagine it's either they didnt want to mess up another antique or be responsible of damaging it while trying to remove the plug.
Please keep us informed as to how it comes along Ed. I'd like to follow your footsteps on this. Anyone know of a gunsmith who would do this in west TN, preferably around Memphis or Covington? Dixie GW isnt out of the question but would like to locate someone closer.