Breech plug tool

[Kmullen]

I just got an old Huntsman ss# 2563XXX in 45 cal. I need tools for it, Breech plug and nipple. Does any one know any good sources?
THANKS Kevin

[Kmullen]

EDIT the SS# is AJ 2563XXX

[PHATINJUN]

Does it take a screw in plug or a push in type? Kurt

http://www.hubbardsoutdoorproducts.com/drop.html

[Kmullen]

Screw type I think . It has two holes on the sides of the nipple. But I can not see any threads.

[Hammerspur]

If yours has a push-in breechplug (and I believe it would with the AJ ser. no. prefix) all you need to do is knock it out from the muzzle with a ramrod (or dowel and hammer if stuck)
My .58 w/push-in type has the prefix AM... maybe the .45's used screw-in's before the .58's & 12 gauges.

Check these threads for info about ignition, etc:
http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/topic,124193.msg1098544241.html#msg1098544241

http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/topic,133215.msg1098502966.html#msg1098502966

And these links for breechplugs, primer holders/nipples and ramrods:

http://www.hubbardsoutdoorproducts.com/

http://www.gunaccessories.com/ThompsonCenter/ReplacementNipples.asp

[Kmullen]

If it is screw in will the threads go all the way to the end of the barrel?
Kevin

[Kmullen]

That would be the rear end!!
Kevin

[PHATINJUN]

It is a screw in... that is the breech plug with the 2 holes in it and what should be a threaded hole in the middle that is for your nipple sounds like that is broke off. It was probably froze up and broke off. Try calling Hubbard see if he has a plug wrench to go into those 2 holes it is more than likely froze up also. It turns to the left and is threaded. Soak it with some PB blaster or some thing you may have to make a tool to screw it out. Soaking in very hot water before you try again may also help. I will try and post pictures Friday of my tool and plug also the nipple so you can get an idea what your dealing with. Kurt

[Kmullen]

THANKS I gave  Hubbard's a call, I hope he can help out.
Kevin

[PHATINJUN]

Here ya go

[Kmullen]

That is what I have. Although I can't see any threads cut in the barrel. Do You know where I might buy one.
Kevin

[Kmullen]

I talked to Hubbard's and He is sending out what I need.
THANKS for he help!
Kevin

[PHATINJUN]

You need to get the one out of your bbl first when the plug is in you can't see the threads. If you get yours out you may only need the nipple. Hubbard's is best bet. Kurt

[MSP Ret]

This is all great info guys and thanks. Just 2 days ago I received received my really excellent 12 gauge Huntsman 12 gauge with the same prefix to the serial number, AJ, which indicates a manufacture date of 1972. This has a push in breechplug that looks almost new, as if it has seen little use, it is bright and clean. Does anyone know if H&R ever produced ML shotguns with a screw in breechplug?  That would be good to know. If they did not it might make sense since a shotgun produces much less chamber pressure that a rifle. Does it take a special nipple I have to get through Hubbard or can I just pick one up locally?
The fit, finish, and condition of this ML shotgun is exceptional. The bluing is great and dark and the colorcase hardening colors are beautiful and vivid, the breechplug is clean and bright and the bore is great, shiny and smooth with no pitting at all. I do need a nipple and a ramrod. It had a receiver sight professionally mounted which I have removed. I am going to have my gunsmith remove the front sight which the original owner had attached and replace the front bead which has been removed. It appears that the original owner must have used this shotgun during the ML season for deer in Massachusetts (where he is from) when we were limited to smoothbore ML's. This ML shotgun is really in fine condition. Thanks for any and all replies....<><....

[PHATINJUN]

Sounds like you got a very good deal when all said and done. I would think you could us about any nipple as long as it was not to long but then again with it being the push in one you can't be to short either. Let me take a look at mine on the .58 when I get home tonight and see what I can tell. Kurt

[Hammerspur]

MSP,

Not positive but I think the Hubbard's 209 primer holder will work in your push-in just as it does on the one in my .58.
Also the musket cap nipple designed for TC inlines would work.

http://www.gunaccessories.com/ThompsonCenter/ReplacementNipples.asp

[PHATINJUN]

Hammerspur I have not really paid much attention to mine before but are they all pretty much the same length? Kurt

[MSP Ret]

Hi guys, Thanks for the info and input guys. The front sight was silver soldered and screwed on, I have removed it and it does not look bad at all, a little touch up blue or even cold blue where the front sight was and it will look fine.  Also, out of curiosity I took a nipple off one of my TC Renegades and tried it, it fit right in and looked to be the correct length. I put a cap on it and off to the back yard, cocled it and pulled the trigger and "bang", it works fine with a regular TC nipple. I guess it was made to use a regular nipple. I also have a replacement nipple on one of my TC Renegades that uses Musket caps (aka Top Hat caps) and I am sure that would fit as well since it is a replacement for the TC standard nipple. Hopefully off to the gunsmith to get a replacement front bead fitted to the hole in the barrel and then it will be all set to go. It really is a lightweight gun, very comfortable in the hand and easy to carry....<><....

[Hammerspur]

Hammerspur I have not really paid much attention to mine before but are they all pretty much the same length? Kurt

I don't have a 12 ga. to eyeball but my buddy had one and its push-in appeared no different from the one in my .58.
Never saw a the old Huntsman with a screw-in until you posted the pic of the plug & wrench.
 
Also never saw or heard of a 12 ga. or .58 cal with a screw-in... Maybe only the .45's came so equipped?  Anyone know for sure?