Issue with mounting flash guard on Pedersoli Brown Bess musket.

[ekessler507]

Well, I finally purchased a flintlock to do American Revolution reenacting, a Pedersoli Brown Bess.  The original owner never fired it, just a wall hanger.  I attempted to mount a flash guard (.053" thick) under the head of the frizzen screw and ... no threads will engage with the bridle.  I did make sure the guard was not hung up on anything.  So then, I dismount the frizzen and drop the screw into position and snug it, only 1-1/3 threads engagement (see photo).  I would have thought that the lock plate side of the bridle would have been thread the entire thickness, ~3/8".  Is this normal for a Pedersoli lock plate or is mine defective?  Any have or heard of this issue and a possible solution short of a new lock plate?  Assistance appreciated!

[Bigsmoke]

Man, don't you just love it when things like this happen?  I don't.
I would imagine that the hole in the lock plate is drilled all the way through?
If so, I think you could get a tap and finish tapping the lock plate.
Than maybe you could get a longer replacement screw through maybe Brownell's.
Or contact Pedersoli directly and ask for a cure for the problem.  I know Pierangelo gets really pissed when something gets past quality control.  That's what I would do first.
On their website they should have a Contact Us section with an email address.  They do speak English.
Good luck.
John (Bigsmoke)
PS:  If you opt for the fix it hint I gave, remember - metric threads

[ekessler507]

John,
Thanks for the information!  I have reached out to Pedersoli, but am still waiting a response.  Yea, gotta love it ... NOT!!!

[Winter Hawk]

I would look first if the bridle hole goes all the way through the lock plate.  If so, the quick fix would be to get a tap of the appropriate size and cut threads all the way through as John suggested.  You may need to redrill it first.  Bear in mind that the design may not be to drill all the way through, but just too the lock plate.  In that case I would see if there is some obstruction in the hole keeping the screw from going in any further.

Looking at the photo, do the threads go all the way up the shaft of the screw?  It appears like only a short portion at the tip is threaded and the rest has been turned down or has some clear plastic over it.  If chasing the threads doesn't fix the problem you might want to get a replacement screw (again as John mentioned, remember that it's a metric thread).  Since the problem didn't show up until you tried to mount a flash guard a longer screw may be in order; all the work on the screw hole won't do any good if the screw is too short!  I think that would be my first try, to get a longer screw (try Ace Hardware).  That may fix the problem right off the bat!

~Kees~