Had to do some rifle maintenance today

[Ohio Joe]

Friday when I got back from the Range I noticed when cleaning my rifle that the front part (about 4 to 5 inches down from the muzzle) my under-rib silver solder had come loose from the barrel. Apparently years ago when I made this rifle, I didn't solder that under-rib on none to good. I figured since I had to do some soldering, I'd just strip the bluing off the barrel and re'blue it (which I did).

I also removed the breech plug for inspection, and low and behold it looked great! My cleaning methods must work just fine, as this rifle is at least 10+ years old, and although not used a lot, it has seen quite a few trips to the Range over the years. Everything was clean as clean can be.

I would have used screws this time around on the under-rib, but I was out of 'em, so I just stayed with the silver solder.

[PetahW]

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It sounds like you had a plan, to me.   

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[Ohio Joe]

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It sounds like you had a plan, to me.   

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So far the silver solder is doing just fine. 

[ridjrunr]

Is that the low temp stuff in a squeeze tube?

[Hank in WV]

I built a half stock Ohio type rifle a number of years ago. Drilling and tapping the barrel for the rib was the most nerve-wracking thing I've ever had to do concerning building muzzleloaders. I was sure there'd be 3 extra touch holes in the barrel.

[Ohio Joe]

Is that the low temp stuff in a squeeze tube?

No, it's the silver solder Forney Ind. distributes that comes in a small coil.

Drilling and tapping the barrel for the rib was the most nerve-wracking thing I've ever had to do concerning building muzzleloaders.

Hank, I agree. "nerve-wracking" that drilling and tapping.