Set Screw for TC Hawken Nipple?

[Josmund]

It appears there is a small set screw to side of the nipple. Does this need to be released prior to removing the nipple? I looked at the current TC Hawken manual and they don't mention it at all.

I tried to losen it up and it's in there tight. Any suggestions on getting to losen up a tad?

[hookeye]

Older models had it, newer ones do not. It does not need to be removed to take off or install a nipple.

[sabotloader]

Originally Posted by Josmund

It appears there is a small set screw to side of the nipple. Does this need to be released prior to removing the nipple? I looked at the current TC Hawken manual and they don't mention it at all.

I tried to losen it up and it's in there tight. Any suggestions on getting to losen up a tad?

That screw is a clean out screw to help you clean the breech area. It has nothing to do with the nipple.

It has probably seized itself in place. If you soak the breech in penetrating oil you might get it loose or even if you heat the area it might loosen....

Set the barrel on a pan of boiling water for a few minutes and see if you can get it loose.

[Josmund]

Thanks fellas!!

Great help as always.

Anyone know how old this gun may be? Serial number 167XXX

[cayugad]

That is called the Bolster clean out screw. If you remove it, when you give your rifle a water bath for cleaning, you can increase the volume of water you pump not only through the rifle, but especially the bolster. This of course helps to flush the fouling out of the bolster and keep that nice and open.

If it will not come out, I would just ignore it. Removing the nipple and giving it a water bath will work just the same. As mentioned, the newer models do not even have it. Mostly because they become frozen unless you take them out each you clean your rifle. I put a little anti seize on the threads when I put it back.

[hookeye]

It may be a "clean out screw" but why mess with it? I never took mine out, never neglected to clean my guns either. Hot soapy water was always enough to get the whole flame channel clean.

If the gun is in good shape and fires fine, I'd leave it alone.

If you are OCD and just have to have it out the best penetrating oil I have used is Kroil. I use nothing else.

You'll have to order it from the manufacturer, or Brownells. Some better gunshops stock it, but it's around $20 a can. It does stink a bit too.