Barrel screws

[mistahmojoryan]

Yesterday when I was replacing the rear sight on my muzzleloader the screw head broke off. It was a major pain to get it out of there.[:@] Anyways, now that it's out the threads are stripped (in the hole) so I can't just order a replacement screw; I've got to use a bigger one.

My question/concern is mostly about safety: 1) If I leave the holes unfilled, does that leave weak points on the barrel? 2) If I use a screw that's too tight, would it also cause a "pressure point" in the barrel making it unsafe?

Anyway, I'm not sure if I'm worrying about nothing or not so I figured I'd ask. Thanks!

[handloader1]

I think I would find the right tap size tomatch the original screw size; obtain some screw in plugs,anduse a little blue lock tight on the plug. Good luck.

[mistahmojoryan]

Thanks; I hadn't thought of using plugs. It might be difficult finding plugs that are small enough but I'll have a look.

[statjunk]

Gunsmiths usually have those little slugs on hand. I know mine did.

Tom

[Briman]

My question/concern is mostly about safety: 1) If I leave the holes unfilled, does that leave weak points on the barrel? 2) If I use a screw that's too tight, would it also cause a "pressure point" in the barrel making it unsafe?

Nope, and nope. you'll be fine. for #2, use a screw that fits, or have the hole drilled out and tapped to fit the larger screw. Don't force a big screw into a smaller hole- nothing to do with safety and everything to do with doing the job right.