If it is a CVA Apollo I would not shoot that rifle. They had some real problems with the breech plug blowing up. I am not sure the breech plug even comes out of them. Have your friend call CVA and tell them he has an Apollo that is acting up and the breech plug will not come out. It might surprise him what they will do for him. But I sure would not load that thing and shoot it if it is the rifle I am thinking it is......