damaged barrel, rod thimbles

[Tom Breig]

If this is in the wrong forum please delete or move,
I received a Hawken in the mail I purchased that was severely damaged in transport. The ramrod thimbles snapped off the screws holding them to the rib under the barrel. The screws holding the rib to the barrel are not budging. Is it usually hard to unscrew them so I can replace the thimble screws? or is this something a gunsmith should do?
Was thinking about maybe heating the screws but not sure what it would do to the barrel.
Any advise is appreciated.
Thanks

 

[Eric Krewson]

Soak the screws in penetrating oil for a few days and see if they will come out, lightly tap the back of your screwdriver when you try to remove them.

 

[Rifleman1776]

Before doing anything consider contacting the seller for a replacement or insurance settlement from the shipper. For better help here pics are important. Good luck.

 

[Tom Breig]

Thank you Erik. I did exactly what you said and they came right out.
Where do think is the best place to buy new screws from?

 

[Eric Krewson]

Ebay or a guy on here that has a lot of TC parts that I think runs Cain's Outdoors. I think he goes by Ed in WV. It would be best to deal with him directly, I was going to order a TC sear spring from the Cain's online catalog, the spring cost $4, the shipping on this pencil eraser sized item was $13 so I found one on eBay shipped free.