Zouave breech face pics

[Somerset]

Hi, I used my bore scope to get some pictures of the “Korea” Zouave’s breech face. The two with the orangish deposit are from the “Korea” Zouave and the one is of a Zoli Zouave I have from comparison. What do think of the deposits. Are they cause for concern. Will be ordering a breech face scrapper soon to try and remove them. Thanks

 

[bang]

Think its just going to matter how much loss of metal vs integrity. Unfortunately give the location about the only thing that will tell is removing the breach. Difficult enough on a hex barrel, definate difficulty on a round barrel. Think any metal loss at the face probably negligible given the bulk. Real question is has the corrosion encroached in the circumference to the point of integrity loss. Be nice if you knew someone with an ultrasonic tester. If you know a dentist real well maybe they could xray it for you.

 

[Zonie]

I wouldn't worry about it Somerset. That small amount of rust isn't enough to cause any problems or safety issues.

 

[Somerset]

Do you think the deposit is carbon from black powder? I can’t think of any machining process that would leave something that looks like that.

 

[Zonie]

It looks like superficial or surface rust to me. Like I say, don't worry about it.

 

[dave951]

Looks to be surface rust. Hit it with a breech face scraper, shoot and don't worry.

 

[Rat]

Light rust, not a problem. That breech plug is way way thicker than the barrel walls. Probably a little rust in the threads, probably has formed a nice barrier against further rust.

 

[Cowboy]

I see no problem my friend. If it really bothers you, I’d pour a very small amount of Evapo-Rust down the bore and let it sit for a couple of hours. Then flush with water, dry with cleaning patches, followed by WD-40, then lubricate with your choice of lubricant.

As Zonie had already stated, I don’t see a problem either.

Respectfully, Cowboy

 

[Zonie]

Just a word of caution about using Evapo-rust or any other rust remover (including vinegar): The browning or bluing on a barrel is a form of rust. If any rust remover gets on it, it will remove the browning or bluing leaving the bare metal to show.

 

[Somerset]

Just wanted to thank everyone for their advice. Now that I have learned what a “patent” breech is I am not so concerned.

 

[Stantheman86]

Think of how many millions of original rifle-muskets were in service with rusty breech faces , with no issues.