Stuck Breech plug on a TC Pro Hunter FX

09 November 2014, 06:21

L. David Keith

I recently purchased a TC Pro Hunter FX in .50 cal. Took it to the range yesterday and fired 8 rounds to field test CEB's new muzzle loading bullets. I had mounted a scope on it and now find their spanner wrench can't align with the slots and no amount of hand twisting can budge it. I've tried using an adjustable wrench but it can't get enough grip on the plug to move it. I had breech plug grease on the threads but evidently not enough. Wrote an email to TC tonight asking for solutions. Being it's an FX (fixed barrel) evidently it won't come off. Several other issues have begun to sour my feeling about this muzzle loader. Anyone encounter this before? Find a solution?

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10 November 2014, 19:25

Mark

Does the plug have a hex head? I thought the supplied wrench for my inline was too bulky to easily carry in my pocket so I got a 1/4" ratchet and a deep well socket. With an extension I suspect it will clear your scope fine. Mine was something like a 11mm or close but just bring your wrench to the store.

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10 November 2014, 20:15

L. David Keith

Johnny, if I have to remove the scope, I'll sell this flaw. Several design problems with this model really burn me. Too much money for problems like this. I possibly could have used too little breech plug grease but it should have been enough. Don't believe 777 is non corrosive. It not only is corrosive (prior experience with their loose powder) but the pellets leave a lot of residue as well. TC should have realized scopes would be used on this model (as most modern muzzle loaders do) and not produced a breech plug with slots that do not allow removal by hand or spanner wrench. I've emailed TC but have yet to receive a reply. May call them shortly. As for the CEB's I didn't have time to complete my initial sighting in and therefore missed opening weekend of our m/l deer opener. I'll follow up with results soon.
Mark, the breech uses slots; one on each side of the vent hole. The spanner type wrench will not align due to the scope being in the way and no amount of hand pressure will budge it. Pliers cannot fit either.

10 November 2014, 21:49

JPK

quote:
Originally posted by Mark:
Does the plug have a hex head? I thought the supplied wrench for my inline was too bulky to easily carry in my pocket so I got a 1/4" ratchet and a deep well socket. With an extension I suspect it will clear your scope fine. Mine was something like a 11mm or close but just bring your wrench to the store.

This is what I do with an Omega. I use a 6" extension. The "speed Breach" is a step backward, imo.

How about a do it yourself strap wrench? Us a pair of Channel Locks or a Vise Grips and a piece of webbing?

JPK

10 November 2014, 22:59

L. David Keith

JPK, Hex head would have been much better than the speed breech. TC/S&W advised (I had to call them)to remove the scope

then use the wrench to remove. They said the breech has 3 threading options and to experiment to find which way will align the slots to allow use of the wrench while a scope is attached. I then called a gunsmith friend of mine who suggested it is possible that the one piece mounting screws could have made contact with the breech threads, thus preventing a hands on removal. I will have to remove the scope much to my irritation. At least I didn't have the final adjustments made. Appreciate the replies.

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30 December 2014, 22:16

L. David Keith

Mark, they replaced two internal parts and sent back the same rifle. It functions properly now, however I haven't remounted the scope (for the 3rd time) and fired it. Hopefully it will operate without problems now. And yes, the turn around was excellent although I didn't get to use it on our AR group hunt in KY. There's always next year.

31 December 2014, 04:52

OLBIKER

quote:
Originally posted by L. David Keith:
Mark, they replaced two internal parts and sent back the same rifle. It functions properly now, however I haven't remounted the scope (for the 3rd time) and fired it. Hopefully it will operate without problems now. And yes, the turn around was excellent although I didn't get to use it on our AR group hunt in KY. There's always next year.

You are right on when you said you should not have to spend good money on a product and waste your time and money,by having to send it back to get it operating that way it should have from the get go.It seems like everything made now a days is like that.