Barrel Corked Model 1842 Springfield

[usmclight]

Greetings! I have an M1842 (dated 1845 lock plate/1846 barrel tang) and it has been "corked" at the muzzle. Reportedly, it was done shortly after the CW in late 19th century and was "loaded and balled then corked". The musket is in perfect condition mechanically and aesthetically. Chocolate brown patina, light occasional pitting on buttstock and nipple. Trigger assembly is strong and true in fully cocked and half-cocked positions. Fully intact, 3 band , no alterations.

Can anyone tell me why it is corked? And if it is advisable to have cork removed to inspect the bore? The bore is the only missing link at this time. Im wondering if it can be proofed and then possibly fired perhaps. Thank you in advance.

 

[plymouthairrifle]

Do you mean the material in the muzzle is just real cork? If it is I would pull it out and check it out, see if the gun is loaded and condition of the bore

 

[usmclight]

Do you mean the material in the muzzle is just real cork? If it is I would pull it out and check it out, see if the gun is loaded and condition of the bore

Plymouth, yes the muzzle is plugged with an actual cork it appears. I posted a pic above showing the cork. Im doing it now. Thanks

 

[Craig L Barry]

Yeah, like a wine bottle (it looks like). Should be easy to remove that.

 

[johan_steele]

That was done to drill rifles and arms sometimes donated to GAR posts for parade purposes.

 

[Jobe Holiday]

"Loaded, balled, and corked.", is a myth. Pull the coark and let us know what you find!
J.

 

[usmclight]

OK gents. I pulled the cork and it is tapered and heavy. Kind of weird. However, I can't get to the breech yet. I need a tool to dig around with. The bore is pretty good condition with the exception of some powdery surface rust.

 

[Youngblood]

Put a ramrod down it and see if it stops short or goes all the way to the end.

 

[usmclight]

Put a ramrod down it and see if it stops short or goes all the way to the end.

Youngblood- Good call! Nothing in the barrel as far as ramrod depth to breech/chamber is consistent with NO BALL!! I Will drop a light too if I can- thanks!

 

[Story]

Something like this is good for inspecting bores
http://www.outdoorsexperience.com/t...onsboresight&gclid=CIiPj_X1vMwCFQZZhgodCJMCTA

 

[usmclight]

Something like this is good for inspecting bores
http://www.outdoorsexperience.com/t...onsboresight&gclid=CIiPj_X1vMwCFQZZhgodCJMCTA

Thanks Story! I was trying to figure out what to drop down there for illum-

 

[Package4]

Thanks Story! I was trying to figure out what to drop down there for illum-

Just hit your local Walmart and pick up the keychain or small maglight, works perfectly.

 

[kevikens]

Why would anyone strongly cork a loaded firearm? Any attempt to fire it could have it blow up in your face. Just getting a barrel clogged with mud could be potentially disastrous.

 

[originalrebelyell]

Roll up a small ball of aluminum smaller than the bore diameter and shine a light down the bore the light hitting the aluminum should reflect enough light to see down the bore. When you are finished looking, tilt the bore down and the aluminum ball will roll out. Just be sure to roll it smaller than the bore.

 

[usmclight]

Roll up a small ball of aluminum smaller than the bore diameter and shine a light down the bore the light hitting the aluminum should reflect enough light to see down the bore. When you are finished looking, tilt the bore down and the aluminum ball will roll out. Just be sure to roll it smaller than the bore.

That was a great idea and worked!! Thanks RebelYell

 

[originalrebelyell]

Glad it worked for you

 

[Story]

Why would anyone strongly cork a loaded firearm? Any attempt to fire it could have it blow up in your face. Just getting a barrel clogged with mud could be potentially disastrous.

Because it wasn't loaded?

Youngblood- Good call! Nothing in the barrel as far as ramrod depth to breech/chamber is consistent with NO BALL!! I Will drop a light too if I can- thanks!

 

[kevikens]

Because it wasn't loaded?

The OP stated that it might be loaded.

 

[Story]

The OP then stated he checked and it wasn't loaded. See my previous post.