How to restore musket

[Green]

I'm thinking about getting a original 1816 Springfield conversion musket, but I'd like to know what it will take to get it to shot blanks. I know it needs a new nipple and maybe a stock if I want to return it to original condition. The owner said the breach needs to be tapped, what does that mean? The action needs a little work along with the barrel. Some pics....
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[redbob]

I can't really tell by the pictures, but he may mean that the threaded port where the nipple goes may be stripped out or the threads may be otherwise compromised. If this is the case, the threads will be needed to be cleaned up or rethreaded using a tap.

 

[Bob Owen]

The nipple area appears to be severely shot out. I personally would not fool with it. I would save up and buy a good one in very good condition.

 

[James N.]

Since the nipple's entirely gone, the threads probably are, too. ( Or worn and eroded enough to be very weak. ) Did you know that with a charge, if the threads actually "give", the nipple can become a projectile and come back through your head? What there is of the stock looks pretty nice, but I suspect the barrel's been cut down because I don't see the bayonet lug; if true, the barrel's useless anyway. What you're really proposing is taking a historically intact and fairly respectable but used-up wall hanger that's at least pretty, and turning it into a mostly repro "parts gun" with a few original pieces. What Bob said.

 

[Green]

Ok, thanks guys. I won't get it. The barrel is full length and you can barely see the bayonet lug in the picture(Or atleast he said). Thanks

 

[chuckltd]

Personally, I wouldn't risk firing that gun. Let that one rest; it's earned it.

 

[Craig L Barry]

You will not find a gunsmith on the plant that would work on that barrel and re-seat a percussion cone.
You can piece in and extend the forestock and make a nice wallhanger out of it.