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How to Install a Black Powder Bolster

Muzzle-loading rifles are used by many people to this day and have been for generations. Historians and collectors often assemble these rifles themselves for use as display pieces or for hunting game. As with any firearm, working with these rifles can be dangerous and requires a certain amount of skill. A black powder bolster is a key piece to muzzle-loading rifles that is associated with the barrel and must be installed correctly to avoid having problems with the weapon.

Things You'll Need

Muzzleloader assembly kit
Screws
Rubber mallet

Instructions

- 1
  Secure the ramrod thimble sling assembly to the base of the barrel. Screw in into place with two screws.
- 2
  Connect the tang to the breech hook at the back end of the barrel.
- 3
  Lubricate the nipple and barrel bolster threads. Screw in the nipple and barrel bolster clean-out screw into the barrel bolster at the backside of the barrel. Force the barrel bolster tenon into the dovetail with a rubber mallet with the tenon slope facing the muzzle.
- 4
  Attach the rear sight to the barrel with screws. Position the rear sight base sloping upward toward the muzzle end of the rifle.
- 5
  Tap in the front sight with a rubber mallet into the dovetail groove on the muzzle end of the barrel.

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