58 benjamin 312 muzzle plug screws broken

[mlb]

I have an 1958 312. The big problem is the screws are broken below the surface. Any ideas how get them out? Don't want to damage the brass threads.

[eeler1]

Hate it when that happens.  Maybe try some glue on the end of a cut-off toothpick? 

Actually, you are going to need replacement screws, which are really hard to find.  So you will end up calling a parts person to get some.  I'd suggest Rick Willnecker of Precision Pellet.  Give him a call, buy a couple of new screws from him, and see what he suggests as far as getting the old ones out.

And make sure you let us know how this worked out for you.  Might save others some heartache.

[TooJung2Die]

You can buy reverse twist drill bits. Often drilling a hole in the screw with a reverse twist bit will back out the screw. Soak it in penetrating oil first. If it doesn't come out I remember seeing tiny ez-out type screw extractors for sale. I think it was banggood.com.

[gendoc]

i'd send it to Dennis Baker and let him cast his magic on it.
because my poor vision will not let me do the things i once could do....

[TerryM]

I had to deal with this very problem with a 312 I worked on last spring ( https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/index.php?topic=124473.0 )  I used a little hand drill to make a shallow hole in each screw and turned them out with a knife point.  My 10X stereomicroscope made it a bit easier.  Problem with this gun, the pivot pin had been hammered on and caused the pivot pin hole in the tube to wallow out.  This caused the two retaining screws to take all the stress from pumping, causing one of the new ones to shear off soon after replacement.  Ended up using a 342 front plug with roll pins.  Rick at Precision Pellet will have the screws.  Good luck!

[Hoosier Daddy]

good luck Mark!

[mlb]

Thanx for the helpful ideas. Its going to be a while before i can do anything (overtime season).