Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Muzzleloaders Steel key for Thompson/Center Renegade

Loaned out the Renegade and came back without the forearm key holding the barrel on. In fairness, it was loose and I should have worked on it.

Anyone have an extra they would want to trade for other parts? I think I had the factory butt plate and maybe some conicals I could trade. If no one has one, can order from Track of the Wolf probably. Thanks and let me know if you have an extra.

http://www.cainsoutdoor.com/shop/item.asp?item=02237

That is exactly what I need. They are out, but will look around at a few vendors. Can't be the only guy to lose one.

I've seen them for sale on Ebay also, if you use that service.

I just did a Google search for them and had many hits with prices between $7 and $16. Here is one:

http://www.opticsplanet.com/thompso...negade-and-pennsylvania-hunter-7013.html

Many MLs require a slight bend in that pin-key, to create a secure / tighter fit. My pins are no stranger to my work bench vice.

You could also make your key captured like some of the original Hawken rifles were. The key needs to be slotted, and a pin under the escutcheon keeps the key from coming completely out of the rifle.

I used a bit of old credit card in the barrel channel to get the same effect on a Cherokee.

Great info guys, much appreciated. I'll experiment some with it.

Mine came out during a hunt and caused me to miss a deer.
After you find a new one tap lightly with a small hammer to tighten it up. (The slot)
whelennut

I'm going to try that credit card idea.

Usually you tap/dent inward the wedge lug under the barrel to get a tight fit. For a wedge pin get one that is long enough and grind it down to length. Put a little cold gun blue on the end to match the color.

http://www.trackofthewolf.com/Categories/PartDetail.aspx/964/1/KEY-TC-I?PageSize=100

http://www.trackofthewolf.com/Categories/PartDetail.aspx/964/1/KEY-USA-I?PageSize=100

http://www.trackofthewolf.com/List/Item.aspx/964/1?PageSize=100

I've bent a slight bow in the wedge to keep it in place.
"Slight" being the operative word, too much tension can crack the stock above the slots.
Lay the wedge flat on the back of a vise and hammer gently in the center to bow the key. Test as you go!

Best to just dimple the barrel lug. No unusual pressure on anything but the wedge pin stays put.