TC New Englander Screw?

[mthom1957]

I have just bought a TC New Englander in .50 cal. and upon cleaning and inspection I see there is a small set screw on the top of the breech block or breechplug area. The screw can be screwed down tight but when this is done the screw is maybe 1/8 to 3/16 in. below the surface. When kept flush the screw is loose. Does anyone know what this screw is for and should it be kept tight or not?
Thanks,mthom

[nicholst55]

It sounds like a filler screw for a sight or scope mount hole. It's only there to fill the hole, so it doesn't have to be tight.

[bubba.50]

the hole in the top of the breechplug right next to the tang is just a filler screw for the rear scope mount hole. don't know if they're still available but t/c used to sell long scopemounts that used the rear sight holes and the hole in question. some, such as the one for new englander were offset to the left so you could use it without modifyin' the hammer. for what it's worth and have a good'en friends, bubba.

[excess650]

It is definitely a filler for the rear of the scope mount.

[Chief]

my .54 New Englander has no such screw or hole at all...just not so lucky I guess...