Thanks, Rob. Working on getting the bureaucracy to kick loose the necessary funds. Will advise.
Update:
Wednesday was very productive. Dropped by early with a bag full of tools and blood in my eye. That firing block was gonna come out or else I was going to apply harsher language and more animal brute force.
Last week we pulled out the Firing Block Catch, made sure the striker was in the "fired" position, and attempted to rotate the block clockwise as per the manual. Sadly, the combined force of a brawny WO and me shouting encouragement accomplished nothing. She was on there as tight as if she was welded. I retired to consider strategy. Fast forward to this past Wednesday, when I returned to the battlefield with a soft-faced hammer and a plan.
Scribed around the perimeter of the piece with a dental tool, applied penetrating oil, waited five minutes, whispering soft words of affection to her the whole time. Pulled the disassembly catch rearward, applied torque. Nothing. Hammer time.
Gentle taps showed slight progress. Good. Not breaking stuff. Hit harder. Rotation.
More tappage. Interrupted threads disengage, block is free. Feeling pretty Indiana Jones about now.
There she is.
Some rust present, but the lads who last had her apart were generous with the oil and grease. Zero pitting or problems, just dried grease and paint adhesion.
Flushed with success, we moved to the breechblock itself.
After tapping out the Breech Operating Handle Buffer (held tight by paint and time) the breech block was delivered into the hands of a helpful MWO who happened to be wandering by. Thanks again, mate.
Looks horrifying, I know, but most of that was dried grease and oil and came off with gentle scraping using a razor blade. There's very little if any rust on that breechblock. Weighs about as much as one would expect a large loaf of bread made of steel to weigh.
I also pulled the firing linkage off the port side of the breech ring - all of it painted green. Broke my heart to get it off and find brass. There should be a law about painting brass. never mind. I'll make it right.
Took the firing linkage and firing block home for teardown, cleaning, paint stripping, relubrication, and affection. Teaching a course this weekend, so I lose two days, but come Monday I should have more pics.
Quick question - I want to get that grisly green paint off the entire breech end of things. Any suggestions re: paint stripper that's kind to steel and brass?