Pistol Repair

rptrower · August 28, 2008, 02:03 PM

I have several weapons that I have owned for years or inherited that need repairs. As a retired electrical engineer and a person who has done a lot of fabrication/welding and other precision work, I am interested in gunsmithing.

Please excuse my lack of accurate terminology of parts.

I own a Hawes 22 single shot target pistol that I bought about 40 years ago. The barrell is slightly loose in the action. The button you push to release the barrell for loading had a tapered rectangular piece that fits in a groove in breech end of the barrell. This groove is worn from years of firing. With this wear allowing the barrell to move, the pistol sometimes does not fire.

Can anyone give me ideas or the proper way of building up this groove to restore the tightness to the action?

9x19 · August 28, 2008, 03:30 PM

Sounds like a task for a good TIG welder (because you can limit heat exposure to the surrounding part) and a mill, or rat-tail file to reshape the barrel lug.

rptrower · August 28, 2008, 03:52 PM

The tig welder & file were also my first thought. Didn't know if anyone had a better method. Thanks

Joat · August 28, 2008, 03:53 PM

A larger tenon to take up the slop

rptrower · August 28, 2008, 05:04 PM

Joat

Thanks for the suggestion however the tenon slides back into an opening in the action so it can't be enlarged. It also does not appear to be worn.

Bill DeShivs · August 28, 2008, 05:21 PM

The Hawes pistol has a zinc frame. The barrel is also zinc, with a steel liner. Don't get heat anywhere near it!

rptrower · August 28, 2008, 07:36 PM

Bill,

Thanks for the info about the zinc barrell. I am thinking about trying one of the new epoxies that are supposed to setup as hard as steel and adhere to about anything. It would not be much of a project to fill the worn area then file to correct size.

Tom2 · August 28, 2008, 08:21 PM

Well in that case, I have used epoxies at work that are filled with metal. Steel and aluminum filled and they are really tough stuff when hardened, and somewhat machineable too. They even look like metal hardened. I could see that sort of fix on a zinc alloy gun and being only a .22 which does not endure alot of pressure and stress like a larger centerfire pistol. Remember fully degrease everything and even remove any oxide from the bonding surfaces and perhaps roughen for better adhesion. But if you enjoy shooting that, perhaps upgrade and invest in a newer gun made of steel! Might even have more fun with that. Of course ask for opinions here and get some ideas before spending money. Some guns out there have their quirks.

August 28, 2008, 02:03 PM	#1
rptrower Senior Member Join Date: June 5, 2008 Location: Mid Missouri Posts: 211	Pistol Repair I have several weapons that I have owned for years or inherited that need repairs. As a retired electrical engineer and a person who has done a lot of fabrication/welding and other precision work, I am interested in gunsmithing. Please excuse my lack of accurate terminology of parts. I own a Hawes 22 single shot target pistol that I bought about 40 years ago. The barrell is slightly loose in the action. The button you push to release the barrell for loading had a tapered rectangular piece that fits in a groove in breech end of the barrell. This groove is worn from years of firing. With this wear allowing the barrell to move, the pistol sometimes does not fire. Can anyone give me ideas or the proper way of building up this groove to restore the tightness to the action?

August 28, 2008, 03:30 PM	#2
9x19 Senior Member Join Date: October 15, 1998 Location: Sherman, TX USA Posts: 3,750	Sounds like a task for a good TIG welder (because you can limit heat exposure to the surrounding part) and a mill, or rat-tail file to reshape the barrel lug. __________________ Make mine lean, mean, and 9x19!

August 28, 2008, 03:52 PM	#3
rptrower Senior Member Join Date: June 5, 2008 Location: Mid Missouri Posts: 211	Hawes Pistol Repair The tig welder & file were also my first thought. Didn't know if anyone had a better method. Thanks

August 28, 2008, 03:53 PM	#4
Joat Senior Member Join Date: March 31, 2008 Location: Dayton, TX Posts: 383	A larger tenon to take up the slop __________________ All things being equal, fat people use more soap. (I know I am one.) High speed, low drag does not even come close to describing ME.

August 28, 2008, 05:21 PM	#6
Bill DeShivs Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2006 Posts: 10,981	The Hawes pistol has a zinc frame. The barrel is also zinc, with a steel liner. Don't get heat anywhere near it! __________________ Bill DeShivs, Master Cutler www.billdeshivs.com

August 28, 2008, 05:04 PM	#5
rptrower Senior Member Join Date: June 5, 2008 Location: Mid Missouri Posts: 211	Joat Thanks for the suggestion however the tenon slides back into an opening in the action so it can't be enlarged. It also does not appear to be worn.

August 28, 2008, 07:36 PM	#7
rptrower Senior Member Join Date: June 5, 2008 Location: Mid Missouri Posts: 211	Bill, Thanks for the info about the zinc barrell. I am thinking about trying one of the new epoxies that are supposed to setup as hard as steel and adhere to about anything. It would not be much of a project to fill the worn area then file to correct size.

August 28, 2008, 08:21 PM	#8
Tom2 Senior Member Join Date: June 23, 2004 Location: Ohio Posts: 5,676	Well in that case, I have used epoxies at work that are filled with metal. Steel and aluminum filled and they are really tough stuff when hardened, and somewhat machineable too. They even look like metal hardened. I could see that sort of fix on a zinc alloy gun and being only a .22 which does not endure alot of pressure and stress like a larger centerfire pistol. Remember fully degrease everything and even remove any oxide from the bonding surfaces and perhaps roughen for better adhesion. But if you enjoy shooting that, perhaps upgrade and invest in a newer gun made of steel! Might even have more fun with that. Of course ask for opinions here and get some ideas before spending money. Some guns out there have their quirks. __________________ Your gun is like your nose, it is just wrong for someone else to pick it for you!