My 1873 trapdoor mfg date 1886, has witness marks where barrel meets block. The extractor fits barrel/block perfect when witness marks line up. However the barrel is only hand tight when witness marks line up, not “ wrench” tight as I would expect. Is this acceptable and if not what would you do?
Thanks
Tom
Model 1873 barrel to block loose
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Dick Hosmer
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Re: Model 1873 barrel to block loose
It is NOT acceptable.
I had a similar case with my "experimental" LH-rifled carbine - which i do not shoot, but I think the looseness was caused by shooting, against the grain/torque, so to speak. What I did was LIGHTLY peen the threads until it took a MODEST wrenching to bring the marks in line - fine for casual display use (it no longer moves in handling) but not for shooting.
If you are going to shoot it, I'd suggest rather more enthusiastic peening, or, perhaps a REAL gunsmith/machinist might have a better answer?
I had a similar case with my "experimental" LH-rifled carbine - which i do not shoot, but I think the looseness was caused by shooting, against the grain/torque, so to speak. What I did was LIGHTLY peen the threads until it took a MODEST wrenching to bring the marks in line - fine for casual display use (it no longer moves in handling) but not for shooting.
If you are going to shoot it, I'd suggest rather more enthusiastic peening, or, perhaps a REAL gunsmith/machinist might have a better answer?
Re: Model 1873 barrel to block loose
Loctite? Not original, but designed to take care of just this sort of problem.
Re: Model 1873 barrel to block loose
How about a THIN brass washer around the barrel shank . . .
It would provide a “crush fit” when tightened.
It would provide a “crush fit” when tightened.
Re: Model 1873 barrel to block loose
I have done the washers, but made the washer from steel shim stock. Worked fine.