How can I fix a bent front sight and firing pin of an antique revolver?
- Thread starter svt-40
- Start date
I would put the sight in the vise with soft jaws and just straighten it. If the solder is weak and it comes off, straighten it and then resolder it on. If the pin is worn you could have it welded back to a suitable length. There are probably some other idea's for fixing the pin as well though.
Put the hammer in a vise, and push the pin straight with a soft punch and a hammer.
Same technique for the sight.
If the firing pin (or the sight) breaks off, then you carry on and do what has to be done to fix that, but you will be not much behind, by trying to bend the parts back, first.
If the firing pin bent to begin with, it's reasonable to expect it to bend back. If the pin is hardened, bending it to where it is, likely as not cracked it enough that there is nothing to do but replace the pin. If you feel the need, soot the tip of the pin with a candle flame, and heat it with a propane torch until the soot burns off. This will relieve the temper a bit, and MAY help to prevent it snapping off. Same can be done to the sight.
Cheers
Trev
Same technique for the sight.
If the firing pin (or the sight) breaks off, then you carry on and do what has to be done to fix that, but you will be not much behind, by trying to bend the parts back, first.
If the firing pin bent to begin with, it's reasonable to expect it to bend back. If the pin is hardened, bending it to where it is, likely as not cracked it enough that there is nothing to do but replace the pin. If you feel the need, soot the tip of the pin with a candle flame, and heat it with a propane torch until the soot burns off. This will relieve the temper a bit, and MAY help to prevent it snapping off. Same can be done to the sight.
Cheers
Trev
Good point, If the sight is cast you will have to mill it. If it isnt you can check the hardness of the sight with a file or small center punch. If it is very soft I would have no fear bending it but if it is seems even slightly hard milling is probably better although there will be a void were the metal use to be on one side. A combination may be the best. If you are thinking about bending take a good look with a magnifying glass to ensure there are no hair line fractures along the bend.
Object is to get it hot, rather than to use any particular gas, so yes.
The advice to try the file on the metal is a good piece. If the metal is not hard, chances are really good, it will bend right back. If the metal IS hard, maybe not. Is the sight soldered on? If so, it is likely that the sight is quite soft as a result of the heat used to install it.
The sight looks like it was knocked sideways in a fall or some such, unless there are marks to make you think otherwise.
Be carefull not to get the sight TOO hot, as you could well remove it.
Cheers
Trev
That firing pin projects far enough to fire anything. Must not be hitting the primer near the centre. I agree with trevj - if the sight and firing pin bent in the first place, they very well might bend back.
Just out of curiousity - was the sight originally bent to zero the revolver?
Just out of curiousity - was the sight originally bent to zero the revolver?
It also looked strange to me that the firing pin projected so far, but did not ignite the primers. Those primers that fired from 2nd or 3d attempt had very deep lumps. Maybe that's a weak return spring, not firing pin, that cause the misfires?
It's hard to tell if the site was bent on purpose - I yet have to order the proper dies and load proper 380 short ammo for her. So far I only shot her with 38 colt shorts which can't hit the barn wall.
It's hard to tell if the site was bent on purpose - I yet have to order the proper dies and load proper 380 short ammo for her. So far I only shot her with 38 colt shorts which can't hit the barn wall.
