model 12 problem..

[Brentn]

I have a norinco model 12 in which the heatshield flys off when I shoot it. This is a reproduction of the trench gun used in WW2 with the exact same heatshield/bayonet lug setup.

Using regular bird shot 2 3/4 (gun will not shoot 3") after about ten rounds the heat shield starts to slide off the gun. If I had shot it any more it would have flown right off,

I feel crappy that I can't take the trench gun out to shoot because of this unreliability, and I really don't want to glue the heatshield on because it must come off in order to clean the gun.

Any ideas?
The three clamping screws near the barrel end that hold it on are in as tight as they can go.. I really don't know what else to do here.
If any pictures are required I'll post them.

Thanks for your help.

 

[tjhaile]

I wasn't aware that Norinco made a Winchester Model 12 copy. Are you sure it isn't a Model 1897? If it has an exposed hammer, it's an 1897.

 

[straightshooter]

If it's exactly as you describe, the heat shield mount must be defective. Are the two sides of the mount actually touching each other when fully tightened? If it's new and under warranty, return it for service. If you fool with it, you'll void the warranty. If bought used or out of warranty:

There's 2 ways you could fix it. If you take a small amount of material off of one or both of the faces that meet when the screws are fully tightened. This would allow the screws to tighten a bit more.

If this is impractical or you lack the tools to do it properly, you could try adding a thin "bandaid" of material around the barrel at the position where the heat shield contacts the barrel. Something that won't scratch the barrel but is heat resistant would be best. Some of the gasket materials you can get at Canadian Tire, for example. This would effectively increase the outside diameter of the barrel and allow the shield mount to grasp tightly while reducing slippage between the two parts.

 

[Brentn]

Yes, i was wrong , it is the model 1897 trench gun.

Straightshooter, the shield does touch when the screws are fully tightened, but as you said I believe your right in which the shield is defective. It isn't on tight enough, even when fully screwed on. I like that idea of the tape, and it sounds like it would work perfectly.

I think teflon tape would be best, as it's heat proof (at least to the kind of heat that the gun can make) and does not stick. I'll try and find some wider stuff than I already have.

Thanks for the advice, it was exactly what I needed.

 

[Brentn]

The teflon tape wasn't working as it got bunched up when I tried to slide on the shield.

I did use some electrical tape, just one perfect layer in 3 parts where the shield clamps down. I removed the screws so that it could slide on and tightened it up. I took it to the range today and it works just fine, no signs of slippage.

Thanks for the idea!

 

[straightshooter]

I'm glad it worked for you. I would caution against using electrical tape as a long term solution, though. The tape isn't heat resistant and may cause an awful mess if the barrel gets too hot. Also, the glue on the tape will catch dust and cleaning solvents, etc., and will create an area where this corrosive concoction will be in constant contact with the barrel.

Even the heat shield mount itself, with nothing between it and the barrel steel, will leave a mark over time - there's nothing you can do about it. If you need additional material to get a more positive fit, I still recommend gasket material or similar (something that's at least heat resistant and with no glue on it). There's some sheets of a mixture of cork and synthetic material that might work well.

Or, my other idea about removing some material from the facing surfaces on the heat shield mount, will shrink the radius of the mount opening and produce a tighter fit.

On the other hand, if you plan to run 'er hard and put 'er away wet (in other words, if you plan to have it more as a truck gun than a safe queen), then a little more wear on the bluing won't make a big difference.