Stoeger Uplander wont open

[35Wailin]

I have a Stoeger Uplander, 16guage that fell into my lap. It was in a house fire, and although it has a lot of surface rust, I would like to try and see if I can get it working again. All the internals seem to move, triggers, hammers, safety, etc. The rib has separated from the barrels and the left barrel has separated from the block holding the muzzles together. I assume that if I clean up the contact areas, they can be re-soldered.

I am also assuming that the gun was stored muzzle up prior to the fire and as a result, the solder melted from the rib and flowed into the action, as I cannot move any of the action lock parts.

A few questions, can I reheat the action in the lock/hinge area to melt the solder and open the action,assuming that is the problem, without destroying any temper in the action or is that damage already done?

Will the heat of the fire have destroyed the integrity of the barrels to the point of failure if I attempt to fire it? I was going to test fire it by remote using a pair of strings on the triggers while staking the gun to the ground and finding suitable cover in case it does let go. I paid nothing for it, so if it blows up and no one gets hurt, I don't really care.

If I can safely fire it, I will attempt to find a stock and fore-end before refinishing the metal.

 

[just having some fun]

I have read a several posts from several gunsmiths (different forums)

if the wood is burnt on a firearm it is not safe to shoot again

 

[kamlooky]

It fell onto yer lap.
Stitch it together and hang it awn a wall.

 

[gunrunner100]

If any springs have lost tension, discard the gun.

 

[oldskeeter]

The repairs will cost more that the gun is worth.

 

[35Wailin]

It fell onto yer lap.
Stitch it together and hang it awn a wall.

Thats what I am leaning towards.

 

[trevj]

Swell project to experiment upon, but like the rest, I would lean away from anything that could result in it's use. Not without some real careful thought about it being next to your face, or someone else's when/if it comes apart.

Be a heck of a gun to turn in to a cutaway for classroom use or display. Do a decent job of it and it might come out worth more than it would be as a rebuilt. It'll never make you any money as far as a profit, but still, fun is hard to buy anyway.

 

[buffdog]

'
As mentioned, fire is a great enemy of guns. Since the fire was intense enough to melt the solder on the barrels, the heat treated parts of the barrels and action have been compromised. It is unsafe to shoot.

The cost of trying to re-heat treat this firearm would be more than the cost of a new one. Also, the exact type and composition of the metal is unknown, and different metals take different heat treatment, temperatures and procedures.

If you want something to work on, then take before and after pictures, and put the finished product on the wall with the pictures. Perhaps a shadow box around it. Should be a great conversation piece.