doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Welding up swivel holes in a bottom rib

I have heard it is now possible to laser weld holes from a swivel mount in the bottom rib of a barrel. Has anyone had this done by whom and were you satisfied with the results. Thanks

I have not tried the job but if I wanted to I would talk it over with Kevin at Hill's Micro Weld in Meadville, PA 814-336 4511.
He is an expert in all types of micro welding.

Bill

Had Keith Kearcher do this on two german doubles and then do a re-rust blue on just that spot. Work was perfection and even in the bright sunlight pretty much non-visible. This has been ten years ago, but the cost at that time was $100 and turn around was within two weeks.

Craig, it was great seeing you and your display at the 4th Hunter Arms Homecoming.
I would contact Tom Salzar, he showed me some work on a lug that someone had staked to tighten a single barrel trap gun. If I didn't see the before and after pictures, I would never have believed it was done. The fellow doing the micro welding uses a magnifier to do it.
There were probably 7-8 staked holes approximately 1/16" and he filled only that. When filed you could not see where anything was.
If you do not have his contact information and would like to talk with him, email me.

I do it all the time Craig, no problem there, but you need to make sure the guy Laser welding uses the correct filler rod to match the base steel otherwise you will notice when you re-blue.
I would not use standard TIG microwelding since it will generate a lot more heat, this could make the solder adjacent to the holes flow...at best you will loosen the rib, worse scenario..loose rid, contaminated weld and two spots that blueing will never hide.

All best,

CJ

To avoid loosening the rib,wire it down with a rod on the rib to put pressure on it. This will take wireing it on both sides of the holes. My advice would be reinstall sling swivel, I use slings on all my guns I use.
Mike

Thanks for all the help. Turnbull said they can handle the job and they are close to my home so I don't have to ship the gun which I hate to do. I would keep the swivels but the barrel swivel was installed about a half inch in front of the forend and my index finger hits the swivel which hurts on recoil.

Would you please post before and after pics of the repair.
Thanks