I've got a set of barrels in now, that have a couple of pinholes in the solder along the top rib. After careful inspection, I feel that they have probably been this way since built, or for quite some time. I find that wiping ferric chloride on, rather than dipping in, is inferior as far as even results, so I'll probably run some shellac in, through the front bead hole, to seal the pinholes. This will allow me to proceed with the refinish, and not worry about getting the ferric chloride solution under the ribs. I have no qualms about this, as I firmly believe the problem lies in an original flaw concerning the soldering.
I've got another set here, that leaks only through a poor repair job in replacing the forend loop.I could probably add a little solder to this repair, and get it to quit leaking. However, the barrels ring with a dull thud. I'm guessing the void is full of rust, and will suggest to the owner that we remove the loop, and the short section of the lower rib, in order to check things more closely. I'd hate like hell to think I, knowingly, covered up a potentially dangerous condition, and I know that were it mine, I'd feel as though I were shooting a ticking time bomb each time I used it. That said, if the owner tells me that he is aware of the problem, and comfortable with it, I'll refinish as is. This will be requested in writing, and I'll save the e-mail, should that be the case.
I've got another I'm working on, that has what is probably a total of 4" of separation along the lower rib. It rings well and has no signs of previous work done in the area, but I wonder what caused that problem. It almost certainly did not leave the factory that way. It could simply be a not so good factory job that finally came loose, or there could be problems that need to be stopped now, rather than allowed to deteriorate further. Without a good look, we'll never know. The owner has wisely gone the route of having the rib relayed. Part of the process will be to clean everything up, so the cause, if any, will be removed at the same time.
Steve,
If an improper repair in replacing a forend loop was the cause of the separation, wouldn't removing the loop and taking a look be almost as pain free, monetarily? I've seen loops that just popped due to bad solder in the first place. I've also seen loops and a portion of the rib come loose due to rust underneath. If you didn't do the original repair, how would you know?
I'm with you on the common sense part. I certainly don't recommend a full relay in all cases. I also have a slight advantage, in that most of the loose ribs I see are on guns that are slated for refinish anyway, so that cost was already expected.
Jim
