I recently bought a nice Manufrance Ideal 20 ga. for my wife. The gun is in great shape except for 5 buggered screws and the broken stock from someone who could not figure out how to remove the trigger plate. One screw had half the head broken off! I'm looking for someone willing to TIG up the slots or recommend a 'smith they've used for this type of work. I hope to have the broken screw head filled in also. Thanks.
Just make new pins easier and better in the long run.
JJ Perodeu made new screws for my Ideal and repaired the cracked stock, which in person looks much better than in the photo below. He did an exceptional job on the two screws in the photo.
http://www.champlinarms.com/Default.aspx?tabid=37 I would like to see photo's of your Wife's Ideal.
Thanks for the suggestion, Postoak. I was planning on reslotting the screws myself and even recutting the simple engraving if I found someone to weld them up. I've taken the gun to pieces, so it wouldn't be much of a photo. I'll post some when I'm done. The gun is a 205, so it's not as nice as yours, but still a delightful little gun. There is so much damage to the stock that I'll use it as a pattern stock. My wife needs a bit less drop anyway. The mechanics are unusual, but I'm pretty impressed with the design. Whoever damaged the screws and wood also damaged the opening lever, but I've already repaired that. Thanks again.
You skills far exceed mine !
I would come closer to being able to TIG weld the screw slots than engraving or restocking one.
The mechanics of the Ideal were way ahead of their time.
I look forward to seeing the finished piece some day.
Hammergun,
Ideal's are the coolest guns around. I had a grade 6 that is just about perfect (getting it back soon). Anyway I have been TIG welding for 30 years and I've done my share of screws. But the reality is I could make a new screw faster and it would turn out much better. Just my opinion. Good luck with your Ideal. Post pictures we don't get to see many.
Bill G.
I used Hill's Micro Welding in Meadville, PA. Give Kevin a call at 814-336-3244 and discuss your project. He has the skills to handle the problem with ease.
bill
Thanks Bill, I'll give him a call.