doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com heat treating small parts

How does a gunsmith analyze the steel parts to determine if they do indeed treating ? Then, how does the gunsmith decide what steel makes up the part and how to treat that steel ?

I am willing to do that, and would prefer that. and I know that you know how to do that! where are you located in montana? we have a place in bozeman, and are down there fairly often. i could run this over or maybe i should just ship it to you and see if you think it can be made usable ?

let me know please

It�s a Spanish side lock made during that period of time when the problems of poorly finished and unhardened parts seemed to be endemic to the industry.

Just about any of the Spanish shotgun service centers that operated during that era had to make the same sets of repairs.

I�m guessing that the first gunsmith that pops the locks off Saw some parts that were peening , or were bent, both of which were problems people that had Spanish shotguns in the 1980s faced frequently.

Fixing this one isn�t going to require rocket science.

It�s never going to be a high volume target gun, too delicate. Just make it work, and use it when you feel the urge.

I doubt using the gun is going to make it better.

Cole Haugh told me he pretty much rehardens everything Spanish that comes back in for work. You are going to need somebody to get in and work on the guts. Dewey Vicknair had an AYA number 2 come in for a spring, and took photos of the original and his replacement, and posted them on his blog. Good information, and it got me over ever wanting a Spanish sidelock.
Your gunsmith told you the truth, and if he is busy enough with wood and stocking guns, more power to him. You just have to find a qualified guy to do the metal work. Several names have been mentioned.

Good luck.

Best,
Ted

Sorry, it sounds like a problem that requires more that I care to invest. The primary way we determine existing steel type is by experimenting and I don't care to enter into that. Best of luck, I think anyone that would take it in would face the same issues.

Unknown steel small parts?? Spark test might be useful, otherwise;
Heat to your cherry red, quench in oil, File test for hardness.
Full hard, temper to hardness required.
Sorta hard, maybe A-2, Reharden at higher temperature and temper or use as is.
No hardness, mild steel, caseharden the part, probably the best.
Casehardening medium to high carbon steel will almost guarantee failure due to brittleness.
Chuck

Maybe, recheck the steel type? I think A2 can air harden to a high hardness.

Agree, A-2 is tough to air harden in a home shop without proper equipment.
Chuck

since i am unsure what the problem is [ i am a good physician and diagnostician but not the least a gunsmith ] i called Cole Haugh. he works on a lot of spanish guns, and seems to have the knowledge to diagnose and treat the poor little 20

sending it out today, and hope it will be well soon.

thanks to everyone! i should have asked you folks several years ago, rather than leaving it in the safe

That is a smart move.
And, a tremendous opportunity to learn about "Holland pattern" Spanish side by sides.