Forearm studs

[DTh2o]

Hi everyone,
 
New guy here, but on and off have been lurking and learning here for a while.
 
A while back I purchased a HandiGun II, model 258, 20 Ga./44mag. combo. Nickel finish, like new except the forearm stud was broken off the 20 Ga. barrel.
I didnt need another 20 Ga. I just wanted it for the 44 mag so I never worried about it. So yesterday I'm out shooting away with the 44, I squeeze the trigger, the rifle bucks up hard, and there is the forearm in my hand, seperated from the barrel. The forearm stud has broken off this barrel as well.
 
The forearm stud on both barrels appears to have been spot welded onto the barrel in two very small spots across from each other.
 
Does this kind of thing happen often? Has anyone else had this happen to them?
 
I've searched the forum and cant find any reference to it.
 
It wasnt like I torqued the forearm down, or left it loose, i just had it nicely snugged up to stay in place.
 
I'm thinking this is a 'factory only' repair job? I have the equipment and ability to silver solder them back into place, but dont want to change the barrel hardness or anything from the heat of the repair.
 
What do all you folks think?
 
By the way, the serial number prefix is AZ. Did they change manufacturing techniques that year? Does the nickel plating have anything to do with the method used to attach the stud?
 
 
Thanks in advance.
DT
 
 
 
 

[petemi]

To the best of my knowledge, the old ones were silver soldered, not welded...hence the problem.

Pete

[quickdtoo]

Even modern studs that are resistance(spot) welded on at the 4 corners are known to detach once in a while, if it were mine, to avoid heat from either welding or soldering and discoloring the nickel finish, I'd prep it and the barrel good by sanding the mating surfaces with coarse sand paper, degrease and epoxy on with JB Weld or other strong epoxy, then drill and tap it for a couple screws, I used silver solder and screws on my octagon barrels and they seem to work fine. Use the original weld/solder points to locate it in the same position if you can, try to avoid sanding them off.

Tim