Loose Barrel question

[Will]

Hey guys,

I'm a pretty regular shooter but not much of a gunsmith. I've got an Iver Johnson .22 revolver that's in pretty rough shape and I'd like to try my hand at fixing it up. Mechanically, it's still pretty sound except that the barrel is loose. It'll twist back and forth. What's the best way to secure it back into the frame? Lock-Tite or something like that? I thought someone on here might know. Thanks ahead of time.

[gunnut69]

It depends on the weapon design. Usually you either turn the barrel shoulder back and re-space the barrel cylinder gap or install a shim between the frame and the barrel shoulder.. The barrel needs to be drawn tight just as the sights reach top-dead-center. How's the end shake on the cylindar? The barrel cylinder gap? The answers to these last questions should have an affect on the way you repair the loose barrel, as well as the design on the rvolver in question. Some also will peen the barrel's shoulder a bit to through metal toward the frame. Done with light blows with the barrel removed. This while cheap and easy is NOT the best way to go!