welding

[T.M.]

I want to weld A lug on barrel for TC contender. I always had it tig welded, But the man moved away. My question is there another type of weld that would work?

[John Traveler]

Are you talking about the locking lug that engages the barrel release?  Or a sling attachment lug?  The factory T-C Contender barrel locking lugs are electron beam welded.  TIG is acceptable if you are willing to risk the likelyhood of bore distortion and decreased accuracy.

Silver solder, in my opinion is a very "iffy" marginal proposition, especially in a muscular caliber.  For a sling attachment lug, silver solder, or even soft solder is fine.

[T.M.]

The block that is attached to the barrel is the lug. distortion is not the issue because it is welded before chambering. I need a weld that won't crack.

[Graybeard]

I deleted a post with a VERY UNSAFE recommendation.

This is really somehting I hate to even allow discussion on here as the entire strength and suitibilty of the barrel is based on how well that lug is attached to the barrel. Plenty of unsafe ones have been welded on over the years by folks who didn't know what they were doing. JD once told me a story of a fellow who purports himself as a TC expert who offered to make up barrel blanks for SSK to use. He agreed to do a test on ten of them to see if they would be suitable to make into barrels. When they received them and tested them all failed at that weld. Needless to say none were purchased for use.

Be very very leery of who you trust to do that job. And for those of you buying used barrels make darn sure you know the origin of your barrel and who did that weld.

[oldandslow]

Good for you, Graybeard.

It can be welded on with other processes than TIG but you need to know your welder's capabilities. Whatever process is used the barrel will warp to the weld as it shrinks. The welder will need to know the steel analysis of the barrel.

[gunnut69]

I would agree with GB here I have seen welds fail also. When welding something of this nature I would advise something that produces a quick weld and provides needed penetration. Most of my projects are now done by MIG welding. The process lends itself to quick clean welds and if the operator knows what he's doing all is well. I have never barreled a TC but would trust this guy to do the job. The key is to limit the amount of heat input to the barrel..