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Author Topic: Lesson learned  (Read 811 times)

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Offline dave29

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Lesson learned
« on: April 09, 2011, 03:49:27 AM »
I usually don't like to admit mistakes, but I made a big one last night.

I got a couple barrels in the mail this week, so last night I made a little time to fit them.

First off was a mint condition 7.62x39 barrel. It was a little tight for the frame I wanted to lock it up to, which is good, that way I can sand the underlug and make it fit perfect. I get out my "special" dowel rod and my ultra fine autobody sand paper, less than 10 minutes later, it locked up perfect. I added a brand new Pallet wood stock set and it looks like a brand new gun. Very happy with this one.

Next was a .223 shorty barrel. I had one frame left, so the barrel was going to go on this frame no matter what. I go to lock it up and it need a TON of metal taken out of the underlug. I thought, no big deal, at least I do not have to shim it. I started out with a little courser paper than normal to try to take the metal off faster. I started out by checking it every couple of minutes, for the first 30 minutes and it didn't seem like I was getting anywhere. It was getting late and I was getting tired, so I went out to the garage and got my Dremel tool and a bit that fits perfect in the circular underlug groove. I set the Dremel on low and grind for about 5 seconds and check it, still tight, I do it again for about 5-10 seconds and it is still way too tight, I'm talking so tight, that there is a 1/8" gap at the top of the barrel/frame. I thought to myself, I will do this one more time and then finish it by hand. I ran it for another 10 seconds and check it. Now it's way too loose.  :-[

Now I have to shim it, which I have never done before. Too be honest, I told myself that I would never shim one of my barrels. I guess I'll look at the "shimming FAQ" again and see which way I think will be the best hold.

So what was the lesson I learned?

When you are getting tired, just quit and pick back up on it when you have time. Don't rush things.
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Offline necchi

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Re: Lesson learned
« Reply #1 on: April 09, 2011, 05:04:06 AM »
Yea Man.  :-\
 It's Tuff when ya learn that lesson, and the "too tired" to do it proper get's earlier as ya get older. In my case I found leavin my hands off the jug till the job's done helps too  ;)
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Offline bigvarmnt

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Re: Lesson learned
« Reply #2 on: April 09, 2011, 05:19:06 AM »
That's a shame. Hope I remember this if I ever start taking just a LITTLE metal off. Life is about learning but sometimes we could get along fine without some lessons.
I bought a barrel and it is a bit short and I'm not sure I want to try the shim thing. Eye sight and fingers don't like small things is thight areas. May just sell it. Let us know if you shim and how THAT works out.

necchi, great signature line ;)
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Offline dpe.ahoy

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Re: Lesson learned
« Reply #3 on: April 09, 2011, 06:23:12 AM »
A guy just needs more frames to avoid the fitting issues. ;)  DP
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Offline dave29

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Re: Lesson learned
« Reply #4 on: April 09, 2011, 08:17:25 AM »
At least it is a "fixable" mistake.

That's what i keep telling myself anyway.  ;D
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Offline quickdtoo

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Re: Lesson learned
« Reply #5 on: April 09, 2011, 08:21:28 AM »
Now ya get shimming experience for the next one that's loose!  ;D

Tim
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Offline dave29

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Re: Lesson learned
« Reply #6 on: April 09, 2011, 09:31:47 AM »
Yeah, I suppose.  ;)
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Offline bikerbeans

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Re: Lesson learned
« Reply #7 on: April 09, 2011, 10:26:09 AM »
dave,

repeat after me, "a dremel is not my friend, a dremel is not my friend". >:(   You are not alone, many have been bitten by that rotary beast, myself included.

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Offline blind ear

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Re: Lesson learned
« Reply #8 on: April 09, 2011, 11:49:55 AM »
+1, a dremel is not my friend, a dremel is not my friend.  (guess why?) ear
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Offline dave29

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Re: Lesson learned
« Reply #9 on: April 09, 2011, 11:55:34 AM »
At least I'm not alone.  :o
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Offline jburris2001

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Re: Lesson learned
« Reply #10 on: April 09, 2011, 01:30:54 PM »
I had a 223 that was too loose on my reciever. I shimmed it with a light coat of jb weld on the lug. then filed to fit. that thing was a tack driver at 100 yds. now I wish I wouldve kept it...
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Offline dave29

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Re: Lesson learned
« Reply #11 on: April 09, 2011, 02:17:33 PM »
Quote from: jburris2001 on April 09, 2011, 01:30:54 PM
I had a 223 that was too loose on my reciever. I shimmed it with a light coat of jb weld on the lug. then filed to fit. that thing was a tack driver at 100 yds. now I wish I wouldve kept it...

That is what I am planning on doing. May use solder though, not sure yet.
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Offline gcrank1

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Re: Lesson learned
« Reply #12 on: April 09, 2011, 03:51:54 PM »
For trials to find out how much 'feeler gauge' shim you need try pop (or your fav beverage) can or, for thicker stock, alum cat or dog food can stock. You can curve to fit and 'Superglue' it in place; a little heat will allow it to pop off.
FWIW, Ive used Locktite 'green' to stick a permanent shim in place and it hasnt moved.
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Offline yukondog

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Re: Lesson learned
« Reply #13 on: April 09, 2011, 06:40:09 PM »
Been there done it, beer and power sander dont mix very well.
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Offline JerryKo

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Re: Lesson learned
« Reply #14 on: April 10, 2011, 03:03:07 AM »
Sorry to hear that Dave.  I only had one frame that it would lock up on.  It was a real beater.  Someone had duracoated it and I didn't like it so I took to sanding and polishing the receiver.  Found huge gouges under the duracoating that I couldn't polish out.  Left it shines and scratched.

I know about going to far too.  Fortunately I had another receiver that I did final fitting to and actually ended up being a tack driver.  Wish you well on the shim.  How was the crown? 

Jerry
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Offline dave29

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Re: Lesson learned
« Reply #15 on: April 10, 2011, 03:54:52 AM »
Crown was fine. I added a little more Cold Blue to it and it looked real nice.

I think I am going to try to shim it today.  :o
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Offline cwlongshot

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Re: Lesson learned
« Reply #16 on: April 10, 2011, 04:04:58 AM »
Lesson learned. Little extra work but no real harm done.

I have said this many times. Handi parts are poorly surface hardened. File grind or polish thru it and themetal is soft and removes fast!  It also causes the problems many have experienced with " lightening" triggers...After a trigger job.  Its also why some smiths wont work on them. 

CW
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Offline dave29

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Re: Lesson learned
« Reply #17 on: April 10, 2011, 04:07:42 AM »
Quote from: cwlongshot on April 10, 2011, 04:04:58 AM


I have said this many times. Handi parts are poorly surface hardened. File grind or polish thru it and themetal is soft and removes fast!
CW


I would agree 100%!
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