Author Topic: Pinning a recoil lug (Read 1806 times)

JimInNJ · « **on:** February 14, 2003, 12:14:53 PM »

I understand that when truing a Remington action some smiths pin the recoil lug to the receiver to make subsequent barrel changes easier. Is this a good idea? Wont it weaken the receiver ring? What diameter pin should be used and how deep into the face of the receiver should it go?

Thanks,
- Jim

gunnut69 · « **Reply #1 on:** February 14, 2003, 06:48:09 PM »

I have no direct knowledge of this process so really am working from theory here. A pin would weaken the reciver but in such a localized way as to not be overly detrimental.. One could use a quite large pin and a square notch cut into the face of the receiver ring. This would allow easier barrel replacement but I'm sure the pure accuracy smiths would howl in agony. Of course they don't find the M700 stiff enough anyway and usually sleeve the action to aid in this department. Truth be told it would most likely shoot better than most could ever hold it even if the pins were large enough to force the use of the square cuts in the receiver ring.. I would put in 2 pins to equalize the torsion stress on the recoil washer as the barrel is tightened.. I would not use roll pins. About 1/8 inch drill rod should suffice... but again I've never done this nor seen it done.. I'd suggest you simply buy the device sold by Brownells that holds the lug in position while the barrel is being tightened...good luck from the gunnut69

Nobade · « **Reply #2 on:** February 15, 2003, 02:28:51 AM »

I believe Brownells has a drill jig designed to do this. Not sure how big a pin it uses, but it wouldn't have to be too much. I have also seen 700 actions with the recoil lug TIG welded in place, but I wouldn't do that. The pinned setup would be nice for a switch barrel rifle, otherwise I agree with the other post - just use the jig to hold the lug in place when you install the barrel.

GWN · « **Reply #3 on:** February 15, 2003, 01:03:25 PM »

Jim,
I have never pinned a recoil lug, but I have a Holland oversize lug in the shop now I'm using on a XP100. This lug came with a hole at 6:00. It also came with a pin. The pin, if used full length would extend through the lug about 3/16-1/8" and the hole is about the same diameter. I say about because I'm not at the shop now so I'm going by memory. I didn't measure it because I'm not going to pin this reciever. If you want the actual diameter and length of the pin let me know and I'll measure Wed. when I get back to the shop. If I was going to pin the lug I would use an old barrel stub or make one to screw into the receiver to hold the lug in place and drill the receiver through the lug. The pin did not appear to be tapered. I would probably use a Locktite retaining compound on the pin.
George

Bug · « **Reply #4 on:** February 15, 2003, 03:54:40 PM »

I explored the idea of TIG welding, or pinning the recoil lug on my Remington. After discussion on several boards (see my post "would you think this would work" on this board), and the general consensus was - DON'T. The biggest negative was devaluing the gun, but compromised strength was up there too. I decided to go ahead & buy the Brownells recoil lug holding fixture, and try my luck that way. If you want, I'll post back & let you know how it comes out. I'm working on a Rem model 7 now, & hope to have 3-4 bbls to switch out... If it works.....Bug.

JimInNJ · « **Reply #5 on:** February 16, 2003, 05:47:20 PM »

Thanks for all of the replies.

My action wrench is a cheep one that Midway sells. I was going to bolt something onto it to locate the lug, but then I got thinking about a pin.

George, the Holland setup is exactly what I had in mind. I found a picture:
http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/store/ProductDetail.aspx?p=6911
And of drilling the receiver:
http://www.bryantcustom.com/articles/true.htm

From the picture it looks like the pin is about 3/32 diameter and would extend about 3/16 into the receiver. More accurate measurements would be appreciated if it not too much of a hassle.

- Jim

GWN · « **Reply #6 on:** February 17, 2003, 03:27:59 PM »

Jim,
I will not be back into the shop until Wed. afternoon but I'll try to measure the pin and get back to you that night.
George

GWN · « **Reply #7 on:** February 19, 2003, 04:43:18 PM »

Jim,
You were dead on with the pin dimensions. I miked .094 diameter and .436 length, which with a lug thickness of .250 leaves .186 or 3/16".
George

JimInNJ · « **Reply #8 on:** February 19, 2003, 05:37:19 PM »

George, thanks for confirming those numbers. I'm surprised I got that close using calipers on my monitor and adjusting for scale.

I will let you know what I ultimately decide to do and how it turns out.

- Jim

Bug · « **Reply #9 on:** February 21, 2003, 05:58:42 PM »

I received the recoil lug holding fixture from Brownells. It is a TIGHT fit on the lug. Wouldn't bolt in place at the factory Remington set-up, guess something was out-of-whack a smidgin. Glad I hadn't bedded it yet. I removed the factory bbl, and used the fixture to screw on another barrel... It works great! It has an allen-head screw that goes in the front action screw hole and a slotted hole allowing fore-and-aft movement. After it is used once, it can be installed before removing the barrel, and it holds the lug in a light press fit. It says it also works on Beretta Mato and Dakota Arms model 97 Hunter. Only one thing, The new barrel (a take-off from another model 7) went about 1/2 turn too far. Guess I'll have to get it faced off, and rechambered so everything lines up. Still, I should have a rifle with barrels for .243 or .308 for less than a $150.00 total additional investment. Now I gotta start lookin for a 7/08 barrel. :grin: ,,,,,,,,,,,Bug.

gunnut69 · « **Reply #10 on:** February 21, 2003, 09:23:01 PM »

Sounds like a plan to me..

JimInNJ · « **Reply #11 on:** February 22, 2003, 05:22:20 AM »

Bug, what kind of action wrench do you use with that fixture? Rear entry? Mine covers the area of the front screw hole.

After you find that 7-08 barrel what comes next? .260, .358 or how about a .338-08, I always wanted one of those.

- Jim

Johnly · « **Reply #12 on:** February 24, 2003, 11:49:36 AM »

There was an article in Rifle magazine in the late 70's about a 338-08.

JimInNJ · « **Reply #13 on:** March 02, 2003, 02:38:26 PM »

Well, after holding that 3/32 diameter drill bit next to my receiver I decided that I would be happier drilling holes in my action wrench than in my rifle. So I machined a block of steel with a slot in it as wide as the lug, and bolted that onto my wrench. The wrench already has a screw that goes in the front action hole and indexes it. So I now I have a wrench that automagically holds the lug exactly where I want it. :wink:

One big advantage to this approach is that I will not have to do the job all over again for the next rifle I play with. Plus it should not make any of those true accuracy smiths howl in agony.

Thanks again for all of the replies and the measurements. They were very helpful.

- Jim