+ Reply to Thread
Results 1 to 4 of 4

Thread: Oh, bother! Loose rear sight base on a Finn '27

Click here to increase the font size Click here to reduce the font size
  1. #1
    Advisory Panel

    jmoore's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Last On
    06-09-2023 @ 04:20 AM
    Location
    US of A
    Posts
    7,066
    Local Date
    03-29-2024
    Local Time
    02:12 AM

    Oh, bother! Loose rear sight base on a Finn '27

    Was doing a pre-"range trip" check on the Finn and noticed the rear sight base was quite "wiggly". Pulled the barrel bands and handguard off for further inspection and the whole rear sight assembly slid completely off it's dovetail. Never was a good fit, as the old solder only stuck where it was blobbed up.

    Resolder due to the poor fit is likely to be a disaster. Also don't want to refinish the whole thing.

    Am leaning towards "steel bed" epoxy compound to re-attach it, but before proceeding, does anyone have any other suggestions?
    Information
    Warning: This is a relatively older thread
    This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

  2. # ADS
    Friends and Sponsors
    Join Date
    October 2006
    Location
    Milsurps.Com
    Posts
    All Threads
    A Collector's View - The SMLE Short Magazine Lee Enfield 1903-1989. It is 300 8.5x11 inch pages with 1,000+ photo’s, most in color, and each book is serial-numbered.  Covering the SMLE from 1903 to the end of production in India in 1989 it looks at how each model differs and manufacturer differences from a collecting point of view along with the major accessories that could be attached to the rifle. For the record this is not a moneymaker, I hope just to break even, eventually, at $80/book plus shipping.  In the USA shipping is $5.00 for media mail.  I will accept PayPal, Zelle, MO and good old checks (and cash if you want to stop by for a tour!).  CLICK BANNER to send me a PM for International pricing and shipping. Manufacturer of various vintage rifle scopes for the 1903 such as our M73G4 (reproduction of the Weaver 330C) and Malcolm 8X Gen II (Unertl reproduction). Several of our scopes are used in the CMP Vintage Sniper competition on top of 1903 rifles. Brian Dick ... BDL Ltd. - Specializing in British and Commonwealth weapons Specializing in premium ammunition and reloading components. Your source for the finest in High Power Competition Gear. Here at T-bones Shipwrighting we specialise in vintage service rifle: re-barrelling, bedding, repairs, modifications and accurizing. We also provide importation services for firearms, parts and weapons, for both private or commercial businesses.
     

  3. #2
    Legacy Member vintage hunter's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2010
    Last On
    @
    Location
    S.C.
    Age
    56
    Posts
    1,680
    Local Date
    03-29-2024
    Local Time
    02:12 AM
    Why would re-soldering it be a disaster? Soft solder works at low temps compared to silver solder so finish damage will likely be minimal if any. Epoxy would likely be a short term repair due to vibrations and expansion/ contraction as the barrel heats up during firing then cools off afterwards. Just my .02CW.

  4. Thank You to vintage hunter For This Useful Post:


  5. Avoid Ads - Become a Contributing Member - Click HERE
  6. #3
    Advisory Panel

    jmoore's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Last On
    06-09-2023 @ 04:20 AM
    Location
    US of A
    Posts
    7,066
    Local Date
    03-29-2024
    Local Time
    02:12 AM
    Thread Starter
    I should think that soft solder would perform as poorly or worse than steel filled epoxy in this case, as it's not intended to fill large gaps. Solder does best in tight fit situations. Mind you, it did seem to do OK from 1934 until sometime recently on this particular rifle, but the job was poorly done- by the Finns it appears! Photos coming.

  7. #4
    Advisory Panel

    jmoore's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Last On
    06-09-2023 @ 04:20 AM
    Location
    US of A
    Posts
    7,066
    Local Date
    03-29-2024
    Local Time
    02:12 AM
    Thread Starter
    Slow, but finally! Photos.







    Believe it or don't, those lumps of solder are between 0.010" and 0.015" highter than the parent metal. Good solder joints ought to max out around 0.003". Also not much actual contact between the base and barrel, although both were very well tinned. The fit was just poor!

    So, to avoid another poor soldering job, and probable bluing problems due to fluxing and such, Devcon "Plastic Steel" Putty (A) 10110, was chosen as filler and adhesive. Surrounding surfaces were coated with release agent, and the epoxy was carefully mixed and applied in generous quantities to both mating surfaces. Then assembly and lots of clean up! By the time for a range exercise, the epoxy should be well cured.




    Focus didn't work out too well, but it's all that's available so far.

    One bonus to this epoxy is that it is a dark metallic grey color. So ant that shows around the edges looks very much like old solder. As extended rapid fire sessions aren't likely, I don't think heat will be an issue, either, but if it fails, you'll get to see a part II.
    Last edited by jmoore; 09-06-2011 at 07:46 AM.

+ Reply to Thread

Similar Threads

  1. Rear sight base and aperture loose
    By USMCNewdog in forum M1 Garand/M14/M1A Rifles
    Replies: 9
    Last Post: 11-10-2009, 12:17 PM
  2. Inch rear sight loose
    By bonnie in forum FNFAL Rifles
    Replies: 5
    Last Post: 09-06-2009, 10:06 AM
  3. Rear sight loose in dovetail
    By Sid in forum M1/M2 Carbine
    Replies: 9
    Last Post: 05-22-2009, 12:29 AM
  4. Loose Front Sight Base
    By Talking Warrior in forum M1/M2 Carbine
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: 05-07-2009, 12:41 PM
  5. Rear sight base
    By Elime in forum M1 Garand/M14/M1A Rifles
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 03-16-2009, 06:41 PM

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
Raven Rocks