Type 14 Nambu Snafu???

[10ecvol]

I purchased a 1943 type 14 Nambu pistol in good condition with what appears to be all matching numbers even the magazine for $575.00. I was quite excited for the purchase since I am relatively new to gun collecting. I took the pistol to my local gunsmith for evaluation and to replace some of the internal springs His initial reaction was that this gun has not been shot much as the barrel looks very good adding to my satisfaction of the deal. When I went back to pick it up he told me he could not replace the all the springs I wanted as the trigger group had been peaned in on one end not allowing for dis-assembly. The peaning was so small I had not noticed. Has anyone ever heard of issues with the trigger group that would have brought this on???? I do not plan on firing the gun much (especially since ammo is so scarce/ expensive) but what effect do you see on the pistol's value?? Any input would be appreciated as I am new to the forum. Thanks!!!!

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[jmoore]

No responses, possibly because we're not sure of the problem. Is theis peening visible and able to be photographed? That would help loads. But as far as replacing springs, the firing pin spring is the one most likely to give trouble, so if the pistol is otherwise servicable a few rounds downrange ought not hurt anything.

[Patrick Chadwick]

trigger group had been peaned in on one end not allowing for dis-assembly. The peaning was so small I had not noticed.

Speaking as someone who has removed and replaced staked screws as well as peened pins in trigger assemblies, that sounds like something that could be fixed. If the peening was so small you did not notice, then the fix will not be noticeable either. After all, such things were intended to stop the average soldier from messing about, and not to make an armorer's work impossible. And your gunsmith may have just chickened out when he saw something that might be contentious. But as jmoore rightly points out, this is theory - we need some practical photos!

Anyway, why did you want to replace all the springs? If the gun has not been used much, they will probably be perfectly OK for a couple of generations longer. I shoot rifles a hundred** years older than your pistol - all have their original springs (as far as I can tell, of course).

** Now that I think about it, a couple are 200 years old.

[jmoore]

The only thing that seems logical is that the "T"-slot that the housing moves in might have been damaged somehow. But given the general set-up, it seems that the peening isn't likely severe enough to require more than an educated blow or three with a polymer faced hammer on the trigger guard. (Easier with the enlarged guards on later versions.) In which case an assistant and a padded vice is helpful to keep everything in proper position.

[10ecvol]

Guys,
Thanks for the suggestions. I will hopefully attach pictures so you can to see the pistol and the issue. Hopefully the pictures are attached. Let's see how this works out!!!! Thanks for your help!!!

[jmoore]

Is it really peened or just sort of corroded/"glued" in place? It wouldn't be the first one that was just "well stuck" having not been apart since WWII.

BTW, to get the trigger group off it's advisable to remove the grips so the magazine catch can be depressed enough. Also the barrel should be pushed back at the same time. Which is why an assistant (and padded jawed vice) is helpful if the thing's being recalcitrant!

Hammer recommendation: 2" dia. Nupla hammer with the yellow Nuplaflex tips. Won't damage the finish but the face is hard enough to effectively move the guard.