I ask because I was fixing the timing in my Colt OP. I tried stretching the hand, but no go. It might be able to go further, but I can’t comfortably get it there. It’s definitely too short, especially the 2nd hand.
I ordered a repro from Numerich and I finally decided to swap it. Well, dimensions were pretty good without needing much adjustment.
Except the F-ing 2nd hand is .050” too short. I played with it for an hour and a half and measured all the things. It is just plain too short.
So after about a dozen practice bolts and screws filling in the flat head and Philips head slots on them with my welder, I welded up the new hand. Added about .100” of material or a little less. Then went to town with jewelers files and stones. Timing is PERFECT now in SA and DA.
I am just curious, how long it is likely to stay that way? I assume a weld is going to be softer than a lot of machined steel parts. But looking at the original hand, it does not seem to be hardened steel (otherwise peening to lengthen it would snap it). The reproduction part actually seems like it is a slightly harder grade of steel (I question being able to peen it without cracking).
I mean, this old girl is a 1927 NJ SP issue and I’d imagine she’s seen MANY thousands of rounds over her life.
I guess I’ll find out how well my welded new hand works out. Hopefully at least a few thousand rounds.
PS a heck of a lot more smithing that swapping a part in one of my Glocks or ARs, that’s for sure! Pic is right before closing her up for the last time with the new hand.
I ordered a repro from Numerich and I finally decided to swap it. Well, dimensions were pretty good without needing much adjustment.
Except the F-ing 2nd hand is .050” too short. I played with it for an hour and a half and measured all the things. It is just plain too short.
So after about a dozen practice bolts and screws filling in the flat head and Philips head slots on them with my welder, I welded up the new hand. Added about .100” of material or a little less. Then went to town with jewelers files and stones. Timing is PERFECT now in SA and DA.
I am just curious, how long it is likely to stay that way? I assume a weld is going to be softer than a lot of machined steel parts. But looking at the original hand, it does not seem to be hardened steel (otherwise peening to lengthen it would snap it). The reproduction part actually seems like it is a slightly harder grade of steel (I question being able to peen it without cracking).
I mean, this old girl is a 1927 NJ SP issue and I’d imagine she’s seen MANY thousands of rounds over her life.
I guess I’ll find out how well my welded new hand works out. Hopefully at least a few thousand rounds.
PS a heck of a lot more smithing that swapping a part in one of my Glocks or ARs, that’s for sure! Pic is right before closing her up for the last time with the new hand.