Straightening a barrel mount sling swivel

[sonvolt]

Saw a Ruger RSM the other day that had its barrel mounted sling swivel a tad crooked. Appears to be the same kind of sling mount as used on No. 1's ...

Is there any way to straighten these when they're like that, or are they put on by heating them/cooling the barrel as are the front sight bases and thus there for good?

Thanks.

 

[EVR]

No.

You got it. I think Ruger uses the liquid nitrogen method.

You could, but it would require rebluing and a lot of work.

It happens.

I've seen all sorts of warts like that.

Use it to beat up the guy that is selling it.

It's gotta be worth a knockoff of 50 or a hundred bucks.

:)

 

[sonvolt]

Seems like if they've got a jig to ensure the sight block goes on true (I'm assuming they do) that they'd have the same for the barrel band. Odd to think they're free-handing it.

 

[EVR]

Seems like if they've got a jig to ensure the sight block goes on true (I'm assuming they do) that they'd have the same for the barrel band. Odd to think they're free-handing it.

...uhg...

The sights are whacked sometimes, too...

 

[sonvolt]

Well dang ...

 

[picketpin]

You can heat the bottom of the barrel band. Be sure and back off the set screw from the bottom first.

I use a little butane torch That uses uses butane lighter fuel and is refillable. Cost me under $100 at the tool supply store. Great for general gun stuff.

Don't over heat it or the band will change color. You just need it HOT but not enough to change color. or show heat. Use a nylon or brass 2 oz tapping hammer and tap the bottom of the sling eye to the front. Lot's of small taps are better than a few big whacks.

You should be able to drift it forward. Then you can either just reposition it and re-tighten the set screw OR use a bit of epoxy inside the barrel band before you re-set it. That way it's be water proof and moisture won't be able to wick in under it when your hunting and it's snowing/raining.

For what ever reason the band is lot's easier to move than the sight/band. Of course you can't get the band OFF without cutting it or taking the sight off.

Ross

A warning, do NOT use a regular propane torch or MAP gas etc. You can't control the heat build up enough and you'll heat the band AND the barrel and they'll expand at the same time and the band won't come lose.

I did experiment with packing the barrel in clay for a heat sink as I heated the band but found it wasn't necessary so discontinued doing so.

RWT

 

[sonvolt]

Very interesting - thanks!