I just back back from a friends shop. A customer brought in a 52-1 with a canted bushing. The owner was hell bent on getting that bushing out and correct the problem. My advice was not sought, and I did not give it. After a period of grunting and swearing, the bushing was out and on the bench. OH MY, what a mess.
Cross threaded and nice and shiny. I left with the owner rubbing his brow. The bushing is 36 TPI. What would you do?

__________________
Mike 2796
SoFo Bunch member

Cry. I would cry.

I almost am simply reading it. Sharing that ensures that I will hopefully see this thread again later when your friends have somehow found a working solution.

I agree whole heartily. It was a tuf drive home. Im working on a big, fat gin and tonic. I was merely an observer, with hands in his pockets and lips buttoned. What could I do? I will get a call in the morn. More later.

__________________
Mike 2796
SoFo Bunch member

An obvious road block to a happy ending is the thin and fragile nature of the bushing itself.

I think if they had to do it all over again ... they might make the bushing itself larger and with more durable threads.

But what do I know anyway, I don't design firearms.

I would just make a new bushing and put it in.

Make a new barrel bushing for a Model 52... thats a good one LOL...




How to repair a damaged or cross threaded bolt using a Tap and Die set. QUICK AND EASY. - YouTube

I've been a Tool & Die maker for over 40 years. My current business is making prototypes of new inventions. I have a complete machine shop in the back yard. I can easily make a barrel bushing for a M52.

Im not a tool and die maker but isnt it alot easier to at least try to fix the cross threaded bushing first ?
IIRC the barrel and bushing were hand fit and then to each frame, ....not saying you cant copy one but why not try to fix the factory one first ?

PS....if making 52 parts is that easy I would suggest making some old extractors as they are in high demand.

It may be easier, depending on how messed up the part is to begin with. Thanks for the tip about extractors. I'll look into it.

Lets look at a few questions I have. Which part is harder, bushing or slide?
Which part got cut? I dont know. I did not inspect either part. I did see some of those really fine circular shiny threads on the bushing.
The patience of Jobe will be required.

__________________
Mike 2796
SoFo Bunch member