I'm trying to remove the steel/alloy internal weight rod from my Model 41 without success. Since I believe this is something a shooter should be able to do, I opted to post it here (where the experts frequent) rather than under Smithing. (Moderator, please feel free to move it if it doesn't belong here)

Following the field stripping instructions graciously provided by Tom Beckwidth and smithfan4152, I removed the barrel from the frame. After removing the muzzle break & screw I cannot budge the weight rod that is reportedly "screwed into the bottom of the barrel". I am assuming it is a right hand thread. Have applied a mild solvent in an effort to free the threads, but no luck.



Is there some kind of locking mechanism that I'm missing? This is a fairly early gun (s/n 118XX) with 7 3/8" barrel and muzzle brake, so we shouldn't be dealing with a plug as found on the cut-down to 5" barrel versions. It's possible the weight rod has never been removed. I'm reluctant to clamp the barrel to get more leverage than holding it in my hand can provide.

Thanks for any assistance,

Russ
SWCA #853
SWHF #234

It is a right hand thread. Might want to soak with Croil or similar penetrating oil. use leather padding in a vice for protection. Have seldom pulled one, but although tight, all came out.

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TOMBECK

The other thing you might try is some heat, don't throw it in the oven, but if you have a heat gun, or even a hair dryer, you may get it warm enough down at the threaded end in case someone used some lock tite, I kind of doubt anyone would do that, as Tom Mentioned Kano Kroil is one of the better penetrating oils out there. Also use as large a blade screwdriver as you can, to get the most torque, chances are it's the aluminum weight, although it's anodized you still can get corrosion from dissimilar metal contact. The steel one could rust itself in there as well.

Again, thank you both for your helpful suggestions. Before putting heat or any more torque on it, I'll pick up some of that Kano Kroil and try soaking it. Will report back. Russ

I just ran across this old post and thought I would share my experience as I had the same problem with a steel weight stuck in my 7 3/8" barrel. I was eventually able to get the weight out by standing the barrel on end and letting some good penetrating oil soak into the threads and space around the weight. I did this both muzzle up and muzzle down and I let the oil soak in for several days each time. This allowed me to finally back the weight out by using the proper size screw driver and some carefully applied leverage. What I found was that the blued finished on the steel weight was gone and rust had formed between the barrel and the weight. I cleaned both very well and now whenever I change out my weights I coat the entire weight in some good gun grease. I haven’t had a problem since.