Found a 46

[Oliver18]

The other day I ran across a model 46 at a local shop. 230xx, with box, 7 inch barrel with weight, 5 inch barrel with ramp front sight, parts list/instruction sheet, orignal grips, 3 mags, great condition with one exception. The slide is cracked. I added up the cost of the pieces in my head vs the asking price and decided I couldn't get hurt too bad and brought it home.
So, the best course of action is to look for a slide. Other than that, what's the next best? Can the slide be reliably repaired? I am thinking of getting a 41 slide and milling the rails to 46 dimensions so I can shoot the gun with the original 46 barrels until I can find a proper one.
Thoughts?

 

[cherrypointmarine]

Contact BMCM . Ask him to see if it could be welded . I know he works with someone that does micro-welding . If Bill uses him , he has to be a first rate craftsman .

 

[Jebus35745]

I would think the 41 and 46 are the same except for the finish. Put a want to buy thread and someone will chime in. Try to find a model 41 collector, they usually have extra parts laying around. Watch eBay, Larry

 

[Drm50]

I’ve only owned one 46 that I bought new in 60s. That’s back when my old man claimed anything I kept for over 90days achieved antique status. Anywho I have several 41s and every morning I run EBay for parts for 41 and 52s. There is occasional 46 parts, I think barrel right now. eBay prices and bids on barrels are high but many times the parts are a deal.
The barrels, grips and magazines are parts that can be utilized by those with no mechanical skills. There are many who would not even strip their
41 to clean. Therefore not a big demand for parts such as slides.

 

[gmborkovic]

The slide is cracked where? This really deserves some pics.

 

[Oliver18]

I'm not much of a photographer, but let's try these. Pic of gun and accessories minus box and documents. The slide cracks at the sharp corner in the center of the pic, kind of hard to see.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

Doers the crack go all the way through? Are you it's not a deep scratch? Have The slide magafluxed to be sure. Most welding shops can do that.

 

[Oliver18]

The crack absolutely goes all the way through, and is about the same the other side. Both sides are clearly visible on the inside as well, no need for magnaflux.

 

[Buick]

I have to believe that could be repaired by a good TIG man.

 

[Aussie Collector]

I have a 46 squarecut slide that was successfully welded.
I would suggest that if you go down the 41 slide route, you mill the barrel to suit the 41 slide not the otherway round.
Other option is buy both 41 side and barrel.

 

[Oliver18]

Thanks Aussie Collector, do you know the details of how that slide was repaired? How did you refinish?

 

[chief38]

Doesn't look like a difficult welding job at all. Of course you would have to re-blue it to match the gun - probably the hardest part of the restoration would be the matching.

 

[usedkid]

There is a model 41 stripped slide on eBay right now...

 

[gmborkovic]

Just curious, would your slide function ok, as is?

 

[Oliver18]

Hi gmborkovic, Yes, the gun fires very well. I assume with sv ammo it would last a while, but i don't know how to predict that. I'm thinking it would be easier to repair the slide when it's still in one piece.
I found a 41 slide complete with bolt that I am going to put in the mill. I think I would rather modify a less expensive part rather the barrels. It's from a later gun, but easy to swap in when going to the range.

 

[Jeppo]

I'm not much of a photographer, but let's try these. Pic of gun and accessories minus box and documents. The slide cracks at the sharp corner in the center of the pic, kind of hard to see.

This?

 

[BMCM]

You certain that it's not a machining artifact you're seeing?
I don't see a crack in the pics.

Certainly would not fire the thing with a crack there.

 

[Oliver18]

Jeppo, yes, the circled are is correct.
BMCM, Semper Paratus, I am positive it's a crack. Machining artifacts don't flex when you put pressure on them and don't show through to the inside. I only fired one mag to see if it would function.
The later 46 slides were rounded in that corner to relieve the stress point of the square corner.

 

[gmborkovic]

Has anyone pointed out the difference between a 41 and 46 slide?
Other than the finish.

 

[Aussie Collector]

Thanks Aussie Collector, do you know the details of how that slide was repaired? How did you refinish?

Mine was welded on the outside, both sides running about an inch and a half both sides of the crack the weld sitting high maybe 3/16". The square slide where the crack is a weak spot in the slide design. If you mill the 41 slide you will endup with a weak spot on that slide also. Weld over the cracks and leave the welds high. Looks ugly / odd however it is functional.