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Post by alabamafats on Sept 11, 2023 8:22:24 GMT -5
I just read the discussion of muzzle bushings from a couple of years ago, and was inspired to ask for some advice as to replacement of a MK II (1986) High Power bushing that is all buggered up - big time. I bought the Browning FN High Power as a "project gun" to learn from and work on as a continued learning experience. I think I have most things figured out, but the dinged up bushing (and the already replaced barrel) stop me cold - no real challenge there of course. I don't know if the bushing can be removed and replaced. Stephen Camp refers to it being silver soldered in place and I many be getting into an area that will cost me more than the pistol originally cost. I would greatly appreciate wiser and more experienced heads to give me some guidance and suggestions here - I would like to replace the bushing and then refinish the pistol but not unless I can do something about the beat-up bushing. It looks like someone was using it as a hammer. I think I have posted photos of the muzzle bushing - If it didn't make it I'll try something else. Thanks - alabamafats |
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Post by Kmann on Sept 11, 2023 10:45:54 GMT -5
David Williams at Springfield, Inc., Geneseo, IL, fabricated and fit a Browning Hi-Power barrel bushing for me in 1997. The end result was outstanding and looked like new.
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Post by sams1 on Sept 11, 2023 13:03:44 GMT -5
I'm pretty sure that nowadays, going the bushing removal/fabricating a new one/reinstalling will cost way more than what you paid for the pistol itself...
If money is not an issue, this would be the best way to handle this.
In looking at the damage, it looks as the all-important inner surface that mates with the barrel is in tact. I believe that the damaged points can be dressed up nicely where the they will look much better and acceptable (to me at least), considering this is a surplus Hi-Power that saw a lot of action in its lifetime...
FWIW
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Post by ToddSig on Sept 11, 2023 13:31:18 GMT -5
I would probably try to file the bushing down and smooth out some of the larger depressions. Then see how it looks and shoots. If you decide to go further and have a new bushing installed and silver soldered, you can get the bushing from Numrich. Keep in mind the heating of the slide for the silver solder will also damage any existing finish, so you would need to consider that in your cost equation. A few years back I had Bob Cogan at Accurate Plate and Weaponry cut down a full sized HP to Detective length. He used the Numrich bushing. See image below. So I know he can do it, and he is in Alabama. See image below. APW widbsite apwcogan.com/. If I were to do it again, I would have smith file down the edges of the bushing and round out/flatten the edges. But, I would wait unit you hear from Bob Reed on this and get his advice and suggestions. Link to Numbrich www.gunpartscorp.com/products/694890  |
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Post by alabamafats on Sept 11, 2023 17:11:34 GMT -5
I would probably try to file the bushing down and smooth out some of the larger depressions. Then see how it looks and shoots. If you decide to go further and have a new bushing installed and silver soldered, you can get the bushing from Numrich. Keep in mind the heating of the slide for the silver solder will also damage any existing finish, so you would need to consider that in your cost equation. A few years back I had Bob Cogan at Accurate Plate and Weaponry cut down a full sized HP to Detective length. He used the Numrich bushing. See image below. So I know he can do it, and he is in Alabama. See image below. APW widbsite apwcogan.com/. If I were to do it again, I would have smith file down the edges of the bushing and round out/flatten the edges. But, I would wait unit you hear from Bob Reed on this and get his advice and suggestions. Link to Numbrich www.gunpartscorp.com/products/694890Words of wisdom all around. I have touched the bushing with file and light dremel polish and the appearance is improved. I'm sure it will be safe to fire and will do so in the near future. I even dressed up a small ding on the barrel crown itself and don't think -based on the best inspection I can do - that the lands and grooves have been damaged in any obvious way. Since this will be a shooter, if not a beater, I may pick another candidate for refinishing. I have planned to go to Mr. Cogan in Alabama for this service. Probably end up asking for gunsmithing as well as refinishing services. Thank you all most sincerely. It certainly helps to focus reason and good sense with such backup, encouragement, and great suggestions. I owe the forum photos of the SFSS High Powers, and will do so probably tomorrow. The FN Herstal "Vigilante" with the factory installed SFS is - well, I can't think of a better word than "sweet." The other is a custom mod by BHSS and is exceptionally nice as well. I really like the option of the SFS function in carrying. I also really like the classic look of the good old fashioned High Power with ring hammer and admit I also like the lanyard ring....... I am anxiously waiting for the SFSS kit I ordered and paid for from BHSS which then ended up in a backorder status. I will enjoy installing the system and testing it at the range when I get it Thank you again for the wise counsel and great knowledge you'all give so freely of - It is a real and actual aid and help to me. Everyone's good sense helps me settle down and think a little more clearly myself. Many, many thanks. Respectfully, alabamafats |
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Post by alabamafats on Sept 13, 2023 10:42:29 GMT -5
I would probably try to file the bushing down and smooth out some of the larger depressions. Then see how it looks and shoots. If you decide to go further and have a new bushing installed and silver soldered, you can get the bushing from Numrich. Keep in mind the heating of the slide for the silver solder will also damage any existing finish, so you would need to consider that in your cost equation. Words of wisdom all around. I have touched the bushing with file and light dremel polish and the appearance is improved. I'm sure it will be safe to fire and will do so in the near future. I even dressed up a small ding on the barrel crown itself and don't think -based on the best inspection I can do - that the lands and grooves have been damaged in any obvious way. Since this will be a shooter, if not a beater, I may pick another candidate for refinishing. I have planned to go to Mr. Cogan in Alabama for this service. Probably end up asking for gunsmithing as well as refinishing services. Thank you all most sincerely. It certainly helps to focus reason and good sense with such backup, encouragement, and great suggestions. me. Everyone's good sense helps me settle down and think a little more clearly myself. Many, many thanks. Respectfully, alabamafats Attached are photos (I hope) of the filed and dressed muzzle bushing. I am going to keep it as is and use it as a fun shooter. I have replaced all the pins and springs, cleaned - I think maybe thirty years of gunk in some areas - and lubed the old Gen II pistol. I have another Gen II that I will possibly try to turn into a gun vault queen with bright nickel, etc. Who knows? Whatever turns out to be fun. Thank you again for the wise counsel and great knowledge you'all give so freely of - It is a real and actual aid and help to |
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Post by CXM on Sept 28, 2023 10:39:33 GMT -5
Just a quick observation: Looking at the barrel crown and the bushing I would not be surprised if the gun shot pretty well as is... If the rifleing is shot you may need to replace the barrel but other than cosmetics I think what can be seen of the gun would work ok.
FWIW
Chuck
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