FEG Hi-Power - Crack/Gap on Top of Barrel Ramp?

[sams1]

Recently, I purchased a New in the box (old stock of course), never fired FEG HP, PJK-9HP early model (100% compatible with Browning HP).  It's in mint, new condition, with original box, manual etc.

All is good except...  When looking at the top of the barrel ramp, where it 'flows' and merges with bottom of chamber, there is what appears to be a thin crack or gap.  I've heard of this situation occurring before, on a Browning HP no less.  The question is whether or not it is safe to shoot it like this or if not, other than replacing the barrel is there any way to repair this?  Weld repair, JB Weld? ideas?

Any input is appreciated.

[jonnyc]

Pics here would be a big help. Your description sounds good, but HPs usually have a 2-pc barrel and a good pic might reduce any possible confusion.

[tnorris]

I took a look at my FEG barrel just now.

There is a small line where the bulk of the barrel meets the feed ramp. This is normal. My '82 BHP has two lines. Both of them shoot beautifully!

If yours looks like this, you should be good to go.

If not... please post a picture so we can see!

[sams1]

The gap appears a tad wider than in the pic above - I will take a picture later tonight and post.

Thanks much for the feedback so far

[sams1]

Ok - I took a few pics...

Gap details not easy to see but visible I hope.  The steel all around the ramp-to-chamber joint and beefy lower lug structure is solid, no hairline crack or anything.

When looking very closely at the area with a magnifying glass, I believe that it is not a stress formed crack but a gap due to imperfect chamber edge at the time of the ramp-to-chamber mating/welding...

Thoughts?

 

                                                          

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[tnorris]

IMO... It looks like mine.

Thanks for asking the question... made me look at mine in a way I hadn't before.

[abninftr]

it's nothing to be concerned about. FEG's method of making the barrel was to basically turn out a symmetrical cylinder extending through the chamber, and then sleeve the (outer) chamber body onto it. This was then silver soldered to secure everything. What you are seeing it the gap resulting from the tolerance margins that allow easy fitting.

You can find an explanation (it's a very complicated subject) here: insights.faro.com/blog-articles/when-to-apply-least-material-condition-vs-maximum-material-condition
Here: extrudesign.com/least-material-condition/
And here: www.cnccookbook.com/gdt-maximum-material-condition/



I warned you that it is a complicated subject.  If the above sounded like unintelligible 'tech-speak', take to mean that things that go inside other things need to be smaller, but not too small, in order to fit right.  MMC and LMC specify how big one piece can be and LMC specifies how small the other piece can be where they fit together, and fit right.  It also means that there can be some 'slop' or looseness in the fit.

[sams1]

Thank you, abninftr for your detailed response and link - I am relieved as thrilled that this is a non-issue and confirms my own assessment of same.

Much appreciated!

Sams1