Jack Rowe, Master Gunsmith Series, Soldering Barrels.

Published on May 30, 2012
Duration: 8:58

This guide details the advanced gunsmithing technique of soldering shotgun barrels, specifically focusing on re-fixing loose ribs. Master Gunsmith Jack Rowe explains the necessity of a full rib strip and re-fix for leaky ribs, emphasizing proper cleaning, tinning, and the use of specialized tools like iron wire, aluminum wedges, and parallels for alignment. The process requires meticulous heat management and appropriate flux selection to ensure a durable and aesthetically sound repair.

Quick Summary

Master Gunsmith Jack Rowe explains that leaky shotgun ribs result from debris accumulation. Repair requires stripping, cleaning, re-tinning, and re-soldering ribs, often needing specialized tools like iron wire, aluminum wedges, and parallels for precise barrel alignment. For complex repairs, especially on older guns with rust, consulting a specialist is recommended for cost-effectiveness and quality.

Chapters

  1. 00:08Leaky Ribs and Repair Necessity
  2. 00:54Rib Re-Fix Process Steps
  3. 01:52Wiring and Holding Ribs
  4. 02:21Using Aluminum Wedges
  5. 02:42Cost-Effectiveness of Specialists
  6. 03:17Barrel Making and Filing as Specializations
  7. 04:47Parallels for Barrel Alignment
  8. 05:20Alternative Heating with Plugs
  9. 06:11Plug Usage and Heat Management
  10. 06:40Flux Selection for Soldering
  11. 07:43Challenges with Old Hammer Guns

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes shotgun ribs to leak, and how is it fixed?

Shotgun ribs typically leak due to accumulated oil and debris underneath, loosening the rib. A proper fix involves stripping all ribs, cleaning them, re-tinning the barrel and rib surfaces, and then re-soldering them securely. A complete re-bluing is often necessary afterward.

What tools are essential for soldering shotgun barrels and re-fixing ribs?

Key tools include a propane torch, solder, iron wire for holding ribs, small aluminum wedges for stabilization, and parallels for ensuring precise barrel alignment. Non-rusting fluxes like powdered rosin are also crucial for a clean solder job.

When is it advisable to send a shotgun rib repair to a specialist?

For complex gunsmithing tasks like rib re-fixing, especially on older or heavily corroded firearms, it's often more cost-effective to use a specialist. Their expertise and specialized tools can prevent further damage and ensure a higher quality repair than a DIY attempt might achieve.

What are the challenges when repairing very old hammer guns with corroded barrels?

Very old, inexpensive hammer guns often suffer from severe rust and pitting between barrels, frequently caused by historical use of corrosive fluxes like sal ammoniac. This lack of clean metal severely hinders the ability of new solder to adhere properly, making repairs exceptionally difficult.

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