trigger guard slightly bent any solution

kurusu · 09-30-2013, 12:07 PM

My byf 41 shooter droppped to the ground, and the trigger guard got a flattish 1/4 inch area on it's right side approximately opposed to the trigger spring.
Is there an easy fix for this? Or am I to just suck it up?

alanint · 09-30-2013, 12:42 PM

One possibility is to have someone turn a gradual brass cone, (maybe even wood) which you can insert into the stripped trigger guard loop and press in until the trigger guard regains its shape.

You could do this on a drill press or in a pinch, in a shop vice.

calibrator · 09-30-2013, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alanint

One possibility is to have someone turn a gradual brass cone, (maybe even wood) which you can insert into the stripped trigger guard loop and press in until the trigger guard regains its shape.

You could do this on a drill press or in a pinch, in a shop vice.

+1 on the cone idea. Lately I've been making quite a few firearms related mounts and things using Delrin (also called Acetal, it comes in black and white) VERY easy to machine and the white has a natural lubricity to help it slide. Will most likely have to also make a socket-type fixture to support the frame while being pressed to prevent further damage. While the pieces could be made in under an hour (shop time averages $70-100 per hr), Delrin is not cheap, maybe $15-20 for a suitable piece from a supplier.

kurusu · 10-01-2013, 04:04 AM

Thanks for the ideia. Will definetly give it a try.

ithacaartist · 10-04-2013, 09:13 AM

One could also use a dense hardwood. Less expensive?

Technically, you won't necessarily wind up with true roundness by pressing, as the edges/ends of the deformation will not totally conform due to "spring-back", but it will probably be close enough. It might save a lot of effort to use a hardwood internal mandrel and another piece of hardwood to tap down the apparent high areas from the outside. This lower-tech approach is an art, however, done by someone who can feel the progress.

Ron Wood · 10-04-2013, 09:47 AM

Once upon a time long ago (no, I'm not starting a fairy tale) I straightened a bent trigger guard on a Luger by clamping a piece of iron pipe in a vise to use as a mandrel/anvil and a rawhide mallet to make it round again. If you have ever done any auto body work you know the process...down it where it is up and up it where it is down. That is pretty much the same technique that David has suggested with the hardwood approach.

The rawhide mallet doesn't create any dents like a steel hammer would. The iron pipe is less "springy" than a wood dowel so it provides a firmer working base. If you are concerned about the pipe marring the trigger guard you can wrap it with electrical tape, but only one layer so it won't act as a cushion.

John Sabato · 10-04-2013, 10:58 AM

Kurusu,

Please post a photo of the damaged area... Depending upon the severity of the damage, some combination of the suggestions made so far may make it look better. The judicious application of an appropriate machinist's jack might also assist...

A "REAL" gunsmith, master blacksmith, or machinist could re-bend and re-shape the guard for you... unfortunately, most shops that have a gunsmith today are really just "parts replacers" and they don't know much about metalworking...

I would also suggest that you google "blacksmiths" in your area... and check out examples of their handiwork before you turn over your frame to them...

lugerholsterrepair · 10-04-2013, 12:12 PM

I agree with Ron's approach depending on the actual damage..Recently I was doing some work on a piclehaben German helmet and needed to expand a small 3" circle of steel. I went to Harbour Freight tools and bought a large size tail pipe expander for $12.00 It worked really slick! One good advantage was you could control what was happening... Most any approach has to be done with some caution. Too much whacking or expanding could cause unintended consequences.

kzullick · 10-04-2013, 12:48 PM

I agree with Doug, the Delrin is the better choice here, Delrin is hard and will not damage as steel would. Also the Ron with the rawhide hammer. Work slowly, don't rush it.

Sergio Natali · 10-05-2013, 06:00 AM

If one of my Lugers "... dropped to the ground, and the trigger guard got a flattish 1/4 inch area on it's right side" I think I would be suicidal :-)

Jokes apart I think that I would:
a) follow Ron's advice
b) in alternative I would take it to a good gunsmith

lugerholsterrepair · 10-05-2013, 12:25 PM

Another thought comes to mind..A lanyard would prevent things like that!

Lugerdoc · 10-13-2013, 03:13 PM

K, I've straighten a few mashed in tigger guards with a conical wodden mandrel, but none of them came out perfect, so hesitate to do it for anyone else. TH

kurusu · 10-24-2013, 09:44 AM

Lots of food for thought in here. I'm not going to rush anything but think carefully on the best approach.

I've added a photo, but it's very hard to see what's wrong.
The photo was taken in a competition by a fellow shooter and not to show the damage. I'll take a better photo on the weekend

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The lanyard ideia is not feasable. It's not casual shooting but official target shooting.

And it does shoot

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flytrout · 10-24-2013, 04:51 PM

I hope it's not as bad as this one. LOL

kurusu · 10-28-2013, 03:46 AM

As promised here are some photos of the affected area

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Hope it helps.

John Sabato · 10-28-2013, 12:44 PM

Okay, please forgive the crude drawing, but my only option for hand drawn graphics where I am is Microsoft Paint.

This is the tool I would create for straightening your trigger guard. It will never be like it came from the factory again, but it can look ALMOST like it did when it left the factory if you take your time and be careful. place thin aluminum or brass shims between the device and the inside of the trigger guard.

The drawing is self explanatory, but if you have questions, fire away. I will be watching this thread for a while...

-John

Tony Min · 10-28-2013, 04:22 PM

25 yards? Dang good shooting.

Quote:

Originally Posted by kurusu

Lots of food for thought in here. I'm not going to rush anything but think carefully on the best approach.

I've added a photo, but it's very hard to see what's wrong.
The photo was taken in a competition by a fellow shooter and not to show the damage. I'll take a better photo on the weekend

Attachment 37019

The lanyard ideia is not feasable. It's not casual shooting but official target shooting.

And it does shoot

Attachment 37021

kurusu · 10-29-2013, 03:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tony Min

25 yards? Dang good shooting.

25 meters one hand. And thanks for the compliment.

kurusu · 10-29-2013, 04:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Sabato

Okay, please forgive the crude drawing, but my only option for hand drawn graphics where I am is Microsoft Paint.

This is the tool I would create for straightening your trigger guard. It will never be like it came from the factory again, but it can look ALMOST like it did when it left the factory if you take your time and be careful. place thin aluminum or brass shims between the device and the inside of the trigger guard.

The drawing is self explanatory, but if you have questions, fire away. I will be watching this thread for a while...

-John

John,

Your plan seems to be the best so far. My shooting mentor, and also the person who is going to help me fix it, has the same opinion.

John Sabato · 10-29-2013, 07:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kurusu

John,

Your plan seems to be the best so far. My shooting mentor, and also the person who is going to help me fix it, has the same opinion.

...after relooking at the drawing, and my instructions, I think you should make the radius of the curved pieces perhaps a bit smaller than the radius of the trigger guard so you can "target" the damaged portion with the apogee of the curve and push out only the dent.

You can also probably use aluminum for everything except the threaded rod and the nuts... less chance of marring the inside of the trigger guard. I also recommend you use a fine thread on the rod (perhaps 28 TPI or more) to make it easier to use...

Good luck and please take photos as you go along. I am sure many will find the process and the results interesting to watch.

-John S.

09-30-2013, 12:07 PM	#1
kurusu User Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 1,225 Thanks: 2,679 Thanked 929 Times in 509 Posts	trigger guard slightly bent any solution My byf 41 shooter droppped to the ground, and the trigger guard got a flattish 1/4 inch area on it's right side approximately opposed to the trigger spring. Is there an easy fix for this? Or am I to just suck it up?

10-04-2013, 09:13 AM	#5
ithacaartist Twice a Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Atop the highest hill in Schuyler County NY Posts: 3,292 Thanks: 7,059 Thanked 2,484 Times in 1,325 Posts	One could also use a dense hardwood. Less expensive? Technically, you won't necessarily wind up with true roundness by pressing, as the edges/ends of the deformation will not totally conform due to "spring-back", but it will probably be close enough. It might save a lot of effort to use a hardwood internal mandrel and another piece of hardwood to tap down the apparent high areas from the outside. This lower-tech approach is an art, however, done by someone who can feel the progress. __________________ "... Liberty is the seed and soil, the air and light, the dew and rain of progress, love and joy."-- Robert Greene Ingersoll 1894

10-04-2013, 09:47 AM	#6
Ron Wood Moderator 2010 LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Santa Teresa New Mexico just outside of the West Texas town of El Paso Posts: 6,989 Thanks: 1,067 Thanked 5,099 Times in 1,676 Posts	Once upon a time long ago (no, I'm not starting a fairy tale) I straightened a bent trigger guard on a Luger by clamping a piece of iron pipe in a vise to use as a mandrel/anvil and a rawhide mallet to make it round again. If you have ever done any auto body work you know the process...down it where it is up and up it where it is down. That is pretty much the same technique that David has suggested with the hardwood approach. The rawhide mallet doesn't create any dents like a steel hammer would. The iron pipe is less "springy" than a wood dowel so it provides a firmer working base. If you are concerned about the pipe marring the trigger guard you can wrap it with electrical tape, but only one layer so it won't act as a cushion. __________________ If it's made after 1918...it's a reproduction

10-04-2013, 10:58 AM	#7
John Sabato Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: The Capital of the Free World Posts: 10,152 Thanks: 3,003 Thanked 2,304 Times in 1,096 Posts	Kurusu, Please post a photo of the damaged area... Depending upon the severity of the damage, some combination of the suggestions made so far may make it look better. The judicious application of an appropriate machinist's jack might also assist... A "REAL" gunsmith, master blacksmith, or machinist could re-bend and re-shape the guard for you... unfortunately, most shops that have a gunsmith today are really just "parts replacers" and they don't know much about metalworking... I would also suggest that you google "blacksmiths" in your area... and check out examples of their handiwork before you turn over your frame to them... __________________ regards, -John S "...We hold these truths to be self-evident that ALL men are created EQUAL *and are endowed by their Creator* with certain UNALIENABLE* rights, and among these are life, LIBERTY, and the pursuit of happiness..."*

10-04-2013, 12:12 PM	#8
lugerholsterrepair Moderator Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Arizona/Colorado Posts: 7,763 Thanks: 4,868 Thanked 3,105 Times in 1,429 Posts	I agree with Ron's approach depending on the actual damage..Recently I was doing some work on a piclehaben German helmet and needed to expand a small 3" circle of steel. I went to Harbour Freight tools and bought a large size tail pipe expander for $12.00 It worked really slick! One good advantage was you could control what was happening... Most any approach has to be done with some caution. Too much whacking or expanding could cause unintended consequences. __________________ Jerry Burney 11491 S. Guadalupe Drive Yuma AZ 85367-6182 lugerholsterrepair@earthlink.net 928 342-7583 (CO & AZ) Year Round 719 207-3331 (cell) "For those who Fight For It, Life has a flavor the protected will never know."

09-30-2013, 12:42 PM	#2
alanint User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Marco Island, Florida Posts: 4,867 Thanks: 1,685 Thanked 1,916 Times in 1,192 Posts	One possibility is to have someone turn a gradual brass cone, (maybe even wood) which you can insert into the stripped trigger guard loop and press in until the trigger guard regains its shape. You could do this on a drill press or in a pinch, in a shop vice.

10-01-2013, 04:04 AM	#4
kurusu User Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 1,225 Thanks: 2,679 Thanked 929 Times in 509 Posts	Thanks for the ideia. Will definetly give it a try.

10-04-2013, 12:48 PM	#9
kzullick Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: East Berwick, Pennsylvania Posts: 227 Thanks: 614 Thanked 100 Times in 81 Posts	I agree with Doug, the Delrin is the better choice here, Delrin is hard and will not damage as steel would. Also the Ron with the rawhide hammer. Work slowly, don't rush it.

10-05-2013, 06:00 AM	#10
Sergio Natali User Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Somewhere in Northern Italy Posts: 2,646 Thanks: 1,082 Thanked 1,783 Times in 1,007 Posts	If one of my Lugers "... dropped to the ground, and the trigger guard got a flattish 1/4 inch area on it's right side" I think I would be suicidal :-) Jokes apart I think that I would: a) follow Ron's advice b) in alternative I would take it to a good gunsmith __________________ "Originality can't be restored and should be at the top of any collector's priority list.

10-05-2013, 12:25 PM	#11
lugerholsterrepair Moderator Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Arizona/Colorado Posts: 7,763 Thanks: 4,868 Thanked 3,105 Times in 1,429 Posts	Another thought comes to mind..A lanyard would prevent things like that! __________________ Jerry Burney 11491 S. Guadalupe Drive Yuma AZ 85367-6182 lugerholsterrepair@earthlink.net 928 342-7583 (CO & AZ) Year Round 719 207-3331 (cell) "For those who Fight For It, Life has a flavor the protected will never know."

10-13-2013, 03:13 PM	#12
Lugerdoc Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: POB 398 St.Charles,MO. 63302 Posts: 5,089 Thanks: 6 Thanked 736 Times in 483 Posts	K, I've straighten a few mashed in tigger guards with a conical wodden mandrel, but none of them came out perfect, so hesitate to do it for anyone else. TH __________________ Tom Heller POB 398 ST.Charles, MO. 63302 Tel 636-447-3006 lugerdoc@charter.net

10-24-2013, 09:44 AM	#13
kurusu User Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 1,225 Thanks: 2,679 Thanked 929 Times in 509 Posts	Lots of food for thought in here. I'm not going to rush anything but think carefully on the best approach. I've added a photo, but it's very hard to see what's wrong. The photo was taken in a competition by a fellow shooter and not to show the damage. I'll take a better photo on the weekend The lanyard ideia is not feasable. It's not casual shooting but official target shooting. And it does shoot

10-24-2013, 04:51 PM	#14
flytrout User Join Date: Apr 2013 Posts: 25 Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	rusted I hope it's not as bad as this one. LOL Attached Thumbnails

10-28-2013, 03:46 AM	#15
kurusu User Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 1,225 Thanks: 2,679 Thanked 929 Times in 509 Posts	As promised here are some photos of the affected area Hope it helps.

10-28-2013, 12:44 PM	#16
John Sabato Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: The Capital of the Free World Posts: 10,152 Thanks: 3,003 Thanked 2,304 Times in 1,096 Posts	Trigger Guard Machinist Jack Okay, please forgive the crude drawing, but my only option for hand drawn graphics where I am is Microsoft Paint. This is the tool I would create for straightening your trigger guard. It will never be like it came from the factory again, but it can look ALMOST like it did when it left the factory if you take your time and be careful. place thin aluminum or brass shims between the device and the inside of the trigger guard. The drawing is self explanatory, but if you have questions, fire away. I will be watching this thread for a while... -John Attached Thumbnails __________________ regards, -John S "...We hold these truths to be self-evident that ALL men are created EQUAL *and are endowed by their Creator* with certain UNALIENABLE* rights, and among these are life, LIBERTY, and the pursuit of happiness..."*