Breech Block Failure 1916/1920 Erfurt

[DonVoigt]

Originally Posted by Vlim

Micro or laser welding should not affect the hardness of the surrounding metal as far as I'm aware.

Sure, the welding is the easy part.
Having the right size cutter to recut the extractor slot, and then undercut the grooves for the "wings" is the tough part.

I don't think there is any way it could be economical- unless for a really valuable pistol; but then, why would it have been shot.

Just replace the breech block and move on.

No need to look for reasons related to the ammo or other, the darn block was just worn out, old, crystalized, or had a manufacturing defect or steel problem from the beginning and "finally" gave up after 100 years of use. JMHO.

[spangy]

Originally Posted by DonVoigt

Just replace the breech block and move on.

No need to look for reasons related to the ammo or other, the darn block was just worn out, old, crystalized, or had a manufacturing defect or steel problem from the beginning and "finally" gave up after 100 years of use. JMHO.

After spending 1/2 day researching the pros and cons of micro or laser welding and their affects on gun metal and finish the only economical and simple solution is 'replace the breech block' ... done and dusted and returned to service in an afternoon.