New info on bent receivers!

[G.T.]

Hello to all, well, the G.T. Specialties re-barreling service has been going well, as long as can scrape up quality barrels to install? My barrel making plans have been stalled with ever changing machinist status. So, somewhere down the road, I'll need a mill... time will tell on that quest... But, during my most recent barrel changing efforts, I ran into several receivers that looked pretty good, but were crushed slightly right behind the chamber, and also spread out a few thousands at the toggle pin hole area. This condition causes the receiver to pinch the breech block and as a result retards function to a point of short cycle, if, it will even cycle at all??.......... The cause of this deformation is mostly due to "first time" gun smith attempts using improper tools and holding fixtures... They are easy to tell, as they won't usually touch a luger again!......... Goes back to that omelet and breaking eggs thing?........ Anyway, I have built some fixtures to gently and accurately restore and straighten these problem receivers... It really takes some intense study, as you have to determine what is straight and concentric, and what is not? And then proceed from there... The results have been excellent! If anyone needs this service, email me at: gctomeks@msn.com Best to all, til....lat'r......GT....

[Mark1]

GT ,
I'd be most interested to see any pictures of the fixtures you've made to deal with damaged receivers. I have seen a few Lugers with "twisted" receivers in the past, but have regarded them as fit only for scrap.
Mark

[G.T.]

Hi Mark, I will try to get some pictures up tomorrow... a couple of pictures will tell the whole story!... Best to you, til...lat'r....GT

[G.T.]

Hi to all! Ed is going to post some pictures of the receiver repair set up and a small description is as follows....
First picture shows all the parts and pieces.
Second shows a mock up on a 1920 receiver.
Third shows the spring steel shims & expander block function to spread forks all the way to the chamber. (.475" block + 2 X .020" shims = .515" target width dimension)
Fourth shows muzzle securement
Fifth & Sixth, receiver forks secured for straightening....
Also note that the aluminum bars can be moved out parallel with the fixture, or the receiver and block can be moved in to clamp halfway back or more.....
I just clamp two bars, alum on the outside, and steel on the inside.... to torque & twist on the forks with....
Anyway, that's how we roll on the GT Specialties work table of "crying and sobbing uncontrollably"............Best to all, til...lat'r....GT....

[Edward Tinker]

pics posted

cool - can't wait to shoot her