How to fix loose barrel to frames ?

[allen newell]

When it is apparent that the hinge on a Parker is sufficiently work down that the fit of the barrels to the frame is loose and there's a little 'wiggle' (don't now how else to describe it), what is the accepted method of repair. The hinge pins on Parkers are part of the monoblock construction, they don't punch out, they're part of the frame (I think I'm describing this correctly but if not, rest assured I'll be corrected). Is the correct repair to basically weld some metal to the hinge and/or the back end of the forearm metal bracket that marrie up to the hinge?

Is this a difficult repair and how costly? Ballpark?

[Eldon Goddard]

I have had fun trying to fix my Ithaca flues. Already failed once but getting ready to try again as soon as I can find someone to weld the hook again I think my welder friend is purposely not answering his phone.

[Brian Dudley]

The hinge pin on Parker's is actually a replaceable part that also has the extractor arm attached to it. It can be tricky to get out and fitting up a new one is difficult too since the fit is so tight in the frame.
Some wear to the hinge pin which causes some side to side play, can be fixed sometimes by lightly peening the very underside of the barrel lug in the right spot.
A piece of shim stock can also be used on the barrel lug to compensate for wear.

[chris dawe]

Allen, the roll joint in a Parker is removable and replaceable, if you can get your hands a few spares measure them up to find the thickest one,just carefully remove the hinge pin screw or push out the hinge pin depending how your's is set up ,the roll joint can be then carefully tapped out towards the front of the action with a long brass drift,be careful to keep it straight...if your lucky this may work...otherwise your left with the weld/smoke pot and file and this is not something to jump into blindly, a careless or misinformed man on the welder can ruin your barrels in a second.Getting a little too excited on the file right at the end can have you back to square one in a heartbeat.
My cousin ,who's a top notch machinist and myself were talking about turning out a few new rollers of various thickness for my project pile a while back,when time allows we may give it a go. Peening ,although a quick fix is not the right way to go about this IMO ,THIS will cause an uneven wear that in time will worsen the original problem...If a quick /cheap fix is desired an epoxied shim is the best bet.

On a side note,make sure the looseness your getting isn't coming from the replaceable barrel wedge's that some Parkers are fortunate enough to have.

Good Luck !

[Bill Murphy]

We really don't fool with removing hinge pins and roll joints today. The first thing we want to know is whether your "wiggle" is vertical or horizontal, whether with the gun open or closed. We will wait for your reply. The cure will depend on the answer.

[Craig Larter]

Send your gun to Doug Turnbull with a check for $350. and it come back perfect-----no worries. He mirco welds the hook and re-fits the gun. An off face gun and messed up screw heads drive me crazy.

[allen newell]

Turnbull has done work for me before and I trust his team.

Bill Murphy: the slight wiggle is horizontal. there is no noticeable vertical wiggle in the gun.

I V Much appreciate the feedback. This is a terrific forum.

[Bob Jurewicz]

One or two pieces of Scotch Tape on the barrel hook will usually provide a very temporary tightening and also give you an idea of how loose the fit. Each layer is about .0015".
Bob Jurewicz

[allen newell]

A Scotch to go with my Parker. What a great idea! I'll give it a go Bob but I suspect the ol' 16 will be going out to Turnbull's.

[Bill Murphy]

Craig L is correct. For a horizontal wiggle the correct fix is the hook. You can do it yourself or you can send it out. Take your pick. Fooling around with the hinge pin or roll is way overboard in tightening a Parker.

[allen newell]

Ever since it was pointed out to me by one of our PGCA members, it has bothered me. Thanks everyone for their help. I'll get it fixed professionally now

[John Campbell]

Allen:
Of the many opinions expressed here, a professional fix appears to be the most prudent for you. There are far too many chances for a DYI fix to go wrong in this case. Especially if you have little experience in doing such work.
If your Parker is worth much to you, I'd send it to a pro.

My choices would be Del Grego or Brad Bachelder. And NO others.

Best, Kensal

[Andy Kelley]

Hi tin foil and lock tight type product on the inside of hook has worked for me. Long term Turnbull is a great solution.Good luck with it and let us know. Andy

[Eldon Goddard]

I would send my parker to a professional as well. I only mess around with my gun because I bought it for that purpose and it was only $150.00.

[chris dawe]

Craig L is correct. For a horizontal wiggle the correct fix is the hook. You can do it yourself or you can send it out. Take your pick. Fooling around with the hinge pin or roll is way overboard in tightening a Parker.

Mr. Murphy ,with all do respect and I truly mean that...but how is replacing a roll pin whether done by a smith or someone with a little patience and skill going way overboard ?I've done that very thing twice with excellent results , with a smoked joint showing perfect contact(seems to me they were replaceable for a reason,just like the barrel wedges) ...it avoids the heat of welding of any type to the lugs of the bbls,it's a nice clean fix, albeit a lucky strike type scenario.(which is why I've contemplated making up a few new ones )

But you're also right that the welded hook is the way to go,when pins or joints can't be replaced ,I've done three Parkers so far this year ,and a few other brands ...I actually just finished a #1 PH 12 last evening by welding the hook.

Just my two cent thoughts.

[calvin humburg]

I would have Lawerance replace the roll he has the correct jigs to hold the frame it is a pricy operation. 350 for turnbull is good see how long it takes. Britanina welded a lifter for me perfect job around 350 took awhile.

[allen newell]

Lawrence did the full restoration and if he has the proper jigs and tooling to tighten this up, he can do the work. Cost isn't a factor. It's a family heirloom

[calvin humburg]

He may be able to just tighten up the forend call him nice fellow as you probably know.