Barrel question

[Harold Pickens]

Not a Parker, but this is the appropriate place. While shooting sporting clays this weekend with my Ithaca 4E 16, I noticed that the "keel" of soder had fallen out at the muzzle--the one beneath the top rib. So, what does this entail, and should i continue shooting it--I had planned on shooting it at Hausmann's. Since it is a heavier gun than most of my Parkers, I have begun using it alot at SC in the 16 ga class. And no the barrels have not been cut--I have seen the order book page for this gun.

[Dean Romig]

Harold, this seems to be a relatively common problem with Ithacas... I have seen it on a number of them which were otherwise in good condition. It won't hurt it to continue to shoot it but know that it will only get worse. The barrel's safety has not been compromised. Repairing it properly entails having the ribs stripped and relayed by a pro.

[B. Dudley]

A keel should be able to be put back in properly without removing the ribs.

[Dean Romig]

Not to argue the point... but I'll stick with my opinion.

[Kensal Rise]

Mr. Pickens:
It is most likely true that no harm will come to the gun by continued shooting. And, if you want a professional opinion and price on replacement of the keel, it's best to check with Brad Bachelder or Kirk Merrington. Cost should be minimal.

http://www.merringtongun.com

[Harold Pickens]

Thanks Dean, John, and Brian. My fear was that the ribs may have to be relayed and/or that putting in a new keel would hurt the bluing neccesitating it being reblued. I havent heard back from my local double gun guru yet. Brian are you going to beat hausmann's? I seem to recall that you had other commitments.I will probably have the gun with me, and shoot it if it wont cause any greater problems---and if I shoot it poorly, i will have a ready excuse!

[B. Dudley]

I will be there on Thursday and Friday AM only.

Just this morning I re-attached a forend loop to a set of Titanic barrels that had pulled free.
Everything else around it was good and tight. It was done without compromising the surrounding ribs and no re-bluing was needed. See below a photo of the finished repair.

image.jpg

Granted there is always a chance for some discoloration when doing work like this, but usually with some care the job will come out satisfactory without having to do anything like that.

[J. A. EARLY]

Harold,

I have filled missing solder at the end with a very low temp. solder (275 degrees) and the proper flux from Brownells. Comes in little sticks and it can be placed over the end where the hole is and melted with a soldering iron. No torch necessary. Just set the iron on the solder. Won't undo the other solder or discolor the bluing.

Then you can go by a beauty supply place and buy nail files in various grits from 300 up to 1000. About $1 each. Finish the solder and clean the barrel ends with the files or use shop files.

http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-to...r-prod108.aspx

Just my 2 cents.

[J. A. EARLY]

Harold,

Obviously Brian is your permanent fix since he will be there.

[John Cinkoske]

Brian, I have a set of ventilated rib Titanic barrels that the front post only has come loose on. Could this be re-soldered without the need to reblue the whole thing? Thanks!