Question on pinning a recoil lug.

[ridgeway]

I got a .200" PTG tapered recoil lug to pin to my 40x project. The lug has one 3/32 hole at 6 oclock. I made a two peice tenon fixture to secure and drill the pin hole. I squared the lug and tightened down my fixture. Just needs drilled.

Here are my questions:

Should I drill the action hole undersized for a press fit? The only problem I see with doing it this way is if for some reason the pin gets sheared off. Getting the other half would be PITA.

Or drill for a slip fit and use a tiny bit of locktite to keep it in place?

I plan on using a hard steel dowel pin.

 

[Preacher]

I drill for a slip fit, and never noticed a problem doing it..
Not a good idea to have it tight, as you mentioned..

 

[ridgeway]

Thanks! I used a #41 drill and went .200" deep. Worked out perfect. Ended up getting grade 8 dowel pins, so should be OK.

 

[X Ring Accuracy]

Slip fit is in order. Once you assemble the barreled action and bed it, you realize it's just a holding pin, hope that makes sense.

 

[tclaunch]

I asked this to Russ at Stiller, and he said drill and ream to size.

 

[ridgeway]

I asked this to Russ at Stiller, and he said drill and ream to size.

One thing I don't have is a reamer that size. The #41 drill and lots of lube made a real nice hole that provides a very nice slip fit. Fits better than the lug hole.

 

[bibsmachine]

Make sure you use plenty of anti size on the action face and barrel shoulder or you will shear off your pins when you tighten up the barrel.
You might already know that but just a thought.

 

[ridgeway]

Make sure you use plenty of anti size on the action face and barrel shoulder or you will shear off your pins when you tighten up the barrel.
You might already know that but just a thought.

Thanks...I did not know that. This is my first with a pinned lug.

 

[bibsmachine]

Sorry I said action face but I should have said the lug face that will go towards the barrel .

 

[ridgeway]

Got ya...makes sense.

 

[Erik Cortina]

Make sure you use plenty of anti size on the action face and barrel shoulder or you will shear off your pins when you tighten up the barrel.
You might already know that but just a thought.

Sorry I said action face but I should have said the lug face that will go towards the barrel .

Wouldn't that affect the headspace by a small amount? What if the anti seize is not evenly distributed around the perimeter of the shoulder, would that cause any issues with misalignment?

 

[ridgeway]

I'm saying there will be no measurable difference, meaning with a tenth capable micrometer. The reason I say this is, the max particle size in anti seize is about 50 microns.

 

[bibsmachine]

If it did change your head space I do not think you could measure it, and if you do not use anti seize or barrel grease you will snap off your pins sooner or latter. I have had to repair them more than once.

 

[tunered]

I don't think it makes sense to lube a pinned lug, at the face of the action, it's not moving there when the barrel is removed.

 

[bibsmachine]

I don't think it makes sense to lube a pinned lug, at the face of the action, it's not moving there when the barrel is removed.

Look at my second post I corrected myself and said put it on the lug face.

 

[tunered]

Sorry, missed that. Ed

 

[bibsmachine]

That is Ok Ed.

 

[Rustystud]

Anti Seize is good when you use it in the right applications. Using it on barrel tenons/actions and recoil lugs is not the best application. I recommend a good high temperature grease provides lubricity and anti corrosive properties and by volume much less expensive than anti seize. Read the MACHINIST HAND BOOK, (threads and threads fit) the Bible of Machining. Jim Borden recommends and uses hardened pins. I also recommend using a recoil lug guide such as the ones made by Darrell Holland. Darrell also makes a Remington Remington clone drilling fixture.
Nat Lambeth

 

[ridgeway]

Nat, Thanks for taking the time to post your expert view on this. I listen to your preofessional view on things! I actually made a jig so I could pin the lug... I also used a hardened dowel pin as well.

I need to pick up a tub of high temp grease. Any recommendation on what kind and brand?

 

[Rustystud]

Auto parts stores, Walmart, Hardware stores, all carry small 1 pound tubs of high temperature, bearing grease. I use Marine bearing grease or just high temperature grease. A tub cost about $3.00. I re-barrel several hundred barrels per year and a tub last me about a year and half.

Nat Lambeth