disassembly?

[DSizemore]

Hey Frank.....This thread brings up and interesting topic that I've heard various opinions on. Without going in detail about methods I've heard others using, do you know of another way to secure the old screw without the peening process and the use of a new screw?

[Silvers]

Dave, you've probably heard that loctite has been used as an expedient but I don't subscribe to that myself. The yoke and its screw get a high impact shock whenever the gun is snapped shut. Methinks the Fox engineers knew what they were doing by peening the end of the yoke screw. If the screw loosens, the lever spindle will likely crack the yoke at its split end. It can and does happen, and ya better hope it doesn't jam the gun. Ever try to undo the top (underlever) screw to get at the innards, but the barrels are locked down on the gun, bolt closed, and the lever is jammed in the center position? You can't get at that screw. You force the lever as much as you dare without breaking it off, but the broken yoke has it jammed and the bolt won't rotate open. Been there, seen that.... not a pretty picture. Ok gents, I am really signing off now. Frank

[DSizemore]

That's what I thought you'd say Frank, but doesn't it seem a bit odd for a manufacturer to build a gun that includes the need for a replacement screw every time it's disassembled beyond that point? I could be totally out to lunch here I guess because you, as well as others with whom I respect as gun guys have said the same thing. It just seems odd....that's all. Thanks.

[Silvers]

Three broken yokes, one with both sides cracked off. And the one in the lower center with the broken tip, had its sides spread slightly because of a loose yoke screw. Ok so maybe yur lucky and the gun isn't jammed shut and ya find a replacement yoke somewhere. See the one at 4 o'clock on the pic. Good deal, ya think, I'm good ta go!



Then, when you go to install it you find the crosshole isn't drilled. That hole has two different diameters along with a counterbore on each side, and it has to be drilled & tapped within a thou or two of the exact location...... otherwise the locking bolt won't fully rotate. Then you need to find a gent with a milling machine to do the machining, but the old yoke you have has a broken side or two, and he says he can't pick up the exact coordinates for doing the crosshole. These incompletely machined parts are now commonly seen f/s, as NOS factory parts are drying up. Somebody must have gotten into them when Savage shut down production.

Better to avoid headaches, get a replacement yoke screw and peen its end like the factory did. So many 100 year old Foxes are still tight as could be.... the yoke screw is hardly something that needs to be removed just casually. Besides, they were probably something like 75 cents each when Foxes were in production. Silvers

[DSizemore]

Very good Frank. Thanks.