Broken Forearm Latch, Part 2

[Wallaceone]

Can anyone suggest a skilled micro-welder that could repair the broken AE forearm latch described in my earlier post? I'm assuming that I'll also need to have the piece re-engraved (fairly worn to begin with) and case color hardened following the repair. I would try to locate a replacement latch, but I hate to lose the serial numbered part original to the shotgun. Thank you![attachment=0]forearm release 006.jpg[/attachment]

[MARSHFELLOW]

You could call Jason at Pumpkin Mountain Gunshop. By coincidence, he and I just had a discussion on micro-welding this past week and I believe he is familiar with what you want to do. I havent had work done there personally yet....this is just an informational suggestion. His number is 518-352-1977

tjw

[bbman3]

it would be better to have yours welded than to use another.Inletting would be different and you would most likely have some gaps between wood and metal.Bobby

[Silvers]

When I answered your earlier thread on the broken latch I was thinking it is the actual latch, the part you lift with your finger. They will break usually at the pivot pin. The latch metal typically welds and machines like mild steel. However your pic shows the break is across the latch plate. I hope the welding will work but often (not always) there is deep carbide penetration from the hardening, the weld area will spit and sputter, and the weld will be very porous. I've had that happen with expert welding techs using very modern technology. It's worth a try and you may luck out. If not, you may be forced to find an A grade forend latch plate. The s/n is of course on the underneath side and with some effort it could be milled off and restamped but I doubt you'll find metal stamps with the exact same number font.

Bobby is correct, the latch plates do vary a bit in sizing and if you can find and buy one "on approval" that would be best. Silvers

[Wallaceone]

I appreciate the information about the Pumpkin Mountain Gunshop, and would be thankful for any other leads members may have.

My apologies for the error in the original post with regard to which portion of the latch was broken; without the part in front of me, my feeble mind told me it was the other portion of the mechanism. I know the repair will be a "finger-crosser", but it's at least worth a try. If I find the right craftsman for the repair and get lucky, I'll post pictures of the renewed part!