Plunger tube loose, any non gunsmith visit suggestions?

[pat86323]

I just noticed that my plunger tube is a bit loose (still anchored into the frame but wiggles a bit) and i was wondering if there was any simple solution to the problem or if i have to take it to a gunsmith to get it fixed?

[Azrael256]

How handy are you with a staking tool?

[pat86323]

if only i had a staking tool

[Azrael256]

Then it may be gunsmith time. The tube will have to be re-staked at the minimum. Re-staking it is kinda iffy, so I would go for a complete replacement. It isn't a super difficult project, but it's basically impossible if you don't have the tools.

[pat86323]

thats kinda what i was afraid of.

[Azrael256]

Well, there's always duct tape, bailing wire, and JB Weld. It won't, y'know, work, but it'll at least be entertaining to try.

[pat86323]

I have no problem taking it to the smith, yesterday i was told to just put a drop of loctite on the fastner and let it set.....this however sounded pretty bubba so i figgerd id ask.

[Azrael256]

Loctite works well for keeping screws from coming loose and for a pin that won't be levered out of place by the thing it's holding in (like an ejector pin). Slathering it on the plunger tube really does sound pretty bubba. You might ask the person who recommended it if he's interested in a ramp and throat job. I hear you can do that at the kitchen table with a dremel. :D

[pat86323]

hahaha id actually like to do a ramp job on one of his guns.....he really put alot of effort into putting me down when i was in his shop, I own a rock island armory pistol....not nessisarily because i think they are the best thing going, but more because it is a functional piece at a price that can be budgeted into my life along with school tuition and such. And i didnt much appreciate it when this guy was running his mouth "if you would have bought a colt that plunger tube wouldnt have come loose" and "i just cant even understand why anyone would buy such a garbage gun" (keep in mind that his gunshop keeps the ria in stock) so his attitude coupled with the bubba sound of his suggestion made me seriously second guess him.

[Hunter]

Folks like that are not looking for new customers which is not a good idea. I would be careful of gunstore commandoes that will put you down when looking for some help. I would find someone else if I were you.

[pat86323]

im not upset about it at all. I went in there bought a couple of parts that i needed at a really cheap price. (i think he may have neglected to charge me for one of them) He insisted on helping me install a beavertail safety (which he failed at, saying that it needed fitting which is odd because i took it home and it went together wonderfully) then proceeded to insult me. I understand that hes a colt/kimber guy and thats fine. I just know that he will never get another dime of my cash.

[Tom]

You might be able to get away with just flaring the tops of the posts just a little. The posts on the plunger tube fit into the frame, and using a punch and a hammer, you might be able to add a little edge to the tops of the posts - enough for them to "bite" against the frame and hold the plunger tube in place. And as with the proper tool, be sure to slip something (like a drill bit) into the plunger tube to keep from crimping it before whacking at the posts and frame.

But like I said, you might be able to do this, but I'd recommend taking it to a gunsmith to have it done, or buying/borrowing a crimping tool to do it yourself.

[BobCat45]

Brownells has: Plunger Tube Staking Tool 634-000-001 $31.13

When my Springfield plunger tube worked loose, I bought that tool and a replacement plunger tool. Put Red Locktite under the plunger tube when I installed it, and it is now about 9,000 rounds later, still tight.

This may seem expensive to you, but if your friends have 1911 pistols, you may be in a position to lend them the tool or help them out in the future.

Regards,
Andrew

[pat86323]

toms/bobcat seem to have it. I had a spare tube that i could replace the current one with if i happened to screw it up so i figured id give it a shot. I put a little nail in the tube and put the tube in a vise then proceded to smack each post one time adding a little lip then i used a little loctite and thumped it back into the frame. So far it seems really stable and tight in the frame. I guess this is as good an excuse as any to go out and throw 2-300 rounds through it and see how it holds up.

[Tom]

The worst that can happen is either you won't be able to activate the thumb safety or the pistol may not lock back on the final round. The plunger tube itself does not play any part in the firing of the pistol. But if you want to engage/disengage the thumb safety, or want the slide stop pin to remain engaged with the slide and locked back, then that little part comes in handy. :)

Just be sure that you don't loose the little plunger-n-spring assembly if the tube breaks free from the frame again.

[wichaka]

pat86323, where you live? If you're close by, stop in and I'll fix you up for free.........

[pat86323]

Thanks wichaka but i did what tom said and put just a tiny little dab of loctite on one of the pins and it is holding up really well so far. I went out and dropped aboutt 150 rounds through it and it had no failure to lock or any jazz like that. And its still in there really strong. I think ill just use it like it is for now and if it decides to break loose again ill buy the restaking tool and do it that way.

[Tom]

Hey, I never said anything about Loc-Tite. That was someone else. I just suggested peening the end of the tubesa bit with a punch and hammer.

Glad that's worked out for you, but if it fails again (and it might) then you'll have to invest in a crimping tool or a gunsmith.

[pat86323]

i know tom....but i took your suggestion and added hos suggestion hoping to make it a little more permanant. and if it goes wacko again im definately buying a tool and doing it myself, i had alot of fun just doing the little filing and rebluing of a grip safety, maybe restaking will prove to be amusing as well