mount plunger tube without staking?

[Carbine_Man]

Is there any other safe/reasonable way to mount the plunger tube to the receiver besides staking?

I have read references to Red Loctite but I have never heard of using Loctite on something that isn't threaded.

[thehead7]

You could probably get away with red loctite. One of it's advertised uses is press-fit parts...

It might be worth it to have it staked, though. The grip covers part of the plunger tube, which pretty much means you won't loose it if it comes off, but if it comes loose during firing you are going to run the chance of having your thumb safety not operate properly, as well as having your slide lock to the rear unexpectadly.

Now then, is there someone who can tell us how to properly stake the plunger tube without a $60 tool from brownells? (I haven't gotten that far yet with my project gun :) )

Of course, loctite AND staking wouldn't be bad...

[stumbler]

Back in the days of old when money was tight... (Wait that is today isn't it?:D )

I used a loc-tite, a small ball bearing, pliers, and rags for protection. The ball bearing was small enought to spread the stakes. It has held tight going on 15 years now.

Even though I don't recommend it now, it worked for me then.

[mister2]

Cool, stumbler....

but how did you keep the pliers from collapsing the tube? :)

MR2

[stumbler]

Drill bits.

[stans]

You could have the tube soldered onto the frame, but that entails a trip to a gunsmith and at that point you are better off paying him to just stake the tube. It's not that tough of a job and shouldn't cost any more than about $30.

[Carbine_Man]

I decided to just let the 'smith do it. I took the frame to have the tang ground to fit a beaver tail grip safety, and I just asked him to stake the plunger too.

[jcmios]

Just have it staked by a gunsmith. It takes about 2 minuets to do and have the gunsmith put sleeve bearing loc tight on the posts before staking, that’s what I do and have never had one come back due to it loosening. Also if the frame holes are not counter sunk have the smith do that first, about another 2 minuets work.

[kendoka]

Is staking sufficient by itself if you have grips that provide no support or protection of the tube? This is probably a naive question, but some grips (like the ultra thin grips I like) do not cover the plunger tube at all. If so, do you need to do more beyond staking it? For instance, is it ever a good idea to solder it to the frame? I have always assumed that since it is a separate part, it was not meant to be soldered or loctited. I sure there are some opinions out there soomeplace.

[stumbler]

Staking in counter-sunk holes is best. It's worked on my Springfield for years, through numerous competitions and range practice.