I fixed my pistol!

Rejoice with me!

I tried a couple of times to take it to a gunsmith, and nothing ever worked out. Was discussing the matter with a neighbor, and mentioned that the yoke screw threads are covered with what looks like but really can’t be red Loc-tite. He suggested hitting it with some acetone to dissolve whatever it is, and then maybe I’d be able to work out the thread fragment. Sounded like something I could try.

So yesterday during the Monday water run I popped into the one-and-only drug store and asked for some nail polish remover. Today after chores (touch-up painting on the Lair) I looked the pistol over. Hadn’t really paid any attention to it since the yoke screw broke, and upon closer examination it was clear that I’d be able to get closer to the fragment(s) if I took off the side plate. So I did that … and it turned out that then I could turn the thread fragment out of the frame with no problem whatsoever.


Yeah – I could have easily fixed the pistol two months ago.

I still don’t know what caused the problem in the first place…


…but I’m happy I at least had sense enough to stock a spare. Now I need to get another one.

And now my darlin’ Model 69 is fixed and back in the holster!

About Joel

You shouldn't ask these questions of a paranoid recluse, you know.
This entry was posted in Uncategorized. Bookmark the permalink.

11 Responses to I fixed my pistol!

  1. Terrapod says:

    You or Ian should have a good selection of solvents and cleaners on the shelf. Acetone, Mineral Spirits, Brake Cleaner, Acetic Acid, EvapoRust, Simple Green, Kerosene, Lighter Fluid, WD40 Those are always good to have on hand. And yes, have all on hand except the Kerosene, have to get some. It is a very light oil by definition.

  2. Robert says:

    Yay! Ya can’t hardly have too many working guns.

  3. Ian didnt suggest this, or was he unaware of your situation?

  4. Joel says:

    😀 Dude. Last I heard, Ian was charging around naked in Finland. He doesn’t take care of my weapons’ maintenance.

  5. Terrapod says:

    So long as the Finnish volleyball team was with him, that is fine.

  6. polimath says:

    Yay, Joel, I know what it feels like to succeed in getting a handgun back into working order. Last month had to replace a thumb safety in a 1911. Had that thing apart 6 times before it was done. Had to hand stone the replacement part to fit the gun. A learning experience for sure. But every time I do something like that it builds confidence to try something else.
    Solvents:
    When nothing else will take it off, try contact cement thinner aka Toluene.

  7. Mike says:

    Nice! Better late than never.

  8. John in Philly says:

    If you are hiking and get a large blob of pine tree sap on your backpack, nail polish remover followed by soap and water works great.

    Yes. Personal experience.

  9. Robert says:

    RE pine sap removal: High school chemistry to the rescue thanks to the delightful Sister I-Forget-Her-Name. Butter. Butter cuts the sap quite nicely. I forget why. Probably something to do with the lipids. (a little internet sleuthing) Pine sap is fat-soluble but not water-soluble. Tah-dah!

  10. DiamondD says:

    Outstanding! I feel better knowing you are armed with the 69 as opposed to the Brazilian Magnum. Taurus has some great ideas but I’ve always been a wee bit skeptical of their execution of same. Glad to see that Smith back in the holster.

To the stake with the heretic!