I won't go into detail(s) about how I managed to literally RIP the scope base screws right out of the threaded holes in the alloy top-strap of my customized Smith & Wesson 78G, other than stating ape-level strength
combined with moron-level intelligence
is a bad combination. My first "thought" was I'd completely destroyed the fantastic customized classic
.
An early, adjustable trigger variant in excellent condition, I've invested no small amount of time and frustration
in not only attaching the scope base, but machining a (slightly longer) replacement barrel for the original barrel that, for who knows why or how, was completely devoid of any rifling whatsoever.
Thankfully the top-strap suffered no damage other than the stripped threads. And thankfully this kind of BONE-HEAD move is why God invented Helicoil thread repair kits... (through a surrogate, of course). And in yet another happy coincidence
, thankfully I uncovered the correct Helicoil kit in my mountains of hoarded junk.
Correction- The correct Helicoil kit was located in its proper place among my meticulously inventoried, catalogued, and arranged inventory of gunsmithing parts, tools, and equipment
... Right next to File 13.
The aluminum top-strap tapped beautifully to receive the stainless-steel threaded inserts, resulting in a vast improvement over the pre-APEd threaded holes.
Re-installation of the mount and scope went just as well.
Despite gale-force gusting winds, of course I couldn't wait to sight her back in. That also went better than could be expected in such improbable conditions. Five consecutive three-shot groups at 25 yards averaged 1.44" c-t-c; the best measured just .60". Not quite as good accuracy as she usually achieves, but entirely forgivable given the hideous winds.
She's back; better than ever!
combined with moron-level intelligence is a bad combination. My first "thought" was I'd completely destroyed the fantastic customized classic.An early, adjustable trigger variant in excellent condition, I've invested no small amount of time and frustration
in not only attaching the scope base, but machining a (slightly longer) replacement barrel for the original barrel that, for who knows why or how, was completely devoid of any rifling whatsoever.Thankfully the top-strap suffered no damage other than the stripped threads. And thankfully this kind of BONE-HEAD move is why God invented Helicoil thread repair kits... (through a surrogate, of course). And in yet another happy coincidence
, thankfully I uncovered the correct Helicoil kit in my mountains of hoarded junk.Correction- The correct Helicoil kit was located in its proper place among my meticulously inventoried, catalogued, and arranged inventory of gunsmithing parts, tools, and equipment
... Right next to File 13.The aluminum top-strap tapped beautifully to receive the stainless-steel threaded inserts, resulting in a vast improvement over the pre-APEd threaded holes.
Re-installation of the mount and scope went just as well.Despite gale-force gusting winds, of course I couldn't wait to sight her back in. That also went better than could be expected in such improbable conditions. Five consecutive three-shot groups at 25 yards averaged 1.44" c-t-c; the best measured just .60". Not quite as good accuracy as she usually achieves, but entirely forgivable given the hideous winds.
She's back; better than ever!
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