[66912]

The title says it all. Can anyone recommend a reputable gunsmith in the NW Oregon or SW Washington area to do some Hk91/L1A1 work done? I posted the same question over at the FAL Files, but they sometimes move a little slower than the High Road.

[Taurus 617 CCW]

I know a few guys, what kind of work do you need done?

[66912]

Well, I picked up a Federal arms FA-91 for dirt cheap. I have ordered a stripped receiver from JLD and I was looking for someone in the area to help me out with project. The L1A1, is a little more serious. I seem to have a bullet stuck in the lower end of the barrel. I was shooting about two weeks ago and all was well. I switched off to some other fun things and when I got back to the L1A1, it refused to fully charge a round. I did a basic strip and could not figure out what was up. It was not until I got it home and put a rod through the barrel to find out what was up. I feel that I was extremely lucky that I was unable to fully charge a live round. Anyway, there appears to be no bulging or other visible damage to the barrel so I was hoping it would be an easy fix. Also, while they were digging into it, I was hoping they could swap out my old plastic buttstock and handgrip for the wood Aussie furniture I just picked up. Know anybody?

[machinisttx]

You need a "dammit stick" to remove the stuck bullet from the L1A1. Basically, you need a brass rod as close to bore diameter as you can get. You don't need to beat the bullet out of the bore, you just drop the rod on the stuck bullet repeatedly and eventually it will fall out.

Will the L1A1 still be 922(r) compliant after swapping the furniture?

[66912]

Already have all the nec. compliant parts in place. Thanks for the concern though.

[Bwana John]

Buy a buttstock tool and do it yourself.

[66912]

I thought about that Bwana John, I have heard that assembly and dis-assembly of the FAL/L1A1 buttstock is almost equal in difficulty as trying to field strip a Ruger MkIII. Any instructions or advice you can pass on is greatly appreciated.

[Z-Michigan]

Basically, you need a brass rod as close to bore diameter as you can get. You don't need to beat the bullet out of the bore, you just drop the rod on the stuck bullet repeatedly and eventually it will fall out.

I have used hardwood dowels and a rubber mallet to good effect. I figure the hardwood is even less likely to cause bore damage than a brass rod.

[66912]

That sounds like some good advice, I'll go with the dowel and mallet.

[Bwana John]

I thought about that Bwana John, I have heard that assembly and dis-assembly of the FAL/L1A1 buttstock is almost equal in difficulty as trying to field strip a Ruger MkIII.
Not with the tool, you just got to hold on to it as the threads let go. Reassembling is a breeze (with the tool).

Actually its very easy to DIS-assemble the buttstock without any other tool but a BF screwdriver.:evil: But you'll shoot yer eye out kid. Hopefully WEG will be along with the picture.
I figure the hardwood is even less likely to cause bore damage than a brass rod.

Ya but when the hardwood dowel splinters and gets stuck in the bore wedgein the bullet even tighter and causing a bigger problem its no fun.

[66912]

I'll just let the gunsmith take care of it (The Bullet) I can see the little B#$^&*d stuck in there. It was Portugese ammo by the way. I went ahead and ordered a tool from Brownell's.
I found a smith over in Western Washington called Blackwell Industries. Sounds very professional and has pics of his work posted on his website. He will also be refinishing the whole rifle as well. Unfortunately, he has stopped taking HK type projects so anyone have any info on how to proceed with the next project?

[86thecat]

If you try to drive a bullet out of a barrel with a wood dowel, it can break wedging into itself. Makes a mess almost impossible to remove. I'd stick with a brass rod.

[turjake]

To remove buttstock:


- find a piece of copper tubing abt. 1/2" dia., from 2" to 4" long
- use file or dremel to remove material on one end so that 2 prongs
are left on opposite sides
- unscrew the stock retaining screw 1/2 turn
- insert cleaning rod into hole in screw
- insert tool you made onto cleaning rod and unscrew the screw with it.

This way the screw and spring won't fly off across the room. Reassembly is also much easier with this method, as the spring will remain straight and you can
press and turn the screw with the tool.

Some FAL screws do not have a hole, though, but I think all L1A1's had it.

[Riss]

As for the Hk91 I would find someone that is familiar with the gun. Getting the barrel into and out of the trunnion requires special jigs and a large hydraulic press if done to HK spec. Barrel is pressed in with an interference fit and can ruin the receiver if not done correctly.

[66912]

Riss, a 20,000 lb. press to be precise. Finding someone with the proper equipment is the difficult part. As for the FAL, I took the path of least resistance, I bought the buttstock tool, and took the rest to a smith to remove the stuck bullet, and thread the barrel for the muzzle attachment. Now all I need is to find someone to do the finish work. I am torn between a parkerizing or flat black guncoat. It is a FrankenFal so being within original specs is not really a consideration. I just want it to have more curb appeal. Thanks again for all the responses.

[Riss]

I had actually thought of turning the barrel shank down and using a light press, piston fit with black max adhesive. And then pinning it or welding as required. As for the press any one of the big guys that does conversion builds could do it, whether they will do it or not is another thing.