[76shuvlinoff]

Yes I should probably use a gunsmith but this seems fairly simple....... but maybe it only seems simple because I'm ignorant.

I recovered an old single shot break open 12 gauge. The fit is tight but cosmetically it was in poor shape. The firing pin was broken and I hand fabbed one so I could get a pattern out of it.

What should a hammer driven firing pin be made of? My prototype is a piece of a rather soft bolt shank with a small hardened pin inserted to contact the primer. At first it was a bit long and punched a hole in the primer, now I have it right and want to make up a good piece. Although I didn't use em for the prototype I do have access to a full tool shop and machinists.

Thanks

[dfariswheel]

Most people use a good piece of drill rod.
If you can't find drill rod, simply cut off the end of a drill and use the shank.

After making the pin, harden and temper it.
From memory, after hardening, temper it to a dark straw color.

[Snarlingiron]

Dfariswheel is right on. I have made several from high speed drill rod. If properly hardened and tempered, they are pretty much indestructible. M2/M7 drill rod is available from McMaster Carr for a reasonable cost. It may be available locally depending on where you are, just be sure to get water or oil hardening material. Air hardening material requires special equipment.

Good luck.

[Speedo66]

I used a nail on an old single, but I was in college at the time.

Sounds weird but it always worked properly.

[76shuvlinoff]

Thanks folks!

One of the toolroom journeymen at work is an old fart gun enthusiast. I will speak with him about some drill rod.


Speedo, I did a lot of things back then I wouldn't do now ;).