a-5 receiver repair

[tpl77]

Can someone summarize the procedure to use when filling (3) holes on a Browning a-5 receiver (light 12)? I suspect this gun had a peep sight installed on it at one time, but I want to plug the three holes that were drilled up high at the rear of the receiver. I would then like to re-blue it to bring it as close as possible to it's original look. The plug welds worry me. I'd rather not just pack it with JB weld or thread three set screws in it. My goal is to put it back the way it was.

Any input would certainly help.

 

[Clipper]

About the only way you're going to get them plugged without welding is to get three plain grade 2 or 3 bolts, install flush with the inside receiver surface if the holes are tapped through, or just bottom them if not. Use either Locktite bearing setting or assembled fastener formula. cut the bolt shanks close, file flush, blend & polish, and reblue. You will be REAL hard pressed to find them , even knowing where they are. Those two types of Locktite require about 350 degrees to break loose, so they're basically forever...

 

[tpl77]

...if I were to plug weld these holes, could anyone offer a summary of steps?

 

[gamachinist]

As far as I know,

TIG weld the holes,grind/file/sand flush
top and bottom,reweld any porous areas if needed and refinish.

The receiver is too thin to get a good threaded plug to stay put,unless you peen them into place like a rivit,swelling them out into the threads to make them fit tight.If you try this method,make sure to use an anvil on the opposite side of the screw from the hammer.
That much hammering might distort the receiver,imo.

I don't see how you will be able to have an invisible repair with screws.Every time I tried it,there was always a little spot where the tread started that left a mark.
Peening the screw heads might make a difference,but when you get it almost flush,ytou'll probably see the start of the thread.

 

[CarpenterCrack]

seat plug screws just below flush, tig weld them in, blend and reblue.