Firestar M-43 detail strip accomplished!

[Black Snowman]

I couldn't find so much as an exploded diagram of this surprisingly complicated little gun. I'm Gun-Koting it for my Dad and getting it appart was a little harrowing.

Since I couldn't find the info online anywhere I may detail the adventure on my website. Man, I should have taken pictures while I was getting it apart . . . this could be fun getting it back together

Only spring I have left to get out is the one hiding in the slide lock. Once I have that figured out I'll be ready to start preping.

 

[Jim K]

The slide stop spring plunger is held in by a small pin that is polished off on both sides and is almost invisible. Once it is out, the spring and plunger can be removed (they also can be lost easily, so be careful). The assembly is really intended to be permanent and IIRC the spring and plunger were not even available as separate parts; the slide stop came as an assembly.

I really wonder if it would not be possible to leave those parts in place, since it is hard to remove them without leaving marks. We usually left parts like that assembled when bluing guns, and used hot water and spray penetrant to make sure they were free afterwards.

Jim

 

[Black Snowman]

Ah, this one has been disassembled before then. Mine has a roll pin there in place of the flush pin. It came apart without drama once I found the right punch.

Now I just have to blast the small parts without damaging or losing them. I guess it's time to break down and build or buy a real blasting cabinet.

 

[Jim K]

Not necessarily disassembled before; the factory could have gone to the roll pin, as it is cheaper and easier to install.

Jim

 

[Black Snowman]

Got the cabinet. Got the gun apart, blasted, coated, and back together. Function tested fine at Bob's on Saturday. Looks much better and should keep it from rusting. Mission accomplished. Too bad I forgot pictures but I was more concerned about getting it done in time to give it back Saturday than I was about recording it for postarity