HELP!!! Broken Universal M-1 Gas Block: WELDABLE???

[RocketmanVT]

I have a Universal M-1 Carbine, and the gas block has separated from the barrel - it blew off while firing a standard, commercial .30 cal. round (not a handload.)
My question: Can the gas block be re-welded to the underside of the barrel, without the barrel being warped by the heat of welding? If so, WHAT TYPE of welding should be used - MIG, TIG, stick?

Thank you in advance for any assistance you can provide!

 

[Maverick223]

No, I wouldn't dare weld any structural component to a high pressure rifle. This is a critical component and should be replaced with the proper OEM components, unfortunately that would likely exceed the value of the firearm in question. Hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it needed to be said

 

[Sam1911]

IF you can find an experienced gunsmith that is willing to do this for you, it will be TIG welded. (The idea of SMAW "stick" welding on a rifle barrel is funny like a train wreck.)

I know there are gunsmiths who do (or did back in the day) weld up parts of pistol barrels when they need to add material to re-cut lugs or some such, but you're talking about attaching a pretty sizable part, hence a fair bit of heat. You'll need to find someone REALLY qualified to even tell you if it can/should be done.

On the other hand, Numrich (e-gunparts.com) sells those barrels, with gas block, for $95 each. (Though they are out of stock at the moment.) I'd be kind of surprised if you got this job done in a timely fashion by a competent 'smith for a whole lot less than that.

And, on the third hand (that's a lot of hands!), it's still a Universal. You'll have to decide if it is really worth a $100+ repair, to you.

 

[RocketmanVT]

Yeah, that's about what I figured, too - it's not MY carbine, but I personally don't think it's a real great idea to try welding the block back on, considering the immense pressure developed by burning propellants, not to mention trying to fire a bullet down a barrel that might have been warped, or even weakened by the heat.

Thank you, gentlemen; you've been a big help.

 

[rondog]

It's a Universal. Salvage what parts are worth keeping and scrap the rest.

 

[husker]

if its made out of cast iron. Dont do it.

 

[RocketmanVT]

No MIG.
No TIG.
Forget stick.

Silver solder is the way to go...Oh, yeahhhh.

 

[TonyRumore]

I have Tig welded one on a Universal that I converted to .502 ThunderSabre and another one on an Iver Johnson that I converted to 10mm Magnum. I cut the existing block off the Universal and welded it to a new barrel, but on the IJ gun, I made a new block from scratch and welded it to the new barrel. I had no problems with either one. Back during the ban, I welded about 100 muzzle brakes in place with no ill-effects to the barrel.

However, I no longer do any one-off work like that.

Tony Rumore
Tromix

 

[BADUNAME37]

I suppose anything is possible for repairs, the main and ultimate question would be "is the repair as strong as the OEM part?"

If you cannot emphatically state "YES, or STRONGER," then I would take that as "you have a problem."

Remember:
When in DOUBT, DON'T!

 

[rcmodel]

"is the repair as strong as the OEM part?"

Well, if the gas block fell off the OEM barrel, it wouldn't take much of a TIG weld to be stronger then that!

I'd probably pack the bore full of Brownell's heat sink paste and gofer it.

It's not like you are dealing with full .30 Carbine chamber pressure by the time it gets to the gas port.
I'm guessing the gun didn't blow up when the gas block broke off the first time did it?

rc

 

[gunnutery]

Well, if you can't find replacement parts or a good gun smith, it'd always make a nice wall hanger/ conversation piece.