Screw needed for Merwin and Hulbert

[orpington]

I am in need of one screw missing (preferably nickeled, but not essential, as preferably, I'd just be pleased to have the screw), in a .44 Pocket Army. It is one of the screws holding in place the side plate, the one missing being the upper one.

I have looked on the Numrich Gun Parts site and they are always out of stock. I think I called Jack First awhile ago and they did not have one. Any ideas?

 

[beag_nut]

Any chance you can determine the diameter and thread pitch? Any of the existing screws will thread into the hole of the missing one? If so, you can measure it and start from there.

 

[orpington]

Right. I agree, and I want to actually make one of my own. I am searching for a metal lathe, but this will take time. Not just to make this screw, but so that I have a more complete workshop. I have a gunsmith friend who is retired, and maybe we can make a screw, but his retirement keeps him rather busy.

 

[Jim K]

Your gunsmith should have a screw pitch gauge or you can use the gauge at Home Depot. If the screw size and pitch are standard or close, you don't need a lathe, you just need a die and handle. Brownells sells the dies and also screw blanks which can be formed and shaped to the size you need. For shaping the head, the "poor man's lathe" is a drill press with a file to shape the turning metal. You might also check "junk boxes" at a gun show; it is not uncommon to find that a screw from another gun, even another make of gun, will fit.

Jim