Welding up a slide crack

[CZ-75]

I have an EG Makarov that is cracking in front of the slide release lug. Seems like it hasn't gone through, but not reassuring.

What would a smith go through to weld this area up?

How would it refinish, considering the rods/wire won't likely match the alloy of the slide?

I'd likely make the slide customized for carry, since the collectibility is gone.

 

[burrhead]

Cheaper and easier to buy another Mak and keep the one you have now for parts.

 

[HSMITH]

If you do decide to have it welded take it to a WELDER, most smiths are poor to average welders. The slide would need to be tig welded, and doing that without changing the temper of the slide is a true feat. Only a fantastic welder is going to be successful.

 

[4 eyed six shooter]

The previous post was correct about having the slide tig welded. After welding, the quickest way to finish the slide would be to have the slide surface ground to remove the excess weld, with the grinding done until the unwelded area of the slide is just touched by the grinding wheel. The slide could then be polished and blued. You will most likely see a slight color differance, but it would be slight. Overall, the cost would most likely be more than the slide is worth. Check with Gun Parts corp. and see what the price of a used slide would be.
Your pistol is not worth a lot of money so a repacement slide would be the way to go.
Good Shooting, John K

 

[Jim K]

FWIW, I just checked Gun Parts site and the Mak slide is listed as sold out. You might try Shotgun News.

Jim

 

[CZ-75]

Slide is worth $100, when you can actually find one.

Pistol is worth $250+.

I probably would be better buying a Bulgarian Mak and taking the slide for what it would cost.