Winchester Model 100 .308

[Marshlander]

I have a question for the gunsmiths out there. My son-in-law has a Winchester Model 100 in .308 that I've been working on for him. The barrel's forend stud is 'dove tailed' into the barrel on this rifle. I have done a pillar and bedding job on the forend and I bedded the recoil lug. I also free floated the barrel on the rifle and used some 5 minute epoxy (temporary fix) the forend stud in place to keep the barrel from sliding side to side in the dove tail. All of this has helped the accuracy considerably. We've gone from a 2.5" - 3" three shot groups at 100 yards to a legitimate 1 - 1/2" group with 180 grain Hornady Factory Ammo. It didn't like the 150 grains at all. I feel that we can improve this and increase consistency by having the forend stud welded in place. The rifle belonged to his Grandfather (his namesake) so, he is really wanting to kill a deer with this thing. I contacted a local gunsmith about welding the forend stud and, he recommended silver solder. What would you recommend for the best fix? I've pretty much decided that I will use the Devcon 10110 plastic steel epoxy and set the dove tail with a center punch and hammer. Unless someone has a better idea. I had thought about using a pressure bedding at this point but, I really wanted the barrel to free float. The results have been positive but, I'd like some 'professional input' on a permanent solution.

A new problem with this rifle has surfaced. The 'Operating Slide Guide' on the bolt operator side has broken to the rear of the bolt. I've found that this is a common problem with this rifle. I'm thinking maybe caused from shooting the heavy 180 grain ammo, maybe just **** poor design to start with. At any rate, I found one sight that has replacements; http://www.nulineguns.com/part_part_1625_2_21_64.php

Questions; does anyone know of another supplier of this part? Can the part be welded to repair it and what technique should be used if so. I have an uncle that is a very good 'TIG Welder'. Would Tig welding this part be the best practice to repair this part? If not, how?

 

[mountainman56]

I think tig welding is a viable option..........especially for $300.

Always had a soft spot for that rifle. Not really very good rifle, but I had one when I was 15, (a loonnngggg time ago), and had a lot of fun with it. I lent it to a friend, he shot a deer, drove over to it, leaned the rifle against the grill of his truck, loaded the deer and drove away. The barrel went up through the grill, the stock dug into the ground and the bumper busted it right in half. Still waiting to get paid..............I suspect I should give up

Numrich gun parts has it listed for $83.75........and out of stock. I guess you can charge whatever you want if you don't have it but this might be a good indicator of actual value. Hell, you can buy the whole rifle for $500 with a little shopping.

 

[shortgrass]

When Numrich had that part in stock, $83.75 would buy what $300 will today. Nu-Line has the last of the original parts. Used parts are not available (as its commonly broken)and no new parts will be made. I don't know the rifle so I can't recommend tig or not to tig.

 

[HARPERC]

Check the firing pin recall while you're fixing stuff if you haven't.