Trigger guard

[old dog]

Finishing up a pistol.  The trigger guard is about an eighth of an inch to short.  I tried to stretch it with heat and a hammer.  All I did was make it wider.  I guess I am just not skilled enough to pull that off,  If I butt solder a piece on to make it longer will it hold or should I cut a overlapping joint and solder and/or pin.
Old Dog

[Bill Raby]

Use a cross peen hammer.

[old dog]

Iam hesitant to try that again as I also somewhat deformed the area where the lug and the bow meet.  I probably used to much heat.
OD

[rich pierce]

Is it brass or mild steel?

[old dog]

Brass

[Bill Raby]

Brass needs to be worked cold. Anneal when the metal starts to get hard.

[old dog]

Thanks Bill.  Don't know what I was thinking.  I'll anneal it good and maybe squeeze in the vise  or try the cross pean.
Old Dog

[Clowdis]

Anneal often so you don't break the guard. You can tell when the brass starts to harden.

[old dog]

Thank You.  A little heat and the cross pean did it.  This is always more fun when you know what you are doing.
Old Dog