Wedge keys

[T*O*F]

Is it just me or do others have this problem.  If you pin the wedge keys into the stock, the slots are always too short to clear the underlug so you can remove the barrel.  Then you gotta fiddle around trying to lengthen it.  I suppose I should buy a slotting file instead of needle files and a jeweler's saw.

[smart dog]

Hi Dave,
Always with store-bought keys.  The slots are never long enough.  A drill, jeweler's saw, and flat needle file will solve the problem. 

dave

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

On many store bought keys, you can slip a hack saw blade through the existing slot, and increase the slot's length.  I have a selection of metal cutting saw blades that I use for this purpose.  You still have to clean up the slot with needle files and abrasive.  I pin through the top of the 45 deg. angled flat right next to the vertical.  You have to be careful to only go just through the slot and minimally into the wood beneath, as the stock curves away and it's easy to pass the drill bit right through...as me how I know this.

[T*O*F]

The last gun I did, I lengthened the slot.  On the one previous to that, I was tired of all the fooling around so I inlet a short piece of drill rod vertically underneath the escutcheon and didn't have to mess with the slot at all.  The escutcheon captured the pin.

[Curtis]

Dave, I have done it both ways, but no matter what I always seem to have to cut the slot longer.

Curtis

[Pete G.]

Better too short than too long.