Author Topic: Trigger guard was bent, solutions?  (Read 952 times)

Offline Swampyankee

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Trigger guard was bent, solutions?
« on: January 14, 2024, 09:26:12 PM »
 My kit came with a bent trigger guard, I straightened the axis but the mounting plates (it's mounted with wood screws through the stock) aren't quite right, the back mounting plate sits a bit high forward of the scroll (Hawken rifle). Basically I need to put a twist on the scroll to pivot the mounting plate in order to seat the front of said plate, but that area is rich with metal goodness and so a bugger to bend with anything I've tried. Suggestions are appreciated, as always, TIA.

Offline rich pierce

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Re: Trigger guard was bent, solutions?
« Reply #1 on: January 14, 2024, 09:33:24 PM »
If it’s steel, get it bright red with heat to bend it. Apply the heat only where needed. Air cool.
Andover, Vermont

Offline J Shingler

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Re: Trigger guard was bent, solutions?
« Reply #2 on: January 16, 2024, 10:39:02 PM »
I have bent or untwisted a number of them. Just as Rich said .Heat and air cool. Your good.
Thank you
Jeff

Offline Jim Kibler

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Re: Trigger guard was bent, solutions?
« Reply #3 on: January 16, 2024, 11:18:11 PM »
We have to straighten pretty much every trigger guard we cast.  We bend both brass and steel cold.  Can't remember breaking any.

Jim

Offline Swampyankee

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Re: Trigger guard was bent, solutions?
« Reply #4 on: January 17, 2024, 03:10:38 AM »
I was hoping to hear someone say they bend it cold since I'm not really set up to put a flame to it. I'm nearly there with the vice grips, probably will quadruple the amount of time it takes to get it done compared with heat treatment. I suppose that's the choices a person has, heat it or wrestle with it. No third option.

Offline T*O*F

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Re: Trigger guard was bent, solutions?
« Reply #5 on: January 17, 2024, 03:15:02 AM »
Quote
I'm nearly there with the vice grips,
Don't use vise grips.  Instead use a large crescent wrench.  More leverage and less chance of damage.
Dave Kanger

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Offline Swampyankee

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Re: Trigger guard was bent, solutions?
« Reply #6 on: January 17, 2024, 05:18:41 AM »
Thanks for the suggestions.

 After a bit of wrestling with Mr Trigger Guard I found the vice grips to be of less use than my Stock vice, a good press fit and a tweak to the forward tab and we came to an agreeable solution to the problem. Now, until I reassemble the trigger, I'll be wondering if the bottom of the triggers will clear the inside of the bow of the guard. The guard does line up with the drawing on the full size plan from TOW, but you know how these nagging questions can sit...nagging.