Private Smith said

TXGunNut said

Chris-

I have been told one of our members is currently researching and writing about T. C. Johnson’s self loaders. I touched on them briefly in my recent article on Johnson and the Model 1903 and am looking forward to reading about the centerfire models. 

 

Mike

  

Mike,

What issue is your article in? I own two 1903’s and enjoy shooting them occasionally. 

Thanks,

Chris

  

Chris-

Spring 2024, I think. My notes, books and magazines are in storage. My real name is Michael Hupp but most folks who frequent shooting forums know me as TXGunNut. If you’re a member of TGCA you may see my articles in their magazine. The article is as much about Johnson as it is about the 1903 but I found them both very interesting. Dan Shuey also wrote about the 1903 a little while back in an excellent article I referenced in my article. You’ll want to read that one, too. As a WACA member you have access to the archives, just one benefit of membership. Outstanding research tool. For example, Bert Hartman has written quite a few articles about the results of his research and surveys, all are excellent reference tools. Dan Shuey wrote or co-wrote several articles about cartridges and cartridge boxes. Jennifer and Gary Gole write regular articles about collectible items, lately about cartridge boards. I could go on but it’s past my bedtime!

Mike

Bo, thanks for the heads up.

Fortunately, there’s a way to reinforce the repaired area from inside. I’ve fixed several 1907s and Auto-Fives that were prone to the same problem before Miroku began installing half-cylinders of a thin, tough polymer inside the forearm. 

To make a lasting repair:

Compress the forearm if necessary to close the crack with bands of.green painter’s tape, taking care not to distort the inletting with too much pressure. Apply a length of tape to the outside of the forearm along the crack line to stop leaks.

Use a small, razor sharp, V-groove chisel to make a channel along the crack inside the forearm.

Fill the channel with a viscous, slow-set epoxy resin glue. Soak a linen cleaning patch in the glue and smooth it into the bottom of the forearm at the center of the crack line.  

After several hours, remove the length of tape from outside the forearm.

Go away and leave it alone for a week. 

When the glue is fully cured out, check forearm fit and sand down the reinforcing patch as needed to allow the weighted action rod to operate without interference. 

Spot refinish the exterior crack line with an artist’s brush. Level it with 0000 wool but don’t get crazy and try to make it disappear entirely. 

While you’re at it, apply finish to the raw wood inside the forearm. 

Miller Time. The repair should not shoot loose. 

Thanks, I’ll give it a go this summer.

TXGunNut said

Private Smith said

TXGunNut said

Chris-

I have been told one of our members is currently researching and writing about T. C. Johnson’s self loaders. I touched on them briefly in my recent article on Johnson and the Model 1903 and am looking forward to reading about the centerfire models. 

 

Mike

  

Mike,

What issue is your article in? I own two 1903’s and enjoy shooting them occasionally. 

Thanks,

Chris

  

Chris-

Spring 2024, I think. My notes, books and magazines are in storage. My real name is Michael Hupp but most folks who frequent shooting forums know me as TXGunNut. If you’re a member of TGCA you may see my articles in their magazine. The article is as much about Johnson as it is about the 1903 but I found them both very interesting. Dan Shuey also wrote about the 1903 a little while back in an excellent article I referenced in my article. You’ll want to read that one, too. As a WACA member you have access to the archives, just one benefit of membership. Outstanding research tool. For example, Bert Hartman has written quite a few articles about the results of his research and surveys, all are excellent reference tools. Dan Shuey wrote or co-wrote several articles about cartridges and cartridge boxes. Jennifer and Gary Gole write regular articles about collectible items, lately about cartridge boards. I could go on but it’s past my bedtime!

 

Mike

  

Thanks Mike! I appreiatte your response, and all the interesting information to read.

Chris