Making a home made barrel link for a Star BM

Pluribus · March 23, 2012, 11:26

What steel would/should I use. I have a good floor drill press and, I can get whatever drills and reamers I need and, the damaged original for pattern.

TIA and, Goodwill

**tdb59** · March 23, 2012, 11:50

I like O-1 tool steel. It is available from most steel supply stores and Brownell's, and is simple to heat treat and temper after machining.

**Hebrew Battle Rifle** · March 23, 2012, 19:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by tdb59

I like O-1 tool steel. It is available from most steel supply stores and Brownell's, and is simple to heat treat and temper after machining.

I agree with this post. 4140 is also a good choice.

Pluribus · March 24, 2012, 18:50

Thank you both. I appreciate the info. There are a number of tool and die/machine shops as well as supply houses in town.

Goodwill

**Brass Rat** · March 24, 2012, 19:19

I made one for my B from a 1911 link.

Pluribus · March 24, 2012, 22:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brass Rat

I made one for my B from a 1911 link.

I already checked that with a new standard length 1911 link that I had and, no go. The 1911 is too long for a BM.

JColdIron · March 25, 2012, 11:24

There is a guy on the trader section of Gunboards that sells original parts if you don't feel the absolute need to make it.

Goes by "STAR"

Pluribus · March 25, 2012, 11:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by JColdIron

There is a guy on the trader section of Gunboards that sells original parts if you don't feel the absolute need to make it.

Goes by "STAR"

Yes, I've contacted him and, the link is $50 + $20 for over seas shipping.

Being the "frugle" bastid that I am, I just can't see it, being it's for a $200 pistol. I think I'll have no problem making a usable link though, I may have some trial and error.

Thanks for the suggestion.

FUUN063 · March 26, 2012, 08:16

Well, if you have the old for dimensions, get a piece of steel and go for it. It should not be too hard. Good luck.

Leland

Pluribus · March 26, 2012, 11:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by FUUN063

Well, if you have the old for dimensions, get a piece of steel and go for it. It should not be too hard. Good luck.

Leland

Thank you sir! I feel up to the challenge and, am inspired by mountain mans sig line that goes "Can't afford it? Make it!" or something like that.

**Brass Rat** · March 26, 2012, 16:18

1911 links come in different sizes measure the holes center to center and order one the right length.

I had to ream one of the holes a couple of thousands and mill down the thickness a bit and reduce the radius of the barrel end.

Of coarse when I say mill down I mean a home made jig, file, sandpaper up to 400 grit and a lot of elbow grease but you'd be surprised what you can do with persistence and hand tools.

It is definitely easier than starting with a piece of flat steel.

We probably have two or three hundred rounds through it since the repair and it works great.

If there is an Achilles heel in John Brownings design it's the barrel link.

**L Haney** · March 26, 2012, 17:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brass Rat

...a lot of elbow grease but you'd be surprised what you can do with persistence and hand tools.

No, I wouldn't.

Check with Bama Steve about the concept of the NPW (New Palestinian Workshop). Heh.

FUUN063 · March 26, 2012, 18:34

If so, would the new link be a "Kyber Pass" link?!!

Leland

Pluribus · March 27, 2012, 11:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brass Rat

1911 links come in different sizes measure the holes center to center and order one the right length.

I had to ream one of the holes a couple of thousands and mill down the thickness a bit and reduce the radius of the barrel end.

Of coarse when I say mill down I mean a home made jig, file, sandpaper up to 400 grit and a lot of elbow grease but you'd be surprised what you can do with persistence and hand tools.

It is definitely easier than starting with a piece of flat steel.

We probably have two or three hundred rounds through it since the repair and it works great.

If there is an Achilles heel in John Brownings design it's the barrel link.

That all did cross my mind but, the closest c/c 1911 link was still off by about .010"-.012"

I've made many a homemade jig/tool for whatever too so, no, I won't be surprised. I keep elbow grease by 55 gal drum.

Quote:

Originally Posted by FUUN063

If so, would the new link be a "Kyber Pass" link?!!

Leland

Yeah! I like that one too. Maybe a flatlander special. I can tell I'm gonna need some pics for this project!

Doug

JColdIron · March 27, 2012, 12:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pluribus

Yes, I've contacted him and, the link is $50 + $20 for over seas shipping.

Being the "frugle" bastid that I am, I just can't see it, being it's for a $200 pistol. I think I'll have no problem making a usable link though, I may have some trial and error.

Thanks for the suggestion.

EEEEk! I'd gnaw one out with my teeth before paying that. I do like my pistol though!

Pluribus · March 27, 2012, 15:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by JColdIron

EEEEk! I'd gnaw one out with my teeth before paying that. I do like my pistol though!

Yup, me to. That's why the project. I really like my pistola too and, is a good, comfortable piece for CCW.

**Hebrew Battle Rifle** · March 31, 2012, 13:09

How is it going?

March 23, 2012, 11:26	#1
Pluribus Registered Bronze Contributor FALaholic #: 5600 Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Wichita, America Posts: 3,259	Making a home made barrel link for a Star BM What steel would/should I use. I have a good floor drill press and, I can get whatever drills and reamers I need and, the damaged original for pattern. TIA and, Goodwill __________________ W. W. J. W. D? (What Would John Wayne Do) Were it not for ignorance, thus we would remain. Never hate your enemy, it only clouds your judgment.

March 23, 2012, 11:50	#2
tdb59 Curio & Relic Bronze Contributor FALaholic #: 63177 Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: I am here Posts: 2,246	I like O-1 tool steel. It is available from most steel supply stores and Brownell's, and is simple to heat treat and temper after machining. __________________ "I've SEEN the future. Do you know what it is? It's a 47-year-old virgin sitting around in his beige pajamas, drinking a banana-broccoli shake, singing "I'm an Oscar Meyer Wiener".

March 24, 2012, 18:50	#4
Pluribus Registered Bronze Contributor FALaholic #: 5600 Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Wichita, America Posts: 3,259	Thank you both. I appreciate the info. There are a number of tool and die/machine shops as well as supply houses in town. Goodwill __________________ W. W. J. W. D? (What Would John Wayne Do) Were it not for ignorance, thus we would remain. Never hate your enemy, it only clouds your judgment.

March 31, 2012, 13:09	#17
Hebrew Battle Rifle Horses Ass Bronze Contributor FALaholic #: 5777 Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Arkansas Posts: 6,809	How is it going? __________________ THANK YOU JESUS

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March 24, 2012, 19:19	#5
Brass Rat Grumpy old fart Contributor FALaholic #: 18076 Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: West of Atlanta Posts: 403	I made one for my B from a 1911 link.

March 25, 2012, 11:24	#7
JColdIron Registered FALaholic #: 24587 Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 474	There is a guy on the trader section of Gunboards that sells original parts if you don't feel the absolute need to make it. Goes by "STAR"

March 26, 2012, 08:16	#9
FUUN063 Computer Illiterate Bronze Contributor FALaholic #: 35576 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Converse, Indiana Posts: 4,567	Well, if you have the old for dimensions, get a piece of steel and go for it. It should not be too hard. Good luck. Leland

March 26, 2012, 16:18	#11
Brass Rat Grumpy old fart Contributor FALaholic #: 18076 Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: West of Atlanta Posts: 403	1911 links come in different sizes measure the holes center to center and order one the right length. I had to ream one of the holes a couple of thousands and mill down the thickness a bit and reduce the radius of the barrel end. Of coarse when I say mill down I mean a home made jig, file, sandpaper up to 400 grit and a lot of elbow grease but you'd be surprised what you can do with persistence and hand tools. It is definitely easier than starting with a piece of flat steel. We probably have two or three hundred rounds through it since the repair and it works great. If there is an Achilles heel in John Brownings design it's the barrel link.

March 26, 2012, 18:34	#13
FUUN063 Computer Illiterate Bronze Contributor FALaholic #: 35576 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Converse, Indiana Posts: 4,567	If so, would the new link be a "Kyber Pass" link?!! Leland