loose rib

**Pete D.** · February 24th, 2011, 06:23 PM

The rib on my old Mossberg came unstuck. It slides forward each shot.
What is the best way to reattach it? Silver solder was suggested but I am concerned that the necessary heat will ruin the temper on the barrel.
Thoughts? Suggestions?
Pete

**CustomShooter** · February 24th, 2011, 10:30 PM

silver solder... the heat for silver solder will not ruin your barrel as it is a lower temp heat....

**justashooter** · March 3rd, 2011, 01:11 PM

silver solder will ruin temper, for sure. plumber's solder or a 2 part epoxy is a better bet.

silver solder is 1150* F, or so.

plumber's solder is 400* F, or so.

2 part epoxy is room temperature.

drawing temper in a shotgun barrel is about 600*, depending on alloy and process limitations. 1150* F is a dull red temperature on steel in bright sunlight. will ruin bluing, parkerising, temper, any kind of paint, and most aluminum ribs. joining aluminum to steel best done with screws or epoxy.

**bvaguy30** · March 3rd, 2011, 02:30 PM

Take it out and make a woman out of it.

**Hawk** · March 3rd, 2011, 02:52 PM

Originally Posted by Pete D.

The rib on my old Mossberg came unstuck. It slides forward each shot.
What is the best way to reattach it? Silver solder was suggested but I am concerned that the necessary heat will ruin the temper on the barrel.
Thoughts? Suggestions?
Pete

I'm assuming the "posts" are still attached to the barrel and the "rib" is sliding on the posts? If so, just epoxy (2 part clear, not the black JBWeld)the rib from underneath to a post or two to keep it from sliding. Make sure you clean the area you are epoxying of any oil or grease.

**digdug18** · March 3rd, 2011, 04:41 PM

I'd use silver solder as well, epoxy won't take the battering of such a small area. Epoxy works great on gunstocks and such, but needs more of an area to grab. TIG welding is also a possiblity, its even higher heat, but for a smaller amount of time. Key for silver solder is to use a heat sink(locking pliers work well), as well as heat stop gel.

**phillykev** · March 3rd, 2011, 04:46 PM

Originally Posted by bvaguy30

Take it out and make a woman out of it.

Heh...thought this was another religion thread from the title

**CustomShooter** · March 3rd, 2011, 11:14 PM

again... silver solder.....

**Pete D.** · March 4th, 2011, 06:35 AM

I did solve the problem. I put the barrel in a vise and onto the drill press. I drilled and tapped one of the supports for the rib for a 6X48 set screw. It works just fine and the repair is barely visible.
BTW - the first things that I tried were epoxies - JB Weld and others as well - they did not hold up past a few shots.
I tried Loctite's 380, which is used to install shotgun beads, it did not last either.
I shot four rounds of Trap the other night with the set screw in and the gun was fine.
Thanks for the advice.
Pete