Screwed Buckmark?

[wildcat_1950]

I bought a Buckmark 5.5 target with a problem. It has a torx bit head broke off flush with the takedown screw. The screw is recessed and clearance for a power drill is a problem because the barrel is in the way. I don't wanna scratch my baby! Does anyone have a suggestion on how to remove the bit and screw? Or should I send it to Browning?...

 

[gb6491]

Welcome to the forums.
If the barrel is screwed in tight, I would try shooting it some and see if the broken bit works itself out.
If it does and the take down screw is not buggered up, try heating up the area where the take down screw is; this should loosen up any thread lock compound and make the screw easier to remove (use a quality 7/64" hex wrench).
If the barrel is loose, the screw messed up or you can't get the bit out, I'd send it back to Browning.
Regards,
Greg

 

[Wvladimire]

Send it back to Browning. The area you are talking about, the backstrap where the take down screws are is plastic. It will melt if you heat it.

 

[gb6491]

Send it back to Browning. The area you are talking about, the backstrap where the take down screws are is plastic. It will melt if you heat it.

The take down screw is in the front of the frame below the barrel. To my knowledge, other than easily removed grips and the sight base on the Campers (again easy to remove), there is no plastic close to there on any Buck Mark.

Regards,
Greg

 

[wildcat_1950]

Thank you much. I have been looking for long center bits and screw extractors, but haven't been able to find any long engough. Besides I'm not convinced that it would be possible for me to drill the bit out anyway. Even in a vice. It is definitely lodged in the head and is not mild steel... I think that I will take your advice and send it to the pros.

 

[Wvladimire]

Different area than I was thinking of. I was under the impression that it was the screws on the top of the back strap, which is plastic.

 

[rbernie]

To my knowledge, other than easily removed grips and the sight base on the Campers (again easy to remove), there is no plastic close to there on any Buck Mark.

The firing pin block holder thingee under the sight rib is plastic.

 

[XD9WBT]

Like you I wanted to take the barrell off, I ended up taking it to two smiths who could not get it of. I then called browning and they convinced me to live with it.
So either live with it or send it back. One smith did suggest a way of getting it out but it would probably ruin the gun.

Browing lost a little bit of luster off its halo with me. Great guns but just not totally happy.

 

[gb6491]

Different area than I was thinking of. I was under the impression that it was the screws on the top of the back strap, which is plastic.

Yes, the sight base (and front sight) is plastic on the Camper. The other versions have an alloy base.

The firing pin block holder thingee under the sight rib is plastic.

Yes, it is on the newer BM's; thanks for pointing that out. In my previous post I was referring to plastic/rubber near enough to the take down screw to be damaged by a heat gun. While I don't think a part inside the slide would be damaged (does not really require that much heat), the slide could be removed or locked/held back.
Regards,
Greg

 

[log man]

Since the piece is stuck you might use a long pin punch small enough to only contact the broken bit and give it some light strikes which could loosen it up by jarring it .

LOG

 

[nitetrane98]

That's good advice LOG. The bit obviously held in the bearing area good enough to allow it to be torqued off. Chances are it was a cheap bit that let it twist off. That or some gorilla with a breaker bar twisted on it. It shouldn't take much tapping to loosen it enough to fall out.
And one real out there thought is to find a wooden dowl that snuggly fits in the counterbore of the frame hole, fill the hole and screwhead with grease and try tapping the dowel. Enough grease might get under the bit to squeeze it out. Sorta like taking a pilot bushhing out of an engine.