My Vetterli broke, someone tag the Vetterli guy
Posted by GoodWriter38@reddit | Firearms | View on Reddit | 8 comments
Would anyone happen to know where to source an Italian M1870/87/15 firing pin? I received one today for my birthday and upon disassembly to clean the thing I discovered the firing pin to be snapped in twain. Its a beautiful example and I fully intend to put some wear on it.
Much obliged.
Franticalmond2@reddit
I’m sorry to hear that dude. Unfortunately spare firing pins for the 1870/87/15s are a real pain to find. Your best bet is to just find a whole bolt assembly and hope it fits well with your rifle. A major chunk of the rifles were produced before the Italian arsenals were able to establish parts interchangeable manufacturing. It’s further complicated by the fact that the 6.5 conversion firing pins (and subsequently the bolt firing pin holes) were not done at a consistent measurement. There are a range of diameters for 6.5 conversion firing pins, and if you buy a spare pin that’s too thin for your bolt firing pin hole, you can get primers blowing out into that unsupported space.
It’s a real pain in the ass to be honest. I would honestly see if you could get a local metalworking shop to reweld your pin first, and if that’s not viable, start looking for a replacement complete bolt.
GoodWriter38@reddit (OP)
Thank you for your expertise sir, I have always wanted a Vetterli and now I have one - a new journey begins to be able to set the sumbitch off, but that's okay! Would you mind if I hit you up sometime for some Vetterli assistance if/when I do get the thing working?
Franticalmond2@reddit
Certainly, if you have any questions, feel free to DM me!
GoodWriter38@reddit (OP)
Also should have used better wording in the original post - no reweld for me, only the back half of the pin was still inside - I might know a guy who can make a new pin, maybe, considering I still have the back end of the pin to use as a template
Riker557118@reddit
Maybe numrich might have something, best of luck.
GoodWriter38@reddit (OP)
That was my first stop but unfortunately nothing. Lot of Google searches and best I could find was an entire bolt on RCI - which is an option, spare parts are lovely, but if I could get away with just the firing pin rn that would be ideal
Beagalltach@reddit
First, don't throw the pin away, as it may be cheaper to have someone weld it together.
Second, you are looking for franticalmond. I'm not actually linking him here since you can just DM him. AFAIK firing pins aren't super easy to come by for them. I think I sold a spare to a guy for $25 because I like cutting people deals.
Maybe contact Royal Tiger Imports to see if they have a spare or a spare bolt they will sell you.
Kromulent@reddit
Check the headspace, sometimes the pins are sacrificed to the wallhanger gods