Beretta 81, slide removal issue - The Firearms Forum

Helix_FR · 10-17-2010, 09:14 AM

I got in a Beretta 81 where the guy shot 5 squib loads in it. Yep I said 5. The outside of the barrel shows no bulging but I can't remove the slide off the frame. It seems that the recoil spring guide is blocking the forward movement. Unlocking the slide lock lever allows the slide and barrel to move forward about a 1/4 inch off the frame but that's it, then its a dead hit. I cleared the squibs and the barrel shows no damage but it needs to come off for a full inspection. Anyone hear of this? I tried pulling the slide back several times and letting the spring try to force the slide off the frame but no luck. Its almost like the guide rod jumped on the wrong side of a lug.

3/2 STA SS · 10-17-2010, 12:04 PM

WTF???? 5!!! How is he not injured? Good luck-- could the guide rod be bent that badly to allow no movement? That is my guess.

Helix_FR · 10-17-2010, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3/2 STA SS

WTF???? 5!!! How is he not injured? Good luck-- could the guide rod be bent that badly to allow no movement? That is my guess.

Dumb luck I guess.

Im thinking your guess is right. it don't seem bent but it will not rotate like it should.

Jim K · 10-17-2010, 07:31 PM

I suspect the barrel bulged at the bottom and is either jammed into the frame or bulged against the recoil spring and guide keeping them from moving. The only solution I can think of is brute force, using a piece of wood or plastic and a heavy mallet to drive the barrel out. I THINK that can be done with no damage to the frame, but won't swear to it. Don't worry about the barrel; if I am right, it is ruined anyway.

Jim

JLA · 10-17-2010, 07:57 PM

I have been thinkin on this one since you texted me about it the other night and I gotta agree with Jim on it. Get a bigger hammer. I cant really see any other explanation for the barrel not coming off. I would wrench the frame tight in a vice between 2 blocks of wood with the muzzle facing the floor and use a heavy nylon mallet to beat it off of the frame. I mean, 5 squibs... the dude is lucky the pistol is still in one piece...

RJay · 10-17-2010, 09:16 PM

Several squib loads in one barrel is not unheard of, where the shrapnel comes from is a squib load, followed by a normal pressure load. BOOM

Jim K · 10-18-2010, 12:24 PM

The subsequent squib loads probably never built up enough energy to cause the barrel to soften and burst when the energy turned into heat. A full power load would have enough kinetic energy even in a pistol barrel to weaken the barrel and the pressure will do the rest.

Jim

Helix_FR · 10-18-2010, 01:09 PM

What has seemed to happen is the guide rod flat that retains the spring and also fits into the barrel lug has hopped over the guide rod lug in the frame if there is such a thing. I'm trying to locate a 81 elseware to see if this is the case. I though I had the solution last night but it just can't get over the lug in the frame. I'm considering barrel replacement anyway so I think my only solution is to cut the barrel out slowly. Starting at the chamber end so the slide can fall forward and clear the rails eventually. I've beat'n the slide pretty well and still nothing. If their is a lug in the frame forward of the guide rod Im concerned that the frame will break before the guide rod hops over.

Below is a picture of the squibs. The 5th is chewed up and fell apart b/c that is the one that took the beating.

3/2 STA SS · 10-19-2010, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Helix_FR

What has seemed to happen is the guide rod flat that retains the spring and also fits into the barrel lug has hopped over the guide rod lug in the frame if there is such a thing. I'm trying to locate a 81 elseware to see if this is the case. I though I had the solution last night but it just can't get over the lug in the frame. I'm considering barrel replacement anyway so I think my only solution is to cut the barrel out slowly. Starting at the chamber end so the slide can fall forward and clear the rails eventually. I've beat'n the slide pretty well and still nothing. If their is a lug in the frame forward of the guide rod Im concerned that the frame will break before the guide rod hops over.

Below is a picture of the squibs. The 5th is chewed up and fell apart b/c that is the one that took the beating.

I would frame the squibs-that is amazing.

10-17-2010, 09:14 AM	#1
Helix_FR TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Imperial, MO Posts: 3,625	Beretta 81, slide removal issue I got in a Beretta 81 where the guy shot 5 squib loads in it. Yep I said 5. The outside of the barrel shows no bulging but I can't remove the slide off the frame. It seems that the recoil spring guide is blocking the forward movement. Unlocking the slide lock lever allows the slide and barrel to move forward about a 1/4 inch off the frame but that's it, then its a dead hit. I cleared the squibs and the barrel shows no damage but it needs to come off for a full inspection. Anyone hear of this? I tried pulling the slide back several times and letting the spring try to force the slide off the frame but no luck. Its almost like the guide rod jumped on the wrong side of a lug. __________________ Only cowards shoot with their eyes closed.... helixgunsmith.com -->

10-17-2010, 12:04 PM	#2
3/2 STA SS Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Tampa Bay Area, FL Posts: 1,437	Re: Beretta 81, slide removal issue WTF???? 5!!! How is he not injured? Good luck-- could the guide rod be bent that badly to allow no movement? That is my guess. Last edited by 3/2 STA SS; 10-17-2010 at 12:06 PM..

10-17-2010, 07:31 PM	#4
Jim K Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 6,408	Re: Beretta 81, slide removal issue I suspect the barrel bulged at the bottom and is either jammed into the frame or bulged against the recoil spring and guide keeping them from moving. The only solution I can think of is brute force, using a piece of wood or plastic and a heavy mallet to drive the barrel out. I THINK that can be done with no damage to the frame, but won't swear to it. Don't worry about the barrel; if I am right, it is ruined anyway. Jim

10-17-2010, 07:57 PM	#5
JLA TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Heart Of Texas Contributor Posts: 17,318	Re: Beretta 81, slide removal issue I have been thinkin on this one since you texted me about it the other night and I gotta agree with Jim on it. Get a bigger hammer. I cant really see any other explanation for the barrel not coming off. I would wrench the frame tight in a vice between 2 blocks of wood with the muzzle facing the floor and use a heavy nylon mallet to beat it off of the frame. I mean, 5 squibs... the dude is lucky the pistol is still in one piece... __________________ It takes 43 muscles to frown, 17 to smile, and 3 for proper trigger squeeze. The latest caliber or gear is no substitute for experience and skill. Rifles and cartridges don't make hits -- shooters do. Fact of life: After Monday and Tuesday, even the calendar says WTF!

10-17-2010, 09:16 PM	#6
RJay Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Arizona Posts: 3,487	Re: Beretta 81, slide removal issue Several squib loads in one barrel is not unheard of, where the shrapnel comes from is a squib load, followed by a normal pressure load. BOOM __________________ RonJames

10-18-2010, 12:24 PM	#7
Jim K Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 6,408	Re: Beretta 81, slide removal issue The subsequent squib loads probably never built up enough energy to cause the barrel to soften and burst when the energy turned into heat. A full power load would have enough kinetic energy even in a pistol barrel to weaken the barrel and the pressure will do the rest. Jim

10-18-2010, 01:09 PM	#8
Helix_FR TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Imperial, MO Posts: 3,625	Re: Beretta 81, slide removal issue What has seemed to happen is the guide rod flat that retains the spring and also fits into the barrel lug has hopped over the guide rod lug in the frame if there is such a thing. I'm trying to locate a 81 elseware to see if this is the case. I though I had the solution last night but it just can't get over the lug in the frame. I'm considering barrel replacement anyway so I think my only solution is to cut the barrel out slowly. Starting at the chamber end so the slide can fall forward and clear the rails eventually. I've beat'n the slide pretty well and still nothing. If their is a lug in the frame forward of the guide rod Im concerned that the frame will break before the guide rod hops over. Below is a picture of the squibs. The 5th is chewed up and fell apart b/c that is the one that took the beating. Attached Images __________________ Only cowards shoot with their eyes closed.... helixgunsmith.com Last edited by Helix_FR; 10-18-2010 at 01:24 PM..