Base Pin Jumping

[lar4570]

Hi everybody, the base pin on my Herters 401 Powermag jumped out while shooting the other day.
I was shooting a Lyman 244 with 20gns of 296 for about 1371fps.
The base pin does have quite abit of movement.
This is it fully forward with the latch in place.


It looks like there is not very much of the latch protruding into the base pin hole.


I took the latch apart and stretched the spring a little bit, but I don't think that this will cure the problem.
The latch measures .204". I'm thinking about taking an end mill and making the pocket deeper so the latch will protrude more into the base pin hole.
I don't want to mess the gun up.
Maybe something like a Belt Mountain base pin and drill a small hole in the underside of the barrel for a set screw?
I wonder if I sent him a base pin, would he make something up for the old Powermag?

Any thoughts?
Don't shoot such heavy loads in it, lol...

[bigbrowndog]

I bet he could fix you up with a screwed down one, I’d call.

Trapr

[kelye]

I could probably make something for you, it almost looks like a Colt pin in there now, but that big gap in front of the receiver is concerning. Kelye

[jeffh]

Kelye's base pins and tdbartons ejectors would be an automatic upgrade for me for any SA I could fit them to if I were to ever acquire more.

I have NEVER had a base pin jump on me, EVER. Lots of full-house 44 Mag loads in several NM/OM SBHs, OM 45 Colt, 357s,... First time I ever saw it was on a 357 Mag OM and became a believer. I honestly thought it a myth before seeing it for myself. A really nice base pin with a screw in it solved that problem with no fuss. I use them just because I can get a grip on them myself and they DO look rather nice as well.

100%, talk to Kelye first.

Two very affordable and very do-able upgrades which truly UPGRADE and don't just look cool. They do look cool too though.

[lar4570]

Well, I took a 13/64 TIN drill bit to the base bin latch socket and made it slightly deeper.
The latch protrudes farther across the base pin hole and the base pin does not protrude as far now.

Before:


After


Now to load up some more ammo and test it.
I think I will go with the locking base pin just for extra insurance.
I tried a base pin from my Uberti Bisley Flat Top and it fit, so I'm guessing one for a SAA might work.