Mk1 Hw 77 detent ball popped out.

[Bayman]

My Mk1 Hw 77 underlever locking detent ball popped out today. Is there a good fix for this without changing the barrel end? I'd like to keep it original looking.

Thanks
Ron

[TonyL]

I'm not sure if there's a recommended fix. Hopefully a few of the gurus may jump in. I suppose it all depends on how much damage may have occurred to the housing?

When I was given an early 77 in a sorry looking state a few years ago I was lucky enough to be able to buy a secondhand replacement unit cheaply at the time.

[les allam]

I’ve just put in a 7-8mm ball catch latch in my mk1 77.
I used Loctite threadlock to glue it in with.
The 7mm diameter ball catch was slightly loose but still glued in ok.8mm would possibly need to be drilled out a little.
Les..

[IanU]

The housing on my HW77 has been drilled and tapped to M10, and a Spring ball plunger allen screw fitted.

[Bayman]

I’ve just put in a 7-8mm ball catch latch in my mk1 77.
I used Loctite threadlock to glue it in with.
The 7mm diameter ball catch was slightly loose but still glued in ok.8mm would possibly need to be drilled out a little.
Les..

Thanks where did you find the 7mm ball catch?

Regards
Ron

[deejayuu]

Lots of ball catch options on eeebaay. Done a few here over time

[les allam]

Thanks where did you find the 7mm ball catch?

Regards
Ron

I got mine from Amazon.
Les..

[angrybear]

Can you just pop it back in & then use a centre punch to 'peen' the rim so it can't actually fall out ?

[Dan Giliballs]

As above, mine popped out, pushed it in, got the Mrs to press on the ball bearing while I tapped the edges with a centre punch, if you look closely you can see where they did the same thing at the factory

[Bayman]

I ordered a narrow blade chisel to restake the OE ball. I also ordered three different "Press fit ball nose plungers" from the same industrial supply firm (McMaster-Carr). Two different 8mm and a 5/16". The whole order was fairly cheap so I ordered everything that might work. It was only around $40 USD with shipping.

Yesterday my order came. All the plungers fit the 8mm bore perfectly. The pressure on two of them was excessive. The third was perfect at only 2.5lbs extended force. That one had enough pressure to work well and opened and closed easier than the OE. The gun is much nicer to use now. I'm gonna call this a big win. I'll list the part number below if it helps anyone.

McMaster-Carr 6052N28 ~$5 USD

I wish I could post (or see) pictures here.

Be well all
Ron

[TonyL]

We love a happy ending. Very well done, sir.