Hatsan mag tube removal?

[JoeM]

Hi,

I am in the process of converting my spare Hatsan semi-auto from S2 to S1 just for having a crack at PSG and have come unstuck at step one by not being able to remove the crimped tube. I have watched various you tube stuff where you heat it up and just turn it off. these were however for the MPA. I have tried this with a heat gun with no success. I have also tried a strap wrench on the tube but it just slips.

Is there something other than thread sealant holding the tube in that I have missed?
Am I just not heating the joint up enough?
Is there a special tool that would give enough purchase on the tube to turn it without destroying it?

And to save the prints on the end of your fingers from wearing out.......

I have a S1 slot on my FAC.
I have checked with my Firearms Dept. who have said this does not need to be done by an RFD, I can fill in my SCC and FAC accordingly myself and does not need to be reproofed (as I was told it must be by my local RFD) .
I am aware there are much better guns for PSG but as this a spare gun I already have I will try this first.

[walesdave]

Hi Joe

Doing the same conversion as you, but my Hatsan is an MPA.

I didn't have a heat gun, so used my wifes' hairdryer - worked a treat, about 60 seconds of heating and the tube just unscrewed out of the action. It was 'firm' but just needed hand pressure to undo.

Afraid I can't help with any non-MPA advice, but I'd suggest giving the chap at Dauntseys Guns a call (where I bought my S1 extension from), he was very helpful when I spoke to him about converting my MPA and he came across as the sort of bloke who doesn't mind spending a few minutes giving advice over the phone.

Good luck with the conversion!

[JoeM]

Cheers.
Yeah it looked that easy when I watched it done to an MPA on Youtube.
I've just got back from shed having had a paint stripping gun on the joint for over 5 mins but still no joy, still rock solid.
I've still got the option of drilling a hole through the tube and using a screwdriver as a T-bar but didn't want to destroy it in case I ever want to return it to S2.
Thanks anyway for your time.

[saddler]

I have checked with my Firearms Dept. who have said this does not need to be done by an RFD, I can fill in my SCC and FAC accordingly myself and does not need to be reproofed (as I was told it must be by my local RFD) .

CORRECT.
Moving a gun from S2 to S1 can be/is a DIY option if you so choose to do the work yourself.
Some RFD advice can be incorrect due to ignorance, some incorrect due to the influence of $£$£ signs.

But WHAT are you filling in on your SGC & FAC?? No need to do ANY paperwork on your SGC aside from notify them once the gun has moved to S1 status. Likewise on your FAC - you already own/possess the gun, so all you do here is inform them that you've used up the S1 slot by converting Hatsan No. XXX to FAC status.

...but didn't want to destroy it in case I ever want to return it to S2.

Er - NO - wrong. YOU cannot convert a gun from S1 to S2 yourself....this should be done by an RFD &/OR at a push you can re-install the original mag tube but you will need the gun to be sent to the Proof House for a new magazine restriction stamp to be applied to it. (as per the incorrect RFD advice on converting from S2 to S1)

As to the tube removal.
You have tried to break the seal by tightening the tube first before attempting to unscrew it?
Another thing to try - but you may need a third hand or a clamp/vice: try loosening the tube while gently tapping one end with a small hammer.

[JoeM]

Thanks for the above Saddler.

With the RFD and proofing I was quoted £150 so it's definitely a case of £$£$£ as I can do it for the cost of a new tube. (admitedly I wouldn't be having this hassle).
I can see why I might not need to alter my SCC but surely something needs to go on my FAC as otherwise I would still have an empty slot which I could then go and fill illegally. It wouldn't take long for the long arm of the law to catch up but it would leave the door open to abuse surely.

OK I'll forget the backward conversion option then.

Will try out your thoughts on tube removal tonight before the drill and T-bar option, but then again I might just wait until I have the replacement tube in my hand as I have heard horror stories about the time some people wait for parts.

[saddler]

...surely something needs to go on my FAC as otherwise I would still have an empty slot which I could then go and fill illegally.

You'll know that your slot is taken, as will the police as you'll have notified them.
IF it'd be easier you can send in your FAC at the time of notifying them so they can transfer the Hatsan onto your FAC "possessed" list & remove it from your SGC.
It's a simple re-print so can normally be done while you wait

[Sim G]

You need to remove the magazine cut off and spring before removing the tube on the Escort. If memory serves when I did mine. The screw that goes through the bottom of the frame into the catch runs against the threads of the tube and helps to lock it in. Then heat it up to break the adhesive.

And as for going s1 to s2 again if memory serves, there's no issue with that but, you need to submit it to the proof house before its entered onto SGC.