AMT Javelina Slide Damage & Repair

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   I bought an AMT Javelina 7" and found out afterwards that it has quite a bit of damage to the channel in the slide where the barrel bushing lug locks into place. I have my theories as to how this happened, but I don't believe that's relevant at this point. 
I have test fired it with a sacrificial bushing, and it's a very solid shooter so I'd like to have it fixed while having it remain as original as possible. Other than having a custom bushing made or having a bull barrel fitted and installed, I am most interested in having the damaged area welded up and re-machined. However, I know that may come with a few difficulties: the area is in an awkward location, the heat from welding combined with the thickness (or lack thereof) of the slide could have negative effects on the finish/heat treatment, and I can't find any primary sources confirming what type of stainless steel these are made of (although I have seen a few people suggesting they are 17-4 PH). 

I have contacted several 1911 gunsmiths/builders and they have all told me something to the effect of "I don't work on AMTs," "I'm not much of a welder/machinist," "just put a bull barrel in it," etc. 

I'd like some input on whether the welding/re-machining route is even a good idea in the first place, as well as any recommendations for someone with the know-how to do this type of job or who has knowledge about AMT steel. 

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Veeshka Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Baby Auto Mag Joined: 11 Feb 2025 Location: Florida Status: Offline Points: 2	Post Options Post Reply Quote Veeshka Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: AMT Javelina Slide Damage & Repair Posted: 15 Feb 2025 at 4:12am
	I bought an AMT Javelina 7" and found out afterwards that it has quite a bit of damage to the channel in the slide where the barrel bushing lug locks into place. I have my theories as to how this happened, but I don't believe that's relevant at this point. I have test fired it with a sacrificial bushing, and it's a very solid shooter so I'd like to have it fixed while having it remain as original as possible. Other than having a custom bushing made or having a bull barrel fitted and installed, I am most interested in having the damaged area welded up and re-machined. However, I know that may come with a few difficulties: the area is in an awkward location, the heat from welding combined with the thickness (or lack thereof) of the slide could have negative effects on the finish/heat treatment, and I can't find any primary sources confirming what type of stainless steel these are made of (although I have seen a few people suggesting they are 17-4 PH). I have contacted several 1911 gunsmiths/builders and they have all told me something to the effect of "I don't work on AMTs," "I'm not much of a welder/machinist," "just put a bull barrel in it," etc. I'd like some input on whether the welding/re-machining route is even a good idea in the first place, as well as any recommendations for someone with the know-how to do this type of job or who has knowledge about AMT steel.

omie01 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Callahan's Auto Mag Joined: 05 Feb 2012 Location: Minnesota Status: Offline Points: 635	Post Options Post Reply Quote omie01 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 15 Feb 2025 at 5:14pm
	I have been a TIG specialist for over 30 years. I did all of Coonan's weld repairs and misc. other gun repairs. I would use 17-4 filler for repair on that slide, it may not be the correct material, but it's a good repair filler. With proper heat sink and a little patience. You could build that up without much heat stain. And it doesn't look particularly hard to weld. The issue may be the machining.

jw4570 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Callahan's Auto Mag Joined: 08 Mar 2008 Location: FL Status: Offline Points: 1334	Post Options Post Reply Quote jw4570 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 18 Feb 2025 at 7:38pm
	A key seat cutter can machine it out. The issue is they are easy to break and weld will be hard.