QMX Mal resin pistol help, warped in storage

[sycor]

I have one of the original run resin "stunt" pistols that QMX made back around 2008. This is not the metal plated one. Anyway, it's been in storage for a couple years (I know, sacrilege!) and the storage unit was "climate controlled" so it stayed maybe in the 80s during the summer and comfortable in the winter. Anyway, I was going through some stuff this weekend and came across the pistol. The barrel has warped, I assume from being in storage. It has basically bent upwards and looks like it has an erection now with the way it's curved. I know it wasn't this way when I put it in there so I assume it's from the heat.

Anyway, my question is, is there a way to fix it? Can I use a heat gun to warm it up and bend it back? Or is this just a lost cause I should through it away?

 

[Noeland]

You should post a photo or two. Might be an easy fix.

 

[sycor]

Fair enough. I'll post up a couple when I get home tonight.

 

[Funky]

Okay, so I'll post the fix but DO THIS AT YOUR OWN RISK!
Put it in your oven at the LOWEST setting. It will only take about ten minutes for it to get soft enough for you to bend it back into shape. Take care! If it hasn't softened enough or you "shape" too fast it will break, so be gentle.
Once it's straight, run it under cold water for a few minutes and you should be good to go.
Again, be warned. I have always had great results using this process with warped resin pieces, but I'm willing to take the chance of severely screwing it up. Over the years I've been pretty lucky only messing up one piece and saving about a dozen.
Again, do this at risk but it works pretty well.

 

[sycor]

You should post a photo or two. Might be an easy fix.

Picture added

 

[airhead]

I've had success with a hair dryer - same idea as a heat gun, but less intense. I was able to straighten a barrel on a resin pistol casting without any damage. Just took patience and As mentioned above, nerves. I would say that I remember the resin resisting any remolding up to the point that it was hot enough. I had a brace and clamps ready and clamped it straight until it cooled. So far it's still straight. Good luck.

 

[OdiWan72]

Hot water...immerge until the barrel gets soft(er), bend back, put in cold water, repeat if needed

Done.

 

[theflightyellz]

I'd take the hot water route, less chance of damaging the paintwork.

 

[sycor]

Well, it sounds like I have an excellent chance of really screwing this up. On the other hand, it will be a good learning experience. At least I have a metal one now so if I do ruin this one, it won't be the end of the world.

 

[Funky]

Heck, sell it to me cheap and let ME screw it up! :lol

 

[bobatrek]

Just use caution when straightening it out - I've had a result where the resin piece was too soft (which wasn't evident until it was too late) and it was left with finger smudges.

 

[sycor]

Just use caution when straightening it out - I've had a result where the resin piece was too soft (which wasn't evident until it was too late) and it was left with finger smudges.

Oh sure add something else to be nervous about!

 

[Kylash]

I think they make a pill for that.


Sorry, I could resist.

Really crazy that anything got it to bend THAT much!

 

[Funky]

You had better show the results of your fix, regardless of the results!

 

[sycor]

I will. Not sure when I'll get a chance to do it. I'm in the process of packing to move next month. But I'll definitely update.

 

[TomVDJ]

Also interested to see the result.

What you can do too, is store it upside down for a couple of years and the barrel might be straight again... :lol (just kidding, off cours).

 

[sycor]

Also interested to see the result.

What you can do too, is store it upside down for a couple of years and the barrel might be straight again... :lol (just kidding, off cours).

I considered it. :lol But I think I'd rather fix it and give it to a friend or sell it.