Mark,
Most of them that I've seen were brazed in with a high temp silver braze or similar, as part of the barrel breach assembly process.
I don't know if they are integral to the lower lump or not. I suspect they are a separate piece, but every gun is likely different. I recall one that looks like it was added after the barrel breach and top rib stub was assembled/brazed, because there's a slot machined to accept it thru the upper stub rib.
So, the short answer is it will soften the rib solder. The thing is, it can be likely be done without disassembling the ribs, by wiring the barrels and ribs in place, then heating to remove the rib extension (if a separate piece), then making a new one, brazing back in place and fitting it.
It's a lot of work and the cost will reflect that. The other issue is that this isn't within the average gunsmith's capability. So, the gun has to be worth a lot (either in money or sentiment) to justify it. I'd ask SKB (Steve Bertram) if he'd take it on. If not Kirk Merrington might.
Last edited by Chuck H; 03/22/11 04:16 PM.
