Knurled vs. grooved Smith tubes

[Maillemaker]

I've have been shooting the the black tubes for 15 years along with teammates, I've yet to see one split. The only problems were the flash holes which was solved by adding rivets.

I added rivets first thing when they were new.

Steve

[Hal]

Most of the time, mine begin splitting at the flash hole. I must admit, I never tried the rivets. Maybe one day. However, the worst one I ever had split, split on the side wall with the flash hole still intact. Burnt the "L" out of my left index finger which was positioned under the joint between the front and rear halves of the receiver.

[danajhanson]

Please tell me more about the rivet modification...
Size, techniques, tricks, etc...

Do you just use common pop rivet?

DJH

[Maillemaker]

You need the proper size pop rivet - 3/32". You remove the pin and are left with the "shell". Shaped like a top-hat. You press it into the bottom of the tube in the vent hole.

Grainger sells them, as well as others. North East Trade Company sells just the "shells" made of brass. I find they corrode less than the aluminum ones.

https://www.n-ssa.net/vbforum/showth...th-brass-rivet