Assembly of Berea 45 cal cartridge pen

[jjjaworski]

I have heard there are a some assembly issues with the berea 45 caliber cartridge pen and wondered if anyone has encountered this. If so do you have any advice or solutions.

Some of what i have heard is tightness of some of the parts at assembly.

I just wanted to get some idea if this is a bothersome pen kit before investing in any.

I do not particularly like the look of it but people at gun shows and outdoor type events seem to like cartridge style pens.

 

[Magicbob]

I have made 4 of them and did not find anything tight, on the brass finish the tube and the trim ring need a drop of CA at assembly, on the copper this is not required.
The first two people that I showed them to, did not balk at $50 each.

 

[Signguy]

My experience was that they look terrible, fit poorly and operate far less than smoothly. I don't think they are salable. I would not suggest buying them - they are nothing like the usual Berea good quality kits.

 

[butchf18a]

My experience was that they look terrible, fit poorly and operate far less than smoothly. I don't think they are salable. I would not suggest buying them - they are nothing like the usual Berea good quality kits.

Experience? Based on what? How many have you made?

Having made several I can vouch for the high quality of the kit and ease of assembly. The plunge/click mechanism is solid and smooth operating. Yes, the decorative ring requires a drop of Loctite. Don't use CA, it will damage the finish. This is clearly stated in the instructions which are written to accommodate even the most novice, an experienced pen turner shouldn't need the instructions at all. A drop of CA or Loctite is beneficial on even the tightest press fit components of any kit. In nearly 20 years of pen making I've never had one returned because it came apart even with daily use.

 

[Signguy]

Not looking to pick any fights . I generally find Berea kits to be pretty good quality and I use several others from them. But, in this case, the design and operation just seems like a miss to me.

Maybe I just got early production or something, but the ones I got were very easy to make and assemble, but operate unevenly. The mechanism does not feel smooth or refined.

And, IMHO they are ugly and cheap looking. I have no idea what others might think, but that's how I felt.

I made the two I bought but I didn't feel comfortable selling them in terms of appearance or quality.

Others milage may vary...just my 2 cents on them.

 

[ed4copies]

Well, the controversy got me to make one!! And, of course, run the video. So, there will be a vid soon.

In short, the assembly requires a little "gluing in place". The clip needs to be positioned correctly, which takes some attention to detail. When the pen is properly assembled, MINE operated perfectly.

If you do not turn the barrel to the the bushings (or lower if you have a wood and plan on a "build finish"), the pen may not operate correctly. This was also the case years ago with the Americana click (which taught me about the diameter problems).

I think gun enthusiasts are the market. The pen is top-heavy, but it is easy to write with. Although looking down at a round "nib" is unusual, it does not interfere with writing in any way.

My conclusion: The pen I made is structurally very sound. I don't think it would sell well at craft shows, because women are your main purchasers. But, take it to gun shows and you might have a VERY good day!!!

If you don't try, you won't know!

Ed