Slide Rail Crack

[herr_cobblermachen]

I have an Astra 400. Inverted full length rails. The end section on one side is developing a crack that is about 3/4" long.
There was an outfit that used to do some microwelding of guns, but they don't do firearms anymore. I'm not certain if I should just replace the frame altogether, or file/mill off the bad rail section. What I dont want is to be shooting it and have a chunk of rail take a bite out of my cheek. Thoughts?

 

[Sharps40]

Stop drill the crack perhaps also drill
1 more tiny hole mid crack. Tig tack front, mid, rear, fit and finish?

Or if the crack can open a whisker, clean, flux, silver solder, and stop drill the crack.

Or ignore and simply replace frame later if it fails. It may break off and still function fine.

 

[keepcalmandcarryon]

Replacing the frame would most likely be the cheapest and easiest option but of you love old guns as much as me that is a sin.
The best way would be mill out the bad section, weld a block in then machine but that is cost and time prohibitive especially if you do not have the tools.
I would try cutting a vee groove at the back of the slide about 1/8” deep, hit it with a welder then clean up with a file or dremel. The crack will eventually propagate but you will likely get several thousand more rounds out of it.

 

[herr_cobblermachen]

Good ideas there. I have no tig (neither a drill press now that I think about it). Its not the only Astra in my deck, but may rebuild it on another frame until I can get this one worked on. I'm not totally sure considering the length of the rails that this rear section is even needed perçe, but it sure would be ugly with it missing. Of course, bluing over a weld there may not be much prettier... You just cant get these things back once theyre gone- but we do try . Sarcos the only source for Astra frames that I can think of, they're not terribly expensive. Anyone know of any other sources?