Disassembly of A. B. Biller Speargun?

All,

Recently picked up (another!) used speargun, an A. B. Biller, 36", wood from unknown tree. Relatively good condition, but the wood needs some refinishing.

I'd like to disassemble the plastic components off of the wood so I can really clean and protect the wood. (always been partial to Teak oil, myself) Going off of their "Replacement Parts" section of Biller's website, I'm interested in removing the Muzzle, the Butt, and the grip assembly.

What I don't understand is how to remove these pieces of plastic without causing damage to the wood. Can you please give me some instructions or recommendations on this simple disassembly? For instance, the butt end doesn't have any screws, so I'm concerned that its simply glued on. Any ideas?

Thanks!

Ryan

diddler,

Usually the pieces will knock off relatively easily if you tap each side a little at a time. They are not glued (by the factory), just pressed on tightly, and of course some are screwed as you can see. I used the anvil part of a vise and slid the gun carefully along it to tap the whole side nice and flat without marring the plastic. Hot water can be used to soften the plastic, but is not usually necessary.

If you recondition the wood parts you can run into problems if you do the parts that go inside the plastic. They could swell and crack the plastic. I would just do the parts that are exposed. Biller recommends softening the pastic with hot water before tamping them back on.

If the gun has not been after market reconditioned, and it has poly coat over the wood it's mahagony. If not and dried out and turning light it's probably teak. If it's quite dark, slightly redish, it's most likely padauk. They are quite red when new but turn darker.

Be careful to look at the stock while reassembling it, tighten screws a little at a time making sure it's straight.

Have fun!

Chad

Thanks for the recommendations! Pretty sure its Teak, the wood is unvarnished and that appears to be stock, when I got it the wood was very dry and rather light in color. I've already applied a bit of Teak oil, takes on a gorgeous brown color.

Guessing I probably won't pop the plastic off anymore, don't want to crack the plastic or damage the wood in the process. Also heard people had issues with the screws fitting loosely after re-assembly.

Thanks!

Ryan