Bill’s Bench

Tips from Gunsmith William L. Henwood of Quincy, California. Fixing Age-Hardened Recoil Pads Remove the pad and soak it in automatic transmission seal restorer, commonly available at an auto parts store. Pad removal is recommended because it is unknown what exposure to the liquid or fumes will do to the stock or its finish. Bill’s Bench Monitor this soaking every hour as over exposure may turn the pad into mush. When the pad looks sufficiently, but not overly softened, clean it up with soap and water and reinstall.

Test Fire Pit Need a place to test fire guns without going to the range? Make a test fire pit at your shop and save yourself the trip. Start by digging an eight inch diameter hole feet deep four-and-a-half feet deep in a convenient location. Drop a five foot long, eight inch diameter pipe into the hole. Next, drill about 70-80 quarter-inch holes into a five foot length of four inch diameter PVC pipe. Drop this PVC centered inside the eight inch pipe and fill the space between the two pipes with fine gravel.

Cut a slit in the middle of apiece of upholstery foam that is twelve inches square. To test fire, push 10-12 inches of the muzzle through the slit in the foam, place the muzzle into the pipe, covering the top with the foam. This pit will safely catch fired bullets and greatly abate muzzle blast. Of course, check and comply with local law enforcement to avoid any legal entanglements. Technical Editor Note A number of our Members have submitted questions for our Technical Editor with invalid email addresses.

Pleas check that your return email address is valid.