Lab Radar
Doppler radar technology offers improvements over ballistic chronographs with older-style optical sensors and screens.
Gunsmith Magazine
Article library
Full web articles from the American Gunsmith archive, organized for search and connected back to their original issue pages.
Save Money With Used CNC Machinery
Interested in manufacturing guns or parts? Want to automate some of your shop work? A CNC machine may be an ideal fit and buying used can save lots of money.
Marlin 60
The Marlin 60 is a ubiquitous .22 rifle and one is likely to eventually find its way into your shop. Here’s how to disassemble, maintain, functions check, and fix it.
FN FAL “Frankengun”
The “Right Arm of the Free World”, the FN FAL has numerous variations. This sometimes leads to builds becoming a sort of Modern Prometheus with mixed parts. Here’s how I returned one to function.
Reader Forum
Assembly Instructions I need assembly instructions for the Springfield Model 67 pump shotgun. I’m also looking for data on A. J. Aubrey outside hammer shotguns as well as a firing pin and spring. Finally, where can I get a recoil spring and…
SOUM: M16/M4
The Department of Defense reported finding a small number of M16/M4 weapons that potentially could have an unintended discharge while manipulating the selector. TACOM (U. S. Army Tank-automotive & Armaments Command) issued a Safety Of Use Message (SOUM #18-004) about unintended discharges…
Sterling Arms Double Shotgun
Yes, they really made one. Here’s how to work the Sterling Arms Corporation side-by-side 12 gauge double shotgun.
Parker Brothers Shotguns, Part One
Among the most classic of American-made shotguns, Parker Brothers guns are premium shotguns that can be had for a reasonable price… if you know what to look for.
Rust Bluing
A classic finish, rust bluing provides the best custom gun color. Here’s how to do it right.
Enhancing Action Rigidity With A Scope Base
As we mount a heavy barrel to a rifle receiver, resultant suspension leverage can actually flex or spring the action. A good, one-piece scope base adds rigidity to action.
Mystique Means Money
Learning what make your business and services unique—and what to avoid—can prove profitable.
Reader Forum
From the pictures of the barrels, I’m guessing this shotgun was made for the old brass hulls. Should you hang the barrels up by a string, you can perform a bell- Beware the gun nut who starts collecting and brings you gun…
Mc Millan Adjustable A6
Gale Mc Millan began producing stocks in 1973 for himself to compete in Benchrest events. His fellow competitors began asking him to make stocks for their rifles, which led to starting his own company. Since then, Mc Millan has branched into a…
Nambu Type 14
The Japanese Nambu Type 14 in 8x22mm is not as uncommon as you think. Here’s how to handle one if it should cross your bench.
Straight Bullets
Having cartridges straight and inline is critical for accuracy. Gunsmith work and customer education to ensure this happens is vital.
Installing A Curved Steel Buttplate
Classic spurred steel buttplates look nice and provide a slip-free anchor between your shoulder and the gun.
Modern Case Hardening
Finishes have advanced greatly since basic bluing. Ferritic nitrocarburizing is incredibly durable but was never aesthetically pleasing. Blacknitride+™ and Armor Ti changes that notion.
The Country Doctor
Unless you’re running a big-time custom shop, run your gunsmith practice in the same way that an old fashioned doctor conducted his.
Reader Forum
Hopkins & Allen I have a Hopkins & Allen XL double action revolver chambered in .38 Short Colt and marked, “PAT. MAR.28.71 JAN 5.88”. What is the estimated value of this revolver given the gun has matching serial numbers and is intact?…
Military Hardware Books
While it’s unlikely you’ll see serious military hardware in your shop, a study of their history showcases the development of small arms. Here are some recent titles from Osprey Publishing (OspreyPublishing.com, +44 (0)1635 232 940). FN MAG Since the 1950s, the 7.62mm…
Finicky-Feeding Krag Sporters
Someone else may have done all the hard work, but Krag-Jørgensen rifle modifications often require tweaking. Sporterized Krags remain ubiquitous and one is bound to land on your bench at some point.
Adjusting Fixed Revolver Sights
Have a classic single action that won’t hit to you or your customer’s point of aim? Here are several practical tips for fixing fixed revolver sights.
Precision Bedding For Winchester Model 70 Stealth II Rifles
Few rifles bear close resemblance when it comes down to bedding for best accuracy and there are no real mysteries involved.
Savage Model 12 Extractor Retroit
Sometimes a new or modified part becomes necessary to improve the dependable and safe function of a firearm. Here’s a closer look on how I retrofitted a Savage Model 12 extractor.