Finding Information
Though it doesn’t have everything, the Internet has a vast amount of information, ready to read. Here are resources ideal for gunsmiths.
Gunsmith Magazine
Article library
Full web articles from the American Gunsmith archive, organized for search and connected back to their original issue pages.
Handgun Grip Reconstruction
When shooting some heavy recoiling handguns, grip changes can make shooting more tolerable, effective, and with less felt kick.
The Mauser C96
The “Mauser Military Pistol” is a triumph of the Industrial Revolution and set the stage for modern handguns.
New For 2018
A selection of new tools and parts for gunsmiths.
Reader Forum
M1 Carbine I noticed several letters in recent Reader Forums regarding the M1 Carbine. One answer mentions the Carbine being made by Singer and International Harvester, however, neither was involved. International made M1 rifles during Korea and Singer made a very small…
“Broomhandle” Mauser
At a time when most handguns were limited to six rounds, the ten-shot Mauser C96 (Construktion 96) caught the attention of the world for its unprecedented capacity and formidable high-velocity 7.63x25mm cartridge. The C96 is a semi-loading, short recoil pistol originally manufactured…
Remington 788 Trigger Assembly
Removing the mystery of servicing these once-popular rifles. Here’s how to take care of Remington 788 and their triggers.
Accurizing Enfield Rifles
Sometimes reducing harmonics is the only way of accurizing a rifle. Here’s how to do it with Enfield rifles.
The M1 Carbine
History and maintenance guide for America’s first Personal Defense Weapon: United States Carbine, Caliber .30, M1.
The “Untouched” Martini-Henry, Part One
A cautionary tale of restoring a classic single-shot battle rifle. Here’s how I restored the stockwork and wood.
Knight DISC Extreme Bedding
When a rifle begins to fail in accuracy, action bedding is often the best course of action. Here’s how I applied receiver bedding to a Knight DISC Extreme muzzleloader.
Barrel Bore Lapping
An effective method of bore lapping is a fundamentally sound step toward establishing or restoring rifle accuracy and overall improved performance.
Reader Forum
M16/AR-15 Blueprint I need a blueprint that shows the location of sear pin holes for the AR- 15. I have Class III license and ama dealer and gunsmith in Arizona. Ken There are those outfits that sell “off the books” AR lowers…
Civil War Sharphooting
At the outset of the American Civil War, the wealthy inventor and expert shot Hiram Berdan initiated the setting-up of sharpshooting units in the Union Army. These units would be tasked primarily with open-order skirmishing as well as long-range, accurate shooting. Initially,…
Browning Buckmark Varmint/Silhouette
I recently had opportunity recently to take in an old favorite—a Browning Buckmark pistol in .22LR. Not just another Buckmark as this old beauty had a 9 7/8" barrel with oversized grips. You don’t see many Buckmarks configured this way, however, the…
Shop-Made Tools, Fixtures, Parts
They say that necessity is the mother of invention. Sometimes, making tools, fixtures, and parts for your shop is such a necessity.
Making Custom Bolt Handles
Custom bolt handles are expensive, however, they can be readily made in your shop. Here’s the materials and how-to for making a bolt handle from scratch for your custom rifle project.
The Traveling Gunsmith
Gunsmiths may be called to appraise and work on firearms away from the shop. Here are some insights and tales from having taken my skills on the road.
Lee-Enfield Rifles
Tips, myths, and common problems of a British classic.
Reader Forum
Wur lein Ri le Do you know where I can find a parts breakdown for a Wurfflein .22 caliber rifle? I inherited one and want to restore function to the interesting old piece as it has been sitting unused for over 60…
Stocks And Grips
Phase 5 began after Ken Montes built a firearm component in his garage workshop and showed it to a local shopkeeper who asked him to make more for his store. That first component wasn’t built to make money, just to solve a…
Beretta 92
A historic, issue handgun for decades, here’s how to work the Beretta 92.
Maximizing The AR-15
A former military armorer reveals his secrets for cutting AR-15 group sizes in half.
Sako P75
Every now and again, something comes into your shop that just catches your eye. This little Sako was one of those guns. It was in for a deep cleaning and a complete inspection as the owner had inherited this little gem and…