Bench Blocks 101
Bench blocks come in many shapes, sizes, and uses!
Gunsmith Magazine
Article library
Full web articles from the American Gunsmith archive, organized for search and connected back to their original issue pages.
Reader Forum
Spanish Shotgun What do you know about shotguns made in Spain? The only markings are on the example in my shop is “Acero Cromado Especial.” JR Weaver Mountain Man Gun Works Admittedly, we know nothing about a shotgun bearing the markings you…
Firearms: An Illustrated History
Published in conjunction with the Smithsonian Institution, Firearms: An Illustrated History (DK Publishing, http://bit.ly/1tc Bx Dz) charts the evolution of the gun for civilian and military use, from the pistol and rifle, to the machine gun and artillery, from the development of…
Bringing A Springfield Model 87A Back To Life
The ultimate challenge to restore a badly neglected rimfire rifle.
A Gunsmith’s Education
Some notes from our barrel fitting series reveals the route taken by some world famous gunsmiths to master their craft.
AR-15 Bore Cleaning
A former Army Reserve Marksmanship Program Armorer delves into maintaining match grade AR-15s.
Taming Slug Guns
Practical how-to to block shotgun kick.
Checking Out Revolvers
Maintenance tips for wheel guns.
Reader Forum
Computers In The Shop I would like to comment on Wendell Deaner’s “Computers In The Shop” article in the November 2014 issue. I agree with most of what’s written there but wonder if the author is running an OS X, Windows, or…
Mill Sight Adjustment
A tip from gunsmith Patrick Sweeney. A neat trick you can perform with a mill is to adjust front and non-adjustable rear sights. Say your pistol is hitting low and you want to adjust it. The calculation involves four figures: The amount…
Improving Rack-Grade AR-15s
Achieving high performance from low-bid uppers.
Improving The Marlin 17VS Trigger
Though the Marlin Model 17VS bolt action rimfire rifle does not have an adjustable trigger, it can be improved, making the rifle easier to shoot.
The Gunsmith As Furniture Repairman
Gunsmiths are machinists and metalworkers also working with firearms, sort of like furniture composed of metal and wood.
Business Issues
’m I being a little facetious with the The Perils of Pauline reference in the deck but sometimes a small business owner seems to be tied to the railroad tracks while a laughing bureaucrat looks on and twirls his mustache. In the…
Custom Wildcat Cartridges With Standard Reamers
Making a custom wildcat chamber while avoiding the cost of a custom reamer is both possible and practical using a pair of standard SAAMI reamers you likely have in your shop, or can readily rent or borrow.
Reader Forum
Ruger Mark II Pistol I just finished reading Wendell Deaner’s article on the Ruger Mark II Pistol and other models in the October 2014 issue. I would like to add a few notes based on my experience with these great little pistols.…
Public Approval Of Hunting Highest Since 1995
The National Shooting Sports Foundation reports that a recent survey shows 79 percent of the American public approve of hunting. This marks the highest level of support for hunting since 1995, according to data compiled by Responsive Management, an independent research firm.…
Precision Barrel Fitting, Part Eight
Part Eight is the last to appear in this series, but are you certain you’ve finished the job?
Recycling AR-15 Barrels
Because you wouldn’t trade in your car just because of a flat tire.
Computers In The Shop
As any of you know who have been following my articles in American Gunsmith, I probably come off as a crusty old dinosaur mired in the past glory of the early 19th century. However, looks, as well as the written word, can…
Barrel Chamber Bevel And Case Head Position
An often overlooked area of the rifle involves the chamber mouth of the barrel in connection with case head projection.
Aftermarket Drop-In Parts
“Drop-in part” doesn’t always mean “drop in to your gunsmith’s shop with your parts” and can be used for custom work without machining and only minimal fitting.
Reader Forum
Lug Lapping I have an old (2007-8) Weatherby Vanguard, a pre-MOA model. After reading the article “Precision Barrel Fitting, Part Two” in the May 2014 issue I inspected the bolt lugs on this rifle and found some wear indicating the contact points.…
Industry Research
The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) has been supplying the firearms and ammunition industry with a variety of research reports and data on industry indicators for nearly 10 years. Each year, NSSF builds upon past research and fulfills member requests for information…