Upgrading the Ruger 77/22 Rifle
This Ruger bolt-action rimfire rifle is a topnotch firearm, but with the addition of a few aftermarket parts, it can become an even better shooter.
Gunsmith Magazine
Article library
Full web articles from the American Gunsmith archive, organized for search and connected back to their original issue pages.
Tech Topics
In this feature, we examine new tools and tooling, tips and techniques, and news items of interest to the gunsmithing community. Solder-Free Front Sights for Large-Frame Revolvers
Installing Recoil Pads and Butt Plates on Finished Gunstocks
Shaping a butt plate or recoil pad as part of a new stock is relatively simple. When working with a finished stock, the procedure can be a little trickier and more time-consuming.
Working the Early Model No. 3 S&W Top-Break .44 Single-Actions
This report on Smith & Wesson’s American and Russian models completes the author’s series on the S&W large-frame topbreak revolvers.
Reader Forum
Unfiberglassing a Mag Box I have an old Bishop stock that has the mag box fiberglassed in. Any suggestions on how to remove it without wrecking the stock? There are no magic elixirs for dissolving firmly set up fiberglass. After speaking with…
Teenage Girls Taking Up Shotgun Sports–In Record Numbers
I didn’t know much about what interested teenage girls, even when I was a teenager myself—except that most of them were not interested in me. No doubt, I know even less about them today. That’s why I was quite surprised by a…
Disassembly/Reassembly Of the Whitney Wolverine
Olympic Arms has brought back what was once a futuristic design that died too young.
Headspace: Exactly What Is It Anyway?
If you read enough firearms publications, you’re sure to read enough nonsense about headspace to make you want to pull your hair out. This report will answer some common questions and dispel some popular myths.
In-Shop Powder Coating: A Durable, Easy-to-Apply Finish
Thanks to the introduction of do-it-your self kits, this hard-asnails industrial metal finish is now practical for in-shop application to firearms and firearm parts.
Proper Stock-Blank Selection And Reinforcement
Damage to a rifle stock is often the result of improper blank selection and inadequate bedding. Here are some thoughts on producing a stock that will stand up to punishment and last for generations.
How to Restore Water-Damaged Guns
With the hurricanes and resultant flooding of the past couple of summers, there are thousands of water-damaged guns in immediate need of your expertise in restoration.
Reader Forum
Jammed Remington 742 Bolt I have a Remington 742 .30-06 rifle that came in with the bolt jammed to the rear of the receiver. After removing the trigger assembly, I could see that the locking lugs on the bolt head had turned…
“First Shots”: A Chance to Give Handgun Shooting a Try
There are 40 million Americans who actively enjoy target shooting and hunting. But for newcomers the biggest challenge is knowing how to get started. Anew program from the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), “First Shots,” provides a free opportunity for newcomers to…
Working the Browning Lever-Action BL-17
The V-Max strikes again! Here’s how to take down, reassemble, and troubleshoot the sweet little BL-17 and its cousin the BL-22.
The Long and Short Of Shotgun Chambers
Older shotguns made for paper-hulled shells frequently don’t shoot worth a hoot with today’s plastic shotshells. Here’s why and what you can do about it.
Make a Universal Scope-Reticle Adjuster
Here’s how to make a scope-reticle adjusting tool, and why you’ll find it indis pensable.
Applying Custom Camouflage Finishes with Dura Coat
With the Dura Coat system, there’s no longer any reason why you can’t offer in-house custom camouflage finishes.
Disassembly/Reassembly Of the Ruger KP345 .45 ACP Pistol
Ruger’s new addition to the P-Series incorporates some interesting fea tures as well as a durable and lightweight polymer frame.
Reader Forum
Jamming Marlin 1894S I have a Marlin 1894S in caliber .44 Magnum. Occasionally, when the lever is lowered, it cannot be moved back to the firing position. The lever and bolt have to be removed in order for the carrier to drop…
Protection of Lawful Commerce In Arms Act Signed into Law
On October 20th, as I worked diligently on this issue, two emails arrived in my inbox almost simultaneously. Both concerned the passage in the House of the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (S.397), which had recently passed in the Senate.…
Reducing Thor to Mortal Proportions
Named after the mythical Norse god, EAA’s Thor is capable of bringing down the largest game and shows great promise as a silhouette shooter.
Precision Drilling And Tapping Techniques
With a few simple tips and an accurate setup, you can drill and tap holes for sight mounts or scope bas es better than what’s done by most firearm manufacturers.
Dampening Barrel Vibration For Improved Accuracy
Only minor gunsmithing is required—namely, removal of the front sight—to install the Limb Saver Barrel De-Resonator. And a simple test shows that it does work.
Perform a Trigger Job On the Beretta A391 Xtrema
Reshaping the hammer can solve the trigger-adjustment problems on this popular Beretta shotgun.