Reader Forum

Colt Light Ri le I have a Colt Light Rifle chambered in 7mm Magnum in my shop. It needs an extractor, extractor plunger, and extractor spring. I called Colt and got the run-around of other numbers to call. None of them knew anything about parts and one even started laughing at Colt using their phone number as a reference. Any ideas where I can get these or what other brand of extractor might interchange with this one? The gun appears to have never been fired and was possibly shipped from Colt in this condition.

I hope this guy is not stuck with a wall ornament. Daniel P. Horn Huron, SD Robert Rockweiler You can check with Jack First If you get a no-go there, call Brownells for a free copy of their parts source list on out of production guns and warm up your fingers for a lot of walking. Annealing Brass Since the rush on components started I’ve seen several articles and references concerning annealing brass to prolong usage. What is the recommended procedure for annealing brass, specifically, temperature and time?

Is there a difference in the process for rifle and pistol brass? I’ve seen reference to immersing cases up to the shoulder in water. It seems to me that the water would boil away in short order. As always, I appreciate your help and American Gunsmith. Jim Codling There is a magnificent book by Dr. Ken Howell entitled Designing and Forming Custom Cartridges for Rifles and Handguns. Though intended primarily for wildcatters, it contains sophisticated guidance for all facets of reloading.

Among its many chapters, the fourth ("You Don’t Need Magic") delivers great detail on the best annealing methods. Joe Wilson Macon, GA The book contains over 900 precise cartridge drawings from the .14 Walker Hornet to the 12.7 x 64 HK. The book can be purchased from the author by writing him at Stevensville, MT 59870-2515. Stevens Favorite Parts I have a Stevens Favorite .22 caliber rifle and believe it to be the 1894 model due to the flat mainspring.

I am trying to find a good source of parts and information about this model. The barrel was shot-out and the muzzle is now an oblong shape from cleaning and firing. A barrel sleeve has been installed to return the firearm to usable condition. The mainspring screw head was badly damaged from previous owner. Before I try to remove the screw, I want to ave a replacement.

Gary Coles Try contacting Rudi Prusok at the American Single Shot Rifle Association 1890 Winchester Where can I find a schematic and detailed disassembly procedures for a 1890 Winchester Rifle, 2nd model? George Butler The NRA Guide to Assembly for Rifles and Shotguns provides instructions and a schematic for the Model 62A. Follow these for the Model 1890.

Gunsmithing Schools I’ve been trying to sort out the best gunsmithing school value available short of becoming a full-time resident student attending a campus such as the Colorado School of Trade. I have schools trying to draw me on board for their programs but am confused about accreditation and which program would be considered, by manufacturers or potential clients, to be a quality, professional program.

What would you recommend as a program that includes advancement to a master gunsmith status and would be well received in the gunsmithing community? I am pursuing this as a career and to supplement the services that we provide at the gun shop I currently own. In the firearms business, Colorado School of Trades rates highest. As you probably know, its resident program is far less expensive for residents of the State than it is for out-of-staters.

As far as the Master status is concerned you won’t earn it until you’re long out of school and have proven yourself by your work. Those that do usually end up as members of the American Pistolsmiths Guild or American Gunmakers Guild. More about both is on the Web. AH Fox Sterlingworth I have a customer’s 12-gauge AH Fox Sterlingworth double gun in my shop, and I need some help. Two questions: Do you know of a schematic on the Sterlingworth that I can access?

My research efforts to date have been unsuccessful, and I’ve not located a smith in my area that is experienced with the Sterlingworth. Also, can you tell me the proper technique for removing and installing the hammer springs? I’ve disassembled the action down to the point of removing the hammer springs, but have not figured out how to reinstall them once the hammer pin is pulled.

Charlie Gass Call the NRA Sales Office and order yourself a copy of The NRA Guide to Firearms Assembly, both handgun and long gun editions. There-in you’ll find considerable information plus a schematic on Fox doubles. Of particular interest to you will be paragraph #6 which describes a tool you can make and use on the Fox and, with adaptations to its short end, many other double guns.

Remington Peerless Shotgun I am working on a Remington Peerless Shotgun and cannot get a takedown manual from Remington or any other source I have tried. I have all the parts out except the locking bolt, top lever and actuating rod. How do I remove the firing pins? Richard T. Debick It has been a good many years since the Peerless was last made and there is little to no relationship between it, the 3200, 396 and 320 over/under guns so far as interchangeability or servicing is concerned.

An engineering pal of ours at Remington dug out and sent usa copy of a page from afield service manual on the Peerless. To get the pins out, the top lever has to be removed. This requires a special tool. A working drawing of the tool and what it takes to remove the lever appears in the field service manual. Email your snail mail address, request a copy of "Manual Page on Peerless Shotgun" and we’ll mail you a copy. Remington 1100 Carrier Issue I have Remington 1100 that with a carrier that will not lift up.

The shotgun will fire, lock the bolt, eject spent hulls, advance the next shotshell out of the magazine tube and on to the carrier. The path is clear to the carrier latch. If I depress the latch with a tool, the cycle will continue. The only thing I see is that the magazine tube spring is over 23.5-inches long and appears to be weak. The tube does contain a plug. Jon Fory Tom Hourt Remove the plug. Install anew spring and follower.

Rebuild the carrier assembly concentrating on the carrier release and all related springs. Replace the plug. AG