Reader Forum

Desert Eagle G Optic? I want to install ared or green dot sight on my 45 ACP Desert Eagle G model, however, it appears to me that this may not be what’s supposed to happen. I contacted the manufacturer asking about what type of aftermarket optics would be suitable and was given a bunch of stuff I don’t understand. What I am looking for is the name and model of a suitable red or green dot optic that will fit in place of the existing rear iron sight. Are you aware of any options?

Russ Atchison Spokane Valley, WA The Desert Eagle G model is Magnum Research’s take on the infamous 1911 fitted with a high profile sculptured rear iron sight from the factory. Red (and green) dot optical sights can now be had small enough to mount on a pistol slide, often referred to as a miniature reflex sight. Any model small enough to fit a pistol slide can work if you can provides means to mount it. The preferred mounting option is to use a slide machined to accept a mounting plate for the optic.

Ed Brown (EdBrown.com, 1911 Builders (1911Builders. com, ZR Tactical Solutions (ZrtacticalSolutions.com, 317/721-ZRTS), and others offer premade slides with optic cuts. You can also have your existing slide machined. There are mounts that can use your slide’s existing dovetail without modification in place of the rear sight. Note, this option is not as robust and the sight will sit really high. This option works better with Glock slides and similar as they’re flat instead of rounded like most 1911 slides.

EGW (EGWguns.com, offers a line of dovetail mounts for Desert Eagle and other handguns and is probably your best option. Ask them about their mount for a Kimber dovetail, which should be the same dimensions as for your 1911 G model Desert Eagle. The Trijicon (Trijicon.com, AC32058 RMR Pistol Mount works using an existing 1911 Novak low mount (0.248") dovetail cut. The G model uses a cut like this but may not be the same dimensions; you’ll have to measure it to be certain.

C- More Systems (Cmore.com, also offers a 1911 dovetail mount with their C-MORE Systems STS Dovetail Mount for Colt 1911. Shop Safety In "Shop Safety" by Paul Mazan (June 2022) I would like to add a method for removing those stuck screws that not many people think about. The tool is called an impact driver and is designed to use impact on screws of all types. You can find one at any auto parts or hardware store. The tips are replaceable and therefore you can use gunsmith’s tips in place of the included tips.

Paul "Face" Krawic J. C. Higgins 101.1/Savage 94 Regarding "J. C. Higgins 101.1/Savage 94" by Charlie Briggs (June 2022), Bob Brownell’s Gunsmith Kinks II has two solutions for installing the mainspring in the Savage 94. Pages 377-378 details home-built tools used to compress the spring into the frame. Gunsmith Kinks III and Gunsmith Kinks 4 show other methods as well. Glen Calvert For those reading "J. C.

Higgins 101.1/ Savage 94" by Charlie Briggs (June 2022), instead of drilling a hole through a receiver it would be far easier and less damaging to use a basic L-shaped screwdriver available at any hardware or auto parts store to get at that latch screw. There’s no need to alter the receiver of a firearm when using the proper tool for the job is an option. If you can’t find a small L-driver you can easily make one with a torch and a cheap screwdriver and can even grind the tip to perfectly match the slot.

As far as compressing the mainspring goes, the manual he has is correct. Any needle nose or welding clamp-type/Vise Grip pliers can be ground with a slot for the hammer strut to compress the spring for installation or removal without the absurd combination of a drill press and clamps. If you use the vise grip type you can even lock them in compressed position for easier handling. Those old timers knew what they were talking about; if you don’t understand what they mean, you’re doing something wrong.

It’s always better to take a break and stand back a bit to try and figure out what you’re not understanding before hacking away at something. Exeter, ME I had some difficulties figuring out if that gun had an extractor or an ejector as the image showed the snap cap only sticking out about 1/8". I’ve worked on many old break open designs and extractors generally push the case out a minimum of 3/8" while ejectors send the case flying. I also saw no spring like an ejector would use.

Generally, an extractor system uses a cam or a much lighter spring. If it only extracts the case that much the extractor cam may be worn and might be improved by adding some metal

via MIG or TIG if a replacement part isn’t available. Paul "Face" Krawic Charlie Briggs responds. Thank you for reading my article. It is possible that I could have made an angled screwdriver to tighten the latch screw, but there wasn’t a lot of room and none of my angled screwdrivers could fit. And since the Sears shotgun was hardly a collector’s item, I chose to drill an otherwise invisible hole. I would not have done that on a Purdy, Fox, L. C. Smith, etc.

Regarding the mainspring, I own maybe 15 styles of Vise Grip pliers. None of them have been ground to get under the head of that mainspring pin and would have been very dangerous if it could have been done! I chose to do it my way and no "hacking" or harm was done. Again, thank you for reading my article. I have every issue of American Gunsmith, going back to January of 1993, and despite 37 years of being a federally-licensed gunsmith, I get valuable tips from almost every issue.

Stuck Parts I am a recovering metal shop teacher and want to share a few notes regarding "Stuck Parts and Extreme Measures" (June 2022). On page 14 I’m certain you meant that cold contracts and heat expands. Exeter, ME I’ve found a homemade penetrating fluid consisting of equal parts acetone and ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) works well for difficult parts. Also, I don’t think that a plumber’s blowtorch and nineteenth-century fire extinguisher are ideal.

Instead, I start with a soldering gun and then progress to a propane torch, alternating with freezer time. Howard Dawson Author RK Campbell responds. Thanks for that. As for the tools… well, they have accumulated over the years. I do have more modern gear as well. I am going to try your homemade penetrating fluid the next time I have a stuck part. Thanks!

Compact Ratchet Tool Fix It Sticks (FixItSticks.com, is a Chicago-based maker of modular maintenance tools and torque limiters with many good options for gunsmiths and shooters, especially for those needing compact tools for the field or range. Their new Compact Ratcheting Multi-Tool is a versatile kit featuring a Ratcheting T-Way Wrench that breaks down for storage, fifteen hex bits, and a mini pry bar.

Everything is contained in a compact, molded polymer tool holder making the configuration portable and easy to include in any range bag, emergency kit, or vehicle or ATV compartment. Cascade, CO The configurable Ratcheting T- Way Wrench has magnetic holders on all three ends that accept any standard 1/4" bits. The reversible ratchet allows for quick tightening and loosening, even with limited clearance.

In addition to the mini pry bar, the kit includes 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 5/64, 5/32, and 3/32 hex bits; T6, T8, T10, T15, T20, T25 Torx bits; a slotted 5mm and Phillips #1, #2 drivers. MSRP is $80 and is compatible with all Fix It Sticks torque limiters and other tools. AG