Archive author
Brian R. Smith
31 indexed articles · 2018–2024
Published work
Articles by Brian R. Smith
Husqvarna M40 “Lahti”
Tips for working the Swedish “Iron Stove,” here’s how to maintain and repair the Husqvarna M40 “Lahti” pistol.
Working the S&W 61 Escort
A diminutive Smith & Wesson Model 61 Escort found a new, young caretaker who brought it in for once-over.
Weatherby Vanguard Stuck Bolt
My customer brought in a Weatherby Vanguard with a suspiciously stuck bolt. Here’s how I fixed it.
SIG P210A
Working the US-made SIG P210A models. by Brian R Smith This isn’t your Swiss police or German borderguard P210. The American-made P210A in Standard, Target, and Carry is different in design details, much improved ergonomically, and is every bit as accurate as…
Generational Changes and Firearms
The future of firearms in America after the Baby Boomer generation has left us.
Corrosion Basics for Gunsmiths
Firearm corrosion can be—and often is—self-inflicted by gun owners. Here’s what to know regarding how corrosion happens and how to avoid it on
Winchester 1895 Restoration
A tale of the Winchester 1895 that wouldn’t cock. Sorting out this old lever action seemed more like archaeology than gunsmithing.
Working The Astra 400/1921
thousands of these noteworthy handguns are in American collections.
Working the T/CR22
Thompson-Center’s excellent 10/22 clone offers high value for the price and incorporates a number of unique and desirable features.
Springfield Armory SA-35
Springfield Armory’s modern take on the classic Browning High Power design.
The History of SATPCO
Thomas G. Samworth and his Small Arms Technical Publishing Co. produced classic gunsmithing titles from 1928 through 1950 and single handedly created the firearms technical literature genre.
Brownells BRN-180 Barreled Upper Assembly
Brownells updates the Arma Lite AR-180 design and its historic short stroke piston with a product-improved upper assembly that is compatible with standard AR-15 lowers.
1895 Nagant Revolver Trigger Work
Over a century old and a marvel of “Old World” design and manufacture, the 1895 Nagant suffers heavy triggers. Here’s how to work on these classic revolvers and improve their triggers.
Ruger 96 in 44 Special
Most work that gunsmiths perform is for customers. This time, it’s personal. Here’s how I tuned my Ruger 96 for 44 Special.
Beretta 81 Cheetah
Now more commonly available from Italy, the 32 ACP Beretta 81 Cheetah will likely cross your bench. Here’s how to work on them.
Extended Firing Pin for AR-15 Ignition Woes
Some imported ammunition use hard primers that can fail to ignite AR-type firearms. Here’s a quick, reversible, and inexpensive remedy for ignition woes.
Improved Mossberg MVP
The Mossberg MVP Patrol is a 5.56mm hybrid scout rifle. Here’s how I fixed cartridge feed problems and improved it.
ATI Galeo (Galil ARM) Fix
Working the ATI Galeo and addressing magazine problems. by Brian R Smith American Tactical, Inc. makes a Galil-style rifle called the Galeo. This 5.56mm rifle is a semi-automatic clone of the ARM version of the Galil using newly-machined receivers, barrels, and parts…
Working H&A Revolvers, Part 4
The final H&A article covering the Triple Action Safety Police.
Working Hopkins & Allen Revolvers, Part 3
Article three covers H&A top break revolver models.
Working Hopkins & Allen Revolvers, Part 2
This second part will examine H&A XL solid frame revolvers. by Brian R Smith In the last issue, the single action, spur trigger Hopkins & Allen revolvers were examined and disassembly procedures outlined. The second Hopkins & Allen revolver type under consideration…
Working Hopkins & Allen Revolvers, Part 1
A four-part series examining the once prolifically-produced Hopkins & Allen revolvers that are making a surprising comeback among collectors and cowboy action shooters.
Ishapore 2A1 Enfield Repair
Here’s how I fixed a magazine feeding failure in an Ishapore 2A1.
Savage 340 Smoothed
Features that made the Savage 340 inexpensive and popular also made the bolts sticky. Here’s a simple fix that markedly improved the bolt manipulation of one Model 340 chambered in .30-30.