Archive author
Charlie Briggs
16 indexed articles · 2004–2023
Published work
Articles by Charlie Briggs
Gunsmithing Adhesives
A synopsis of learning about and using adhesives. Here’s what I’ve learned about different products and surface preparation over the past 65 years.
Mill Power Lift
Get rid of the crank! This power conversion effortlessly lifts and lowers your mill head.
Shop-made Lapping Tool
A bright new look at making your own inexpensive tool for lapping bolt lugs.
Seattle Engraving
Here’s a way to make guns more exotic for your customers. Contracting with a company like Seattle Engraving allows any shop with an FFL sell customization options for serious profit.
J. C. Higgins 101.1/Savage 94
New tips on disassembly and maintenance of this classic shotgun.
Laser Light Combo
A short bit on the XTS-CGLL, a green laser and light combo for your projects.
Gunsmith Surprises
Some surprises in my recent gunsmith work. The first occurred during a 1911 beavertail installation and the second from an unexpected source of new and useful tools for my bench.
AR-15 Recoil Pad
To help fight recoil from an AR-15 chambered in 450 Bushmaster, here’s how I installed a recoil pad.
S&W Barrel Swap
A couple stumbles, then success! Here’s how we swapped barrels on a Smith & Wesson 500 Magnum.
Desert Eagle
Observations and modifications of the 50 AE Desert Eagle handgun.
Marlin 1895 Magazine
Creating an extended magazine for the .45-70 1895 XLR Marlin.
Hi-Power Versions
Tips on disassembly and reassembly of different variations of the Browning Hi-Power.
Kimber and Colt
I had a chance to work on and improve two target pistols; one a Kimber converted to handle multiple cartridge types and the other a Colt Woodsman I added an overtravel screw. Here’s how I tackled both. Multi-Caliber Kimber 1911 pistols can…
The Safety Fast Shooting System
Carrying “cocked and locked” may give a threatening appearance to some. For those that need or want another option, here’s how to install the Cylinder & Slide Safety Fast Shooting System.
Adjustable M1 Garand Gas Port
Creating an adjustable gas port for the M1 Garand to increase reliability when firing blanks.
Variable Speed Lathes: A Low-Budget Alternative
In a previous article, we used a DC motor to make a gunsmith’s lathe variable speed. Here’s a way to do it for a lot less money.