Archive author
Norman E. Johnson
163 indexed articles · 2004–2021
Published work
Articles by Norman E. Johnson
Unilateral Locking Lug Lapping
An often overlooked link in the accuracy/precision chain is asymmetrical bolt locking lug contact within the receiver.
Custom Rimfire Handgun Cleaning Rod
Important tips on cleaning those .22 rimfire semi-automatic pistols for best accuracy.
Scoping Swedish Mausers
Scoping older foreign made rifles, such as the Model 96 Swedish Mauser, results in fine shooting rifles.
Custom Firing Pin For A Stevens Single Shot Rifle
Finding a firing pin for an old Stevens single shot rifle was unsuccessful. Making one turned out to be a viable alternative.
Jukar Pistol Restoration
the bad. So it was with an old rusted-up Jukar Spain .45 caliber black powder pistol.
Stock Stiffening: A New And Effective Way
This somewhat unusual, but very effective, method of adding rigidity to a target stock resembles endoscopic surgery in its approach, but the result is better accuracy.
Antique Shotgun Buttplate Repair
There was no replacement buttplate to be had for this 130 year old shotgun, so a repair was the best option. Here’s how I repaired a Wm. R. Burkhard shotgun sent in for major stock repair.
Remington Model 700 Trigger Removal, Installation And Adjustment
Removing, installing and adjustment of a Remington 700 trigger can be easy. It’s all about correct procedure and having the right tools.
Davidson Loading Ramp Remington Rifle Installation
Converting a Model 700 Remington rifle to single-shot can be done by installing a special pre-fitted, permanently bonded-in cartridge ramp.
A Unique Method of Custom Scope Base Fitting
as getting the scope reticle to optical center. Proper coaxial congruity can be most difficult to achieve in a base. Individual custom scope base fitting can be a very workable option.
Model 87 Ithaca Deerslayer Scope Mount
deer guns for a long time, but an optical sight makes them even better.
Crossbow Crank Cocking System
We find improvements on existing equipment used in shooting and hunting. I recently found one with a crossbow.
Savage Long-Action Model 112 Retroit
Revising a long-action Savage Model 112 bolt to an older, mediumaction Model 112 “J” series rifle ranks among the difficult but well within the realm of accomplishment.
Counterbalancing The Stock
In the accuracy arena, where 1/8th of a minute-of-angle increments can make a significant difference, overall rifle balance can play a huge part. Among the more useful aids in achieving stock/rifle balance will be the addition of weight to the buttstock.
A Timney Trigger On The Model 96 Swedish Mauser
In the process of sporterizing an old Model 96 Swedish Mauser rifle, installation of a good after-market trigger was a good move.
Barrel Sleeving A New Way
This in-shop method of barrel sleeving offers real advantages for the shooter and the job fits right in for the gunsmith looking for a unique, cost-effective way to get a quality target/varmint barrel.
Pillar Bedding The Remington 700/40X
Controversy remains over the usefulness of adding a third pillar to a rifle action but I no longer question this method of bedding.
A New Scope Mount For Older Savage 112s
Finding a Picatinny scope base for older Savage Model 112 single shot rifles was difficult
Custom Open Shotgun Sights For Slug Shooting
Installation of open sights on a shotgun for use with slugs makes an ideal deer hunting gun. Finding the right sights to fit your particular gun can pose a problem. Two of my recent projects involving Franchi Model 620VS and Rossi Single Shot Youth shotguns will illustrate how to perform this custom work.
Headspacing 101
The sometimes misunderstood subject of cartridge headspacing leads shooters to complicate an otherwise rudimentary part of firearms.
U. S. Rifle, Caliber .30, M1 Garand Overview
This is a synopsis of the required maintenance of the Garand M1 and some accurizing measures to consider that may enhance performance.
Scope Mounting An Airgun Dovetail Receiver
Were all gunsmithing jobs without challenge perhaps there would be little need for our services. This wasn’t the case while scope mounting one of the modern precision airguns requiring mounting modification.
Improved Muzzleloader Ignition Module
In some styles of muzzleloading rifles the breech plug ignition system can vastly be improved. A new, properly-designed screw-in breech plug can prevent blow back smoke, improve ignition quality and ease of loading.
Fitting A Forearm Hanger Extension On The Knight KP-1 Rifle
Adding a much needed forearm hanger extension solves accuracy problems on some break-frame rifles.