Archive author
Ray Ordorica
16 indexed articles · 2004–2020
Published work
Articles by Ray Ordorica
Rico Morgan’s M14… and Mine
restored a Poly Tech rifle into a top-end self-loading 308 Winchester.
Ordorica Covers Colts
What can one say about gunsmithing the Colt Single Action Army? Probably “Don’t do it!” would be appropriate these days. Early in the 20th century it was common for gunsmiths to mess with them, and a lot of them were messed with,…
Rust Bluing
A classic finish, rust bluing provides the best custom gun color. Here’s how to do it right.
Super Winchester .338
Here’s how to make an outstanding Winchester M70 chambered in .338 Winchester Magnum.
Making Odd Ones Shoot
The best gunsmithing effort won’t return a completed project to shooting status until ammunition is arranged. Here’s an approach to loading unusual or unavailable cartridges.
Checkering Gunstocks
A gunsmith’s overview of how he checkers a stock.
Refinishing Fine Stocks
Re inishing Fine Stocks A detailed approach to handling and refurbishing vintage gun stocks to their original luster.
Ruger No. 1 Modifications
Here are the must-have modifications and improvements for Ruger’s No. 1, especially the Tropical Rifle variant.
Beginning Engraving
Getting started on getting good results with engraving is easier than you may think! Here’s how to begin.
1851 London Navy
Cap and ball revolvers are still great shooters. Here’s how to prep a Uberti/Cimarron London Navy for black powder.
Easy Hi-Power Modiications
A few simple modifications any gun owner can perform will make a better gun out of the Hi-Power.
Getting Started in Engraving
Engraving is an art form that can add value to your custom guns and spruce up the appearance of less valuable firearms. Here’s what you need to know to get started.
Making Blackpowder Revolvers More User-Friendly
Some simple mods, shown here on a Colt 2nd Dragoon, can improve accuracy and make cleanup a snap.
Repairing Hammer Axles On Smith & Wesson Revolvers
The prescribed factory repair for this S&W Model 29 would have required refinishing the gun’s surface, but this simpler technique elim inates the need for replating or rebluing.
Getting Revolvers Right
The use of cast bullets in a revolver makes sense, but only when two critical dimensions are right on target.
The Bulged Chamber: A Simple Fix
Rebarreling and rechambering are often not practical or possible, but sometimes this simple little procedure will solve a bulged-chamber problem.