Archive author
Robert K. Campbell
182 indexed articles · 2003–2024
Published work
Articles by Robert K. Campbell
The 1911 Trigger Action
Thanks to its remarkably tunable trigger, Browning’s masterpiece handgun design still sets the standard for custom builders. Here’s how to get the best trigger possible.
Working the Mauser Bolt
Over a century old, the precedent-setting Mauser action is the basis of all turn-bolt rifle actions. Learning the details of the original will pave the way to mastering all others.
The Custom M1911: Fitting An Aftermarket Thumb Safety
The GI-type safety lever is usually one of the first things to go when upgrading a 1911-type pistol. Here are a few to consider in the process.
The M1911 in 10mm: Some Special Considerations
For most gunsmiths, building or tuning a 1911- type pistol in .45 ACP is like a walk in the park. But the path can be thorny when the 1911 is chambered for the 10mm cartridge.
The M1 Garand: A Troubleshooting Checklist
Volumes have been written on accurizing the venerable M1 Garand. But when facing a rifle of unknown origin, first you have to ensure it’s in reliable operating condition.
Resolving 1911 Problems: Failures to Go into Battery
Usually, a failure to go into battery is a simple matter to cure, but sometimes the search for the cause can prove to be exhausting.
Can You’S hould You’Re pair a Blown-Up Pistol?
Don’t compound your customer’s mistake by making an error of your own.
Rebuilding the “Battered” Revolver
Even with revolvers designated as “Magnum caliber,” full-power loads eventually take their toll. And once a revolver starts to “shoot loose,” the problems can be quickly compounded.
Slicking Up the Uberti Cowboy Revolvers
Although some are better than others in out-of-the-box condition, any of these popular price-point revolvers can be made smoother and easier to handle.
Solving Common Problems With .22 Rimfire Handguns
To a greater extent than with centerfire guns, problems with rimfire handguns are often found to be ammo-related’and usually relatively simple to repair.
“Slicking Up” the Smith & Wess Third Generation Pistols
Although not as “gunsmith friendly” as the M1911, the popular S&W pistols can benefit from some of the same smoothing techniques and some similar aftermarket parts.
Fine Tuning Magazines For Reliable Feeding
Gunsmiths should be pleased that the ever-increasing price of replacement magazines is making repair a feasible option once again.
Solving Problems with .22-Caliber Conversion Units
Owners of M1911 pistols seem to encounter problems frequently with .22- cal conversion kits. Here’s what you need to know to come to the rescue.
Problem Solving with Aluminum Frame 1911-Type Pistols
Some aftermarket parts and special techniques can help to keep an aluminum-frame pistol from succumbing to wear or to repair one that’s already surrendered.
Upgrading with Drop-In Pistol Parts
Drop-in aftermarket parts can’t be expected to produce match-grade results but, when chosen carefully, they can produce improved performance at a reasonable cost.
Thoughts on Accurizing the M1 Garand
Volumes have been written on accurizing and sporterizing the Garand, but everything starts with a careful and thorough initial disassembly and inspection.
Glock Mods: An M1911 Man Branches Out
The Glock is no longer the mystery it once was. Today, the modifications necessary to optimize the Glock’s performance are almost as “standardized” as those of the 1911.
Add the “Midas” Touch
The gold (or silver) inlay kit from Forster can turn engraving’whether simple or complex’into a striking custom statement.
The “No-Machining” 1911 Project
This 1911 project pistol can be put together with common shop tools, easily available aftermarket parts, a minimum of fitting’ and at a reasonable price.
The Hi-Power: Parts Interchangeability and Rimfire Conversions
Aftermarket parts and conversion kits for the Browning Hi-Power and its clones abound. Here’s a guide to what works, and what works with what.
Smoothing the Taurus Model 80 Revolver
Trigger work on this early Taurus revolver is relatively simple and straightforward, but don’t assume it’s a clone of the Smith & Wesson Model 10.
M1911 Safety: Thoughts on Triggers and Firing-Pin Blocks
In any business, “the customer is always right.” In ours, however, we must also make sure he is well informed first, and right second.
Fitted vs. “Drop-In” M1911 Barr
In many cases, there really is such a thing as a “drop-in” barrel. Nevertheless, in most cases, the fitted barrel produces superior results.
The Llama 1911: Common Problems and Simple Solutions
The Llama can be challenging. While inexpensive to purchase, parts are difficult to find. And while it might prove reasonably accurate with one brand of ammo, it can be totally unusable with others.