Converting Muzzleloading Rifles
Converting most flintlock rifles to percussion or a rifle that has been converted back to flintlock is usually an easy job.
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Articles by Paul Mazan
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Winchester 1912 Restoration
A project repairing and cold bluing a Winchester Model 1912.
British Enfield History, Part Two
Wrapping up our history of British Enfield service rifles, we’ll finish with the bolt-action repeaters.
British Enfield History, Part One
We’ll take a look at the history of British Enfield service rifles, starting with muzzleloaders and single shots.
Fun With Flintlocks
Inexpensive flintlocks are great project guns to learn how to work on a host of gunsmithing tasks. Here’s how to hone your skills with one of the oldest firearm types.
The “Untouched” Martini- Henry, Part Two
A cautionary tale of restoring a classic single-shot battle rifle. Here’s how I restored the metalwork.
The “Untouched” Martini-Henry, Part One
A cautionary tale of restoring a classic single-shot battle rifle. Here’s how I restored the stockwork and wood.
The M1 Carbine
History and maintenance guide for America’s first Personal Defense Weapon: United States Carbine, Caliber .30, M1.
New Gunsmith Items
After years of being the new products manager with the biggest supplier of gunsmithing tools in the world, looking for new products has become second nature to me. Now that I’m retired, I no longer call manufacturers looking for their new offerings…
Restoring A Forearm
Restoring a Snider with some judicious woodwork brought an old military rifle back to life.
Remington 141 Facelift
Renovating Remington’s classic pump-action rifle.
Metal Polishing
Before refinishing a metal part on any firearm, the surface must be properly prepared. Here’s how I polish gunsmith projects.
Making A Group Gauge
Here is a handy tool to measure group size when you’re out at the range. A few simple tools and an hour of your time is all it takes.
Savage 219
Working with a Savage single shot that showed up in a bag.
Cosmetic Metal Repair
Rusted, pitted, dented, and gouged steel is the ruin of many firearms. Here are some ways of hiding or removing them.
.32 Rimfire Conversion
opportunities and challenges.
Backyard Bluing
Alloy and plastic receivers and high start up costs have led to alternate methods of finishing a firearm but hot salts bluing remains the standard all the others are compared to.
Tightening Break Open Actions
A vast number of break-open shotguns and some break-open rifles use a single locking lug. Here is how you can tighten loose, wobbly barrels.
Adjusting Length Of Pull On Synthetic Stocks
Synthetic stocks can present some unique problems in adjusting their length of pull or adding recoil pads. Here are some tips on solving those problems.
Tool Tuning
What could be more important to a gunsmith than his tools? Here’s how to maximize their use and service life.
What Caliber Is It?
Unmarked or mismarked guns can be hazardous. When buying new guns you can count on them being clearly marked with the caliber or gauge, but the used gun market is full of pitfalls.
Honing Rusty Chambers
Transforming neglected wall hangers into good shooting condition.
Gunsmithing Requires Innovation
Especially when working with old, out-of-production guns, creative problem solving is key in good gunsmithing.
Renovating Sporterized M98 Mausers
Don’t automatically pass on old sporterized military rifles. You may be surprised in the value and accuracy they can deliver.