Scope Reticle Replacement
Innovative gunsmiths can meet their customer’s needs. A request to replace a scope reticle proved to be a new, fulfilling challenge.
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Articles by Norman E. Johnson
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Building Home Security Shotguns
Here’s how to convert a standard pump-action shotgun into a functional security shotgun.
Savage Model 12 Accu Trigger Upgrade
Making safe improvements on an already good product takes shooting to another level.
Forend Barrel Bedding System Installation
The proper use of an adjustable stock forend bedding system can be an effective way to dampen barrel vibration and improve rifle accuracy. A capable craftsman can make and install all the required parts.
Rifle Barrel Accuracy
Ri le Barrel Accuracy A definitive work on the selection, installation, and evaluation of rifle barrels for supreme accuracy.
SKS Optic Mount
Scoping a SKS carbine can be a worthwhile gunsmithing project.
Scoping Henry Lever Action Rifles
An avid squirrel hunter brought me his Henry Golden Boy lever action .22 rifle to be sighted-in with the existing buckhorn-style open sights. “It’s hitting way left, ‘course my eyes aren’t quite what they used to be either,” he said. I suggested…
Cable Control Trigger Release
Trigger control has always been a critical issue in developing extreme rifle accuracy. This can be improved with a remote control trigger release, where the shooter’s hands don’t directly touch the rifle. Crafting some form of trigger release is quite rudimentary and the cost is low.
Repair And Restoration Of Broken Stocks
Acustomer’s broken stock had all the looks of a throwaway until a closer look revealed otherwise.
Servicing The Timney M510 Trigger
Service and adjustment of aftermarket triggers requires careful attention to detail.
Model 62 Winchester Hammer Spring Replacement
We don’t know the extent of a job until digging in, especially with older guns like the Winchester Model 62 or firearms without schematics.
Bedding The Model 504 Remington Receiver Ring
Sometimes a small—but critical—bedding area can be most difficult to deal with. The Model 504 Remington receiver ring is a typical example of this. Here’s how to fix it.
Recoil Pad Installation On Synthetic Gunstocks
Installing a recoil pad on modern synthetic stocks can place a real demand on your skills. The job becomes even more involved if a stock needs to be cut off.
A Second Bolt And Barrel For Bolt Actions
A unique bolt fitting process for fitting a pair of barrels to Remington Model 700 switch-barrel rifles.
Sako-Style Extractors On Model XP-100 Pistols
How to open the bolt face from .223 to .308, add a second bolt, and install a Tubb Speed Lock Extractor Kit on a Remington Model 700 Series rifle bolt.
Improving The Marlin 17VS Trigger
Though the Marlin Model 17VS bolt action rimfire rifle does not have an adjustable trigger, it can be improved, making the rifle easier to shoot.
Custom Wildcat Cartridges With Standard Reamers
Making a custom wildcat chamber while avoiding the cost of a custom reamer is both possible and practical using a pair of standard SAAMI reamers you likely have in your shop, or can readily rent or borrow.
Barrel Chamber Bevel And Case Head Position
An often overlooked area of the rifle involves the chamber mouth of the barrel in connection with case head projection.
Fitting Remington Model 504 Extractors
Not all gun parts, right out of the package, are ready for functional installation. The Model 504 Remington is no exception.
Headspacing Pre- Cut Long Chambers
A how-to on headspacing rimless cartridge chambers cut long.
Vintage Takedown .22 Care And Cleaning
Whether we use them or just cherish them, those little .22s are worth all the care we can give them as we safeguard and protect these old guns.
Crossbow Dampener
While more powerful and popular than ever, modern crossbows can be noisy. Good gunsmiths can improve this.
Installing A Shotgun Barrel Bead
Whether installing a front or central shotgun barrel bead, positioning at top dead center is the key. Proper drilling and tapping, as well as drill and tap selection, is critical.
Model K10 High Standard Shotgun Open Rear Sight
A customer’s shotgun was hitting a foot low and a few inches left at 50 yards. Here’s how I fixed it.