Dates Set for 2009 Gunsmith Career Fair
“How do I get to be a gunsmith and where can I get a job?” The answers to those questions can be found this spring in Altoona, Iowa.
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Goof-Proof Removal of the Thompson Barrel
If you’re ever lucky enough to work on a valuable original, you’ll need some special tools and techniques that might not be necessary for working on the semiautomatic replica.
Chamber Throat Reaming with A Precision Touch
A special throating reamer can be used to lengthen the throat or change the leade angle, resulting in greater flexibility in bullet seating and ultimately in improved accuracy.
Reader Forum
Ruger 44 Gas-System Check I have a Ruger 44 carbine that will not eject the spent round. The slide only comes back about three-quarters of the way and then returns forward. I’ve checked the operation of the slide by hand and it’s…
“Senator Obama, Where Do You Stand?”
” Following the recent landmark Second Amendment ruling by the U. S. Supreme Court, the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), the trade association for the firearms industry, sent Democratic presidential nominee Senator Barack Hussein Obama (Dem., IL) a letter, dated July 4,…
Disassembly and Reassembly of the CZ70 Semi-Automatic Pistol
Although it looks remarkably like the Walther PPK of 007 fame and shares a common ancestor, there are some significant differences in the CZ70’s takedown procedure.
Enhancements to the Power Series I Stoning Fixture
These simple shopmade add-ons can make an excellent tool even better, faster, and more versatile.
Converting the Remington Model 700 to Single-Shot
Benchrest competitors and varmint shooters have come to know the inherent advantages of the single-shot bolt-action rifle. Here’s how to make one such conversion.
Tech Topics
In this feature, we examine new tools and tooling, tips and techniques, and news items of interest to the gunsmithing community.
Working the Colt Official Police Medium-Frame DA Revolvers
Originally developed as a military sidearm, this early double-action revolver found a home with nearly a million civilian shooters and law-enforcement professionals.
Reader Forum
Sticky AA Release Lever I have an American Arms Silver 1 over/under shotgun in 12 gauge with maybe 1,000 rounds fired. The problem is the Greener crossbolt locking system. If I snap the gun shut, the bolt is flush with the receiver…
A Too-Narrow Victory
I’ve never wanted to write for a daily newspaper, but there are times I wish I could write about the news in this column and have it in the hands of readers while it still is “news.” The June 26th ruling by…
Disassembly and Reassembly of the Ruger LCP Pistol
This new entry in the concealed-carry pistol market may change a few minds about Ruger pistols.
Learning to Work on English Double Shotguns
Consumer preferences are constantly changing, producing new opportunities for the gunsmith willing to learn new skills. One such opportunity is in servicing high-end imported double shotguns.
Micro-Lapping the Remington 700/40X Receiver Bed
The precise fit of a cylindrical rifle action in its stock bed can be improved and glass bedding may be eliminated with the simple application of this do-it-yourself bed-lapping tool.
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.
Working the Colt Walker Revolver
Like the Colt Patterson we discussed last month, you’re not likely to see an original Colt Walker. You are, however, likely to be asked to work on one of the Uberti replicas.
Reader Forum
Ruger Ejection Woes I’m having a problem with a Ruger Mark II in my shop. Extraction and loading is fine. The problem is kicking the empties out’a combination of stovepipe malfunctions and empty shells getting stuck between the fresh cartridge and the…
Gun Sales Strong in Weak Economy
With gasoline at $4 a gallon, the housing market in a serious slump, and a general feeling of “malaise” in the overall economy, you might think the firearms biz would be hurting, too. Not so, I’m pleased to report. Figures released by…
Disassembly and Reassembly Of the Zastava M88 Pistol
This recently debuted combination of proven designs is an extremely reliable and economical personal-defense pistol. Here’s the inside story.
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.
Back-Boring the Shotgun Barrel
Today’s skeet, trap, and sporting clays shooters are convinced of the benefits of back-boring. Thus, offering back-boring as a service can, of course, benefit the gunsmith as well. Here’s how it’s done.
Explaining Repair Costs To Your Customer
Compared to just about anything else’a car, a washing machine, or an electric toaster’ maintaining and repairing a firearm is dirt cheap; it’s all in how you explain it.
Working the Colt Paterson Percussion Revolver
Although you may never see an original, there’s a very good chance you’ll eventually be handed a replica of Sam Colt’s very first repeating firearm. These instructions will work with either.