Disassembly and Reassembly of the New Ruger Alaskan Rifle
Basically, the Alaskan is a version of the familiar Model 77 Mark II. But beware of the differences; there’s only one way to avoid the potential trouble that lurks beneath its floorplate.
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“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.
Make a Spring Compressor For the Remington Model 700
Disassembling and reassembling the Model 700s firing-pin assembly can be tedious and tricky. But this handy shop-made spring compressor makes the job safe, simple, and quick.
Recutting and Restoring Worn Or Damaged Stock Checkering
Here’s how to amaze your customers and sweeten your cash flow with a new skill you might have hesitated to offer before.
Working the S&W Top-Break .38 Single Action 1st Model
Also known as the “Baby Russian” because of its resemblance to the .44-caliber Smith & Wesson New Model Russian, this medium-frame revolver was the first chambered for the revered .38 S&W cartridge.
Reader Forum
A Rare Topper I’ve recently received an H&R Topper Model 158 in .22 Hornet with a broken firing pin. I replaced the firing pin and spring, and test fired the gun. The firing pin pierced the primer. After removing the firing pin,…
Supreme Court to Rule on 2nd Amendment
Just before this issue went to press, the U. S. Supreme Court announced its decision to take up the case of the District of Columbia v. Heller. As you may already know, the plaintiffs in this case have challenged the ban on…
Disassembly/Reassembly of the Remington Model 105 CTi Shotgun
Advertised as “the world’s most advanced autoloader,” this new scattergun can’t be dismantled like any other Remington gasoperated shotgun.
What Do Custom Jobs Really Cost?
Like any businessman, the gunsmith can easily find himself in the “Chapter 11 Club” if he fails to estimate the cost of custom work carefully or if he extends too much credit too freely.
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.
Finish-Crowning the Rifle Barrel
The “major” recessed or concave barrel crown is only the beginning of the job. For good accuracy, the rifle or pistol barrel also requires “finish” crowning as a necessary part of the overall muzzle finish.
Working the Sharps Model 1874 Rifle
The most popular single-shot rifle of 150 years ago is arguably still the most popular single-shot of today. That’s known as “withstanding the test of time.”
Reader Forum
Don’t Short-Stroke It My customer is complaining his Winchester Model 1894 jams when he short strokes it. I’ve taken it down several times and can find nothing wrong. Any ideas? Paul Le Barge Sandusky, Ohio We’ve seen this “malfunction” when attempts were…
Getting the Story Straight
As an editor, I’ve spent the last 25 years or so trying’s uccessfully most of the time’t o ensure that my writers have their facts and figures straight. But, when I read a magazine or newspaper article, I’m well aware of the…
Scouting Out the Remington SPR 18 Rifle
Remington’s new single-shot rifle looks like it costs a lot more than it does. Here’s what you can and can’t do to service it.
Time Management For the Gunsmith
You might assume that your lathe or milling machine is your business’ single greatest asset. But no, actually it’s your time.
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.
Correcting Feeding Problems in Marlin Lever-Action Rimfire Rifles
Proper cycling and meticulous maintenance is required to avoid a little-known safety issue with the lever-action rimfire rifle.
Working the S&W Top Break .32 Single Action Model 1-1/2
With almost 100,000 manufactured just prior to the beginning of the 20th century, the Model 1-1/2 was the first of many small Smith &Wesson five-shot revolvers.
Reader Forum
Remington Etron X Conversion The Remington “Etron X” novelty seems to have come and gone’fast. As such, there are many in the hands of shooters which are not being used and sitting in gun racks. I have a customer who is inquiring…
Ahnold, We Thought We Knew Ye
If you recall, last month I reported on the California Senate’s passage of a bill requiring “microstamping” on firearms sold in California. Microstamping is a patented single-source process by which a firearm’s make, model, and serial number are laser-engraved on the tip…
Disassembly and Reassembly of Taurus’ “The Judge” Revolver
This new Taurus wheelgun could be the best dual-purpose personal-defense/varminter ever created. It’s certain to be popular with subscribers to the “bigger is better” theory.
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.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting of AR-15-Type Rifles
Whether built by Colt, another quality gunmaker, or assembled on the owner’s kitchen table from parts, some simple procedures and helpful aftermarket parts can keep the AR firing smoothly.