Improving the Glock Model 23 With Aftermarket Parts
What Glock claims is “the safest handgun system available” can still be made more accurate and easier to shoot with some simple modifications.
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Articles by Dennis A. Wood
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Rebuilding a Firing-Pin Tip
Finding replacement parts for rare or obsolete firearms can be a frustrating endeavor. Sometimes machining a new part or repairing the original part are the only options.
Put a Non-Slip Grip on A Plastic Gunstock
Embossing is a practical and simple method that will put a more effective gripping surface on some of those slippery plastic stocks.
Installing and Repairing 1911-Type Grip-Screw Bushing
Whether you’re building up a new 1911 frame or repairing stripped-out grip screws, there are a few things you need to know about those tiny little bushings.
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.
Troubleshooting Cycling Problems on the Remington 742
This semi-automatic centerfire is a favorites of deer hunters. Once the mechanics of the rifle are understood, some simple steps will ensure that it performs properly when called upon.
Working the Colt Huntsman Pistol
This .22-caliber example of Colt’s pistol offerings is well made and will be around for a long time’as long as it is well maintained.
Working with Springs
Understanding the role of the springs is crucial to understanding how a given firearm was designed to function’and why it doesn’t when it malfunctions.
Make a Trigger-Assembly Tool For the Winchester Model 12
This simple shop-made tool not only helps make a tricky job easier, it can ensure that the trigger parts don’t get damaged when putting them back in place in the action.
Safely Removing Barrel Obstructions
When faced with something stuck in a barrel, you need to assess the situation carefully, then employ one of a few processes for removing the obstacle safely.
Troubleshooting Ejection Failures on the Remington 1100
This simple guide to problems that can cause failures to eject and extract will help to keep this popular shotgun going strong.
Rebarreling Choices
There are numerous decisions to be made before an action is rebarreled, including the type of steel, how it’s rifled, rate of twist, and contour. Only after those decisions are made is it time to pick a barrel maker.
Advanced Stockwork: Installing Exotic-Wood Fore-End Tips
A wooden fore-end tip of contrasting color’usually an exotic species’ makes an attractive and traditional addition to a gunstock. The techniques and the two fixtures outlined here will simplify the process.
Fitting an Extended Thumb Safety on the M1911
On a 1911-style auto, an extended thumb safety helps to put the thumb of the shooting hand in the correct position for fast action.
Those Versatile Vises
The vise is one of the most important tools on any gunsmith’s bench. With the addition of various replacement jaws and jaw covers, any vise can be made more functional and even more versatile.
Installing Blended Adjustable Sights on Auto-Loading Pistols
An adjustable rear sight on the slide of a largecaliber semi-automatic pistol must be strong and sturdy, and the installation must be equally solid and secure.
Fabricating Firing Pins
If you’ve ever tried to find replacement parts for an older firearm, you know the difficulty that’s usually involved. Many times, you’re money ahead to forget the search and simply make the part from scratch.
Converting the Ruger 77/22 Magnum to .17 HMR
The Ruger Model 77/22 series of bolt-action rimfire rifles has a great reputation for accuracy and reliability. With the relatively easy installation of an extra barrel, it can also be highly versatile.
Upgrading the Ruger 77/22 Rifle
This Ruger bolt-action rimfire rifle is a topnotch firearm, but with the addition of a few aftermarket parts, it can become an even better shooter.
Precision Drilling And Tapping Techniques
With a few simple tips and an accurate setup, you can drill and tap holes for sight mounts or scope bas es better than what’s done by most firearm manufacturers.
Make a Mini-Router For Installing Swivel Bases
While two-screw swivel bases can certainly be installed by chiseling a mortise into the stock and forearm, there is an easier, more accurate way to get this task accomplished.
Gunstock Checkering: Beyond the Basics
Once you understand the basics and have mastered the application of simple patterns, it’s time to move ahead. Here, we’ll cover some of the more advanced skills and more involved checkering patterns.
Converting Remington Safeties To Left-Hand Operation
Left-handed shooters receive very little attention from firearms manufacturers, it seems. With the following methods, many of the safeties on Remington firearms can be converted to help the lefties out.
Accurizing and Improving the Marlin 900-Series Rimfire Rifles
The recent series of rimfire rifles from Marlin Sporting Arms have several improvements. With a little bit of tweaking, these rifles can be come even more accurate and more pleasurable to shoot.