The “No-Machining” 1911 Project
This 1911 project pistol can be put together with common shop tools, easily available aftermarket parts, a minimum of fitting’ and at a reasonable price.
Topic
Metalworking
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.
Working the 1873 Springfield Trap-Door Single-Shot Rifle
If the internal parts of the 1873 Springfield breechloader look the same as those of the 1861 muzzleloader, that’s because most of them are.
Reader Forum
S&W 686 Reassembly I need some help on getting the handtorsion spring back in place with the hand in the trigger assembly on the S&W 686. It is a .357 Magnum. I’ve looked in all the books I have. I just can’t…
Headspace: Measurements and Corrections
In a recent article, we established what headspace is and what it isn’t. In this report, the author covers measuring headspace and correcting it if it’s excessive or insufficient.
Working the Smith & Wesson .45 Model No. 3 Schofield Revolvers
With modifications patented by Major George W. Schofield, Smith & Wesson’s top-break Mod el No. 3 revolver became a well-known and well-respected sidearm for the U. S. Cavalry.
The Case of the Lazy Slide
Can you identify the problem with this pistol with the clues provided in the photos and text?
Working the Colt Model 1883 Hammerless Shotgun
Produced in three grades from “state-of-the-art” to “work-of-art,” the Colt Model 1883 hammerless double is still one of the most highly regarded American-made shotguns.
Reader Forum
Winchester Model 77 Clip I have a Winchester M77. When the rifle is fired, it ejects the empty, but does not cock the gun. The bolt hangs up on the new cartridge as it goes forward, and because it is not cocked…
Replace Those Fragile Flat Springs in SAA Copies
It’s a relatively simple job to replace those prone-to-break flat springs with springs made of round music wire.
A Second Life for the Remington 32
The transplantation of Krieghoff parts can give the retired Remington 32 a long and pro ductive second life.
Rib Work on Double Shotguns Principles and Procedures
Knowledge of a few important principles and some inexpensive homemade equipment are all that’s required for the proper softsoldering of ribs on double-barrel guns.
Bending and Welding Rifle Bolt Handles
When sporterizing a military-type bolt-action, reshaping the bolt can prove to be one of the biggest challenges. These tools and techniques will help to make the process go smoothly.
Building an Essex Arms National Match Government Model Pistol
With the purchase of some select, enhanced, and match-grade parts, a home-built National-Match-type 1911 can be easily assembled.
Applying Metal-Lined Bushings, Bedding, and Shims
Epoxy-based compounds like Brownells Accu-Weld can solve numerous gap-filling problems for the gunsmith. This technique, however, can add wearand chemical-resistance to the bonded surface.
Reader Forum
Lightening M-N Trigger I have a Mosin-Nagant Model 91-30, 1943 rifle. It has a 9-1/2-pound trigger pull. It has a very strong firing pin spring and a strong trigger spring. I would like to lighten the trigger pull to around 5 pounds.…
Women and Guns
R. L. Wilson’s Silk and Steel, a just-released and richly illustrated encyclopedic history of women interested in firearms, is receiving strongly positive reviews, according to the NSSF’s Bullet Points newsletter, in part for revealing little-known facts about women’s contributions to recreational shooting.…
Retaining Screw Blues
Sometimes, a loose screw can became a “loose cannon,” causing multiple problems.