Gunsmithing Requires Innovation
Especially when working with old, out-of-production guns, creative problem solving is key in good gunsmithing.
Topic
Restoration
Reader Forum
Renovating Sporterized M98 Mausers I just finished reading your fine article on restoring Mausers. In 1960 I renovated my Springfield 1903A3 that was sporterized when I bought it. I glass bedded the action, free floated the barrel, and rechambered it in .30-06…
Refinishing Or Restoration?
Figuring out how best to improve a customer’s firearm will help you serve their needs best.
Bill’s Bench
Tips from Gunsmith William L. Henwood of Quincy, California. Fixing Age-Hardened Recoil Pads Remove the pad and soak it in automatic transmission seal restorer, commonly available at an auto parts store. Pad removal is recommended because it is unknown what exposure to…
Jukar Pistol Restoration
the bad. So it was with an old rusted-up Jukar Spain .45 caliber black powder pistol.
Antique Shotgun Buttplate Repair
There was no replacement buttplate to be had for this 130 year old shotgun, so a repair was the best option. Here’s how I repaired a Wm. R. Burkhard shotgun sent in for major stock repair.
Working Box Magazines
Critical for function, here’s how to keep magazines in peak condition.
Pittman-Robertson Act
The Pittman–Robertson Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act, created by Nevada Senator Key Pittman and Virginia Congressman Absalom Willis Robertson, was signed by Franklin D. Roosevelt on September 2, 1937. Hunters play a vital role in funding wildlife management and conservation. Hunting…
Restore, Renovate, Ruin
Sometimes, the hardest part of a job is dealing with your conscience. What do you do when a customer wants a valuable antique refinished?
Revolver Sideplates, Cleaning And A Surprise
Proper revolver maintenance requires learning disassembly and that means avoiding sideplate damage. This overview also features a classic revolver with a surprise.
A Unique Stock Bolt Design
A standard complaint by many single shot buffs is the inability to draw the butt stock up tightly to the frame due to the lack of a stock bolt. Here is an innovative way to get around that situation.
Reader Forum
Refurbishing Stevens M-44 I recently purchased a Stevens M- 44. It was priced right and was a very clean rifle. The problem is that it’s chambered for the .32 Long Rimfire. I expect the cartridge is the reason the bore is in…
Breathing New Life Into A Shattered Old Gunstock
Sometimes restoration of an old gunstock isn’t even in the realm of possibility, but this old gun was different.
Reader Forum
Parker Brothers Double Barrel Shotgun I own and operate a small firearms repair shop and a customer recently brought in a Parker Brothers Side-by- Side Double Barrel Shotgun chambered in 12 gauge with exposed hammers for restoration. The serial number indicates it…
Savage Model 12 Rebuild: Stock Strengthening And Center Pillar Bedding
Some rifles can benefi t by adding a central bedding pillar as an assist to the regular front and rear bedding. The inherently accurate Savage Model 12 single shot rifl e is one of these, with the added advantage to strengthen the stock at the same time.
Salvage It or Scrap It?
A gun that some professionals would relegate to the parts bin can provide a rewarding challenge to the amateur ’smith.
Cold Bluing: Restoring “Family Heirlooms” on the Cheap
Many old guns have sentimental value to the family of the owner but no real monetary value to a collector. These guns are all good candidates for an inexpensive “facelift.”
Reader Forum
Stevens Crackshot Restoration I have two Stevens Crackshot Model 26 rifles that most people would have thrown away. These were my father’s and are nearly 80 years old. I’m rebuilding them for my grandson. I intend to leave one in the original…
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.
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.
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.
Buttplate Restoration with Epoxy
Sure, you can replace a broken buttplate with an aftermarket part. But when restoring someone’s family heirloom, repairing the original part is often a better option.
Salvaging Grandpa’s Old Double
Salvaging Grandpa’s Old Doub Old double shotguns with worn or damaged firing-pin channels can be restored to service with this simple and straightforward repair.
How to Restore Water-Damaged Guns
With the hurricanes and resultant flooding of the past couple of summers, there are thousands of water-damaged guns in immediate need of your expertise in restoration.