ABOUT THE EDITORS The editors of Practical Gunsmithing are acknowledged experts in their fields and are represented here in a collection of selected articles from the American Gunsmith journal, a monthly technical publication devoted to the repair and maintenance of firearms. The American Gunsmith, since its inception in 1985, has become the standard-bearer for the craft of gunsmithing. The professional gunsmiths who contribute to each issue provide both hobbyist and professional alike with information on the procedures, tips and tricks-of-the-trade for successfully diagnosing and repairing classic firearms as well as the latest production models. In 1996, the American Gunsmith assumed the role of the official publication for the American Gunsmithing Association, an organization for gunsmiths who ply their trade from coast to coast. Dedicated to promoting the craft of gunsmithing, the American Gunsmithing Association encourages quality in workmanship; integrity in business practices; and a greater respect, knowledge and appreciation of firearms. Through a variety of media it provides information and education for the hobbyist and sets standards for the accredited professional while acting as a voice for the community of gunsmiths who share an appreciation for this important craft. Practical Gunsmithing By The Editors of American Gunsmith PRACTICAL GUNSMITHING STAFF Senior Staff Editors Harold A. Murtz Ray Ordorica Electronic Publishing Associate Larry Levine Production Manager John L. Duoba Managing Editor Pamela Johnson Publisher Sheldon L. Factor About the Editors The editors of Practical Gunsmithing are acknowledged experts in their fields and are represented here in a collection of selected articles from the American Gunsmith journal, a monthly technical publication devoted to the repair and maintenance of firearms. The American Gunsmith, since its inception in 1985, has become the standard-bearer for the craft of gunsmithing. The professional gunsmiths who contribute to each issue provide both hobbyist and professional alike with information on the procedures, tips and tricks-of-the-trade for successfully diagnosing and repairing classic firearms as well as the latest production models. In 1996, the American Gunsmith assumed the role of the official publication of the American Gunsmithing Association, an organization for gunsmiths who ply their trade from coast to coast. Dedicated to promoting the craft of gunsmithing, the American Gunsmithing Association encourages quality in workmanship; integrity in business practices; and a greater respect, knowledge and appreciation of firearms. Through a variety of media it provides information and education for the hobbyist and sets standards for the accredited professional while acting as a voice for the community of gunsmiths who share an appreciation for this important craft. Copyright © 1996 by AG Media, Inc. Published by DBI Books, Inc., 4092 Commercial Ave., Northbrook, IL 60062. All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publisher. The views and opinions of the authors expressed herein are not necessarily those of the publisher, and no responsibility for such views will be assumed. In regard to the mechanical and safety aspects of the guns covered in this book, it is assumed that the guns are in factory original condition with the dimensions of all parts as made by the manufacturer. Since alteration of parts is a simple matter, the reader is advised to have any gun checked by a competent gunsmith. Both the authors and publisher disclaim responsibility for any accidents. Arms and Armour Press, London, G.B., exclusive licensees and distributors in Britain and Europe, India and Pakistan; Book Services International, Sandton, Transvaal, exclusive distributor in South Africa and Zimbabwe. Forrester Books, N.Z. Limited, Auckland, exclusive distributor in New Zealand. ISBN 0-87349-187-4 Library of Congress Catalog Card #96-83883 Contents Introduction Section 1: Tools & Techniques Setting Up a Work Area by Dennis A. Wood Precision Measuring Instruments by Frank Fry Choosing and Using Files, Part 1 by Dennis A. Wood Using Files, Part 2 by Dennis A. Wood Working With Pins and Punches by Chip Todd Tips for Choosing — and Using — Abrasive Stones by Chip Todd The Not-So-Simple Drill Bit by Chip Todd Polishing Tools and Techniques by Frank Fry Sear and Hammer Fixtures by Chick Blood Chamber Identification With Cerrosafe by Chip Todd Tapping and Die-Cutting Threads by Chip Todd Cold Blueing Tips and Techniques by Chip Todd Silversoldering — Useful, But Frustrating by Chip Todd Diamonds Are a Gun's Best Friend More About Checkering Checkering Metal Parts by Dennis A. Wood Magazine Repair and Lip-Shaping by chip Todd Tricks to the Trade by Chip Todd Section 2: Handguns Basic Work on 1911 Pistols by Chick Blood Troubleshooting Smith & Wesson Revolvers by Chick Blood Inside the Kahr K9 by Chick Blood Smoothing Ruger Single-Action Revolvers by Thomas Stuntebeck Fitting 1911 Slides and Frames by Chick Blood Mounting Handgun Scopes by Chip Todd Handgun Security Devices You Can Make by Chip Todd Working Colt Single-Action Revolvers by Thomas J. Stuntebeck Repairing Beretta 92 Pistols by Butch Thomson Smoothing the T/C Contender's Trigger Assembly by chip Todd Troubleshooting Browning 9mm Hi-Power Pistols by Chick Blood Troubleshooting Luger Pistols by Frank Fry Checklist: Charco Revolvers by Guy Lemieux Lorcin L9mm Pistols by Butch Thomson Easy Revolver Jobs for Beginners by Chip Todd Working the Glock Pistols by Butch Thomson Correcting a Taurus Revolver's Problems by Butch Thomson Installing Melded Rear Sights by Dennis A. Wood Working Charco/Charter Arms Revolvers by Butch Thomson Fitting M1911 Extractors by Chick Blood Smith & Wesson's Third Generation Pistols by Chick Blood Troubleshooting Ruger P-Series Pistols by Butch Thomson Section 3: Long Guns Working Chinese SKS Rifles by Butch Thomson Troubleshooting the Remington 1100 Shotgun by Butch Thomson Working the Winchester 94 by Butch Thomson Gunstock Repairs Performing the Ruger 10/22 Team Challenge Conversion by Dennis Wood Mounting Rifle Scopes by Frank Fry Working the Browning Auto-5 by Dennis A. Wood Sporterizing Mauser 98 Rifles by Dennis A. Wood Correcting a Bad Muzzle Crown by Dennis Wood Installing Recoil Pads by Chip Todd Troubleshooting Remington Model 700 Rifles by Rich Hopkins Gunsmithing the Winchester 1300 Shotgun by Butch Thomson Maintaining Ruger Mini-14 Rifles by Dennis A. Wood Repairing and Maintaining the Mossberg 500 by Butch Thomson Glass-Bedding for Bolt-Action Rifles by Thomas J. Stuntebeck How to Lengthen Chambers and Forcing Cones by Michael R. Orlen Reworking Ruger 77/22 Triggers by Chick Blood Installing Screw-In Chokes Without a Lathe by Chick Blood Installing Steel Butt Plates and Grip Caps by Dennis A. Wood Removing Shotgun Barrel Dents by Chip Todd Bead Sight Basics Benchworking Winchester Model 70 Rifles by Dennis A. Wood Working the Savage Model 110 by Frank Fry Introduction Sooner or later, almost every shooter becomes intrigued by the mechanics of firearms and the methods of repairing, improving, customizing or altering them. A few of these gun buffs eventually become professional gunsmiths, while most simply improve their personal firearms — and their shooting. Whether your goal is to be an enthusiast or professional, PRACTICAL GUNSMITHING will be a valuable addition to your workshop library. Written by professional gunsmiths for American Gunsmith magazine, official publication of the American Gunsmithing Association, PRACTICAL GUNSMITHING covers the broad spectrum of 'smithing challenges in three sections: Section 1: Tools & Techniques; Section 2: Handguns; and Section 3: Long Guns. The writers represented here are some of the best gunsmiths in their field, not only as experienced practitioners of the gunsmithing arts, but also as communicators of gunsmithing trends and technologies. They bring to this book all their years of gunsmithing knowledge and experience in order to teach you, the reader, those skills you will need to perform the projects. Most firearms manufactured in the United States are designed and built to last a lifetime, but all of them are subject to certain common malfunctions that occur from time-to-time. Worn and broken parts will need to be replaced, trigger assemblies will need adjusting, head-space will need correcting, worn finishes renewed, and a host of other adjustments. In every case, before a gun can be repaired, the problem must first be determined; only then can a definite plan be devised to do the actual repair. Finding out exactly what is wrong with any type of malfunctioning sporting firearm is known as troubleshooting. Troubleshooting covers an enormous range of problems, from replacing a mainspring in a revolver to diagnosing why a repeating shotgun jams or a carbine fails to shoot accurately. And troubleshooting firearms is a big part of what this book is all about, covering the investigation, analysis and corrective action required to eliminate faults in the operation of firearms. But taking corrective action requires a fundamental knowledge of gunsmithing tools — precision measuring devices, files, abrasive stones, drill bits, pins and punches, polishing tools — and how to use them. It also requires learning technical skills and a systematic, methodical and efficient approach to problem solving in order to perform bench work projects such as installing swivels, mounting scopes, tapping and die-cutting threads, and adjusting triggers. And, no reference work on gunsmithing is complete without a thorough examination of the advanced techniques required for working with metal and wood, whether the project at hand calls for perfecting wood-to-metal fit, checkering wood and metal surfaces, cold-blueing or silver soldering. All this and more is covered in the kind of depth and detail not found in other gunsmithing manuals. PRACTICAL GUNSMITHING covers these fundamentals in a way that's clear, cogent and timely.