#64 | DIY Gunsmithing Tips & Tricks

This video from Brownells highlights essential tools for gunsmiths, emphasizing quality and durability for everyday use. Host Caleb discusses the importance of a good screwdriver set, precision calipers, durable punches, versatile hammers, bench blocks, files, pliers, and a robust gunsmithing vice. He stresses that investing in quality tools like Brownells' magnet tip screwdriver set and Starrett calipers can prevent damage to firearms and save money in the long run.

This guide details the use of the Real Avid X3 Driver 52-Piece Gunsmithing Kit, presented by American Rifleman. It covers selecting and attaching bits, utilizing the versatile 3-in-1 driver (screwdriver, ratchet, T-handle), and proper storage. The kit is presented as an essential tool for various firearm tasks, from stock installation to scope mounting, emphasizing the importance of quality tools for successful gunsmithing.

This guide details the disassembly process for the gas trap variant of the M1 Garand, highlighting its differences from the later, more common models. It involves removing the bolt and operating rod first, then a specific screw to release the gas trap, followed by the sight block, before the gas trap assembly can be rotated off. This early design proved less reliable than the later gas piston system.

This guide details the process of replacing the standard bushing and firing pin assembly in a Thompson Center Encore receiver with the Fire Stick bushing kit. This modification is necessary to adapt the receiver for use with Federal's Fire Stick muzzleloader system, ensuring proper function and safety. The process involves careful disassembly of the original components and precise reassembly of the new Fire Stick-specific parts.

Roy Huntington demonstrates the process of bead blasting stainless steel 1911 parts to achieve a uniform satin finish. The video highlights the use of a modified Harbor Freight bead blasting machine and glass beads, emphasizing the importance of circulation for consistent results. This technique is presented as a valuable method for improving the aesthetics and uniformity of firearm components.

This guide details the process of lapping an AR-15 receiver to ensure proper barrel alignment for improved long-range accuracy. Instructor Stephen Caleb from Brownells explains that receiver faces can be slightly out of alignment, leading to barrel runout. The process involves using a specialized lapping fixture and aluminum oxide lapping compound with a drill to create a perfectly flat receiver face. This ensures the barrel seats flush and square, critical for precision shooting beyond 500 yards.

This guide, informed by Roy Huntington, Editor of American Handgunner Magazine, details the critical differences between buckshot and birdshot for home defense. It covers their physical characteristics, penetration capabilities through walls, and effectiveness at close range. The advice emphasizes choosing a load based on concerns about over-penetration while stressing the universal importance of training, target identification, and using a light for any home defense scenario.

This guide details the field stripping process for a 1911 pistol, presented by Roy Huntington, Publisher of American Handgunner. It covers essential safety checks, step-by-step disassembly, and reassembly, emphasizing techniques to prevent damage. An alternative 'cheat' method for faster disassembly is also demonstrated, along with advice on using specialized tools for tight components.

This video showcases an exceptionally rare find: a first-generation 1873 Colt Single Action Peacemaker, discovered via metal detecting in Arizona. The expert speaker details its museum-quality condition, dating it to 1875, and analyzes the authentic patina and wear, including specific gutta-percha grip details and muzzle wear from holster friction. The firearm's discovery context among homestead ruins adds to its historical narrative.

This guide, presented by Roy Huntington, Editor of American Handgunner Magazine, outlines an efficient '5-minute clean' for modern semi-automatic pistols like the Glock 26/27. It emphasizes that over-cleaning is unnecessary and can cause premature wear. The process focuses on targeted cleaning of critical areas like the barrel and slide rails, with minimal lubrication applied only to high-friction points. Proper function checks after reassembly are also highlighted.