Anvil 046: Galland Revolver Chamber Casting

This video demonstrates the critical process of identifying unknown calibers on antique firearms using Cerrosafe. The expert successfully determined an antique German Cape Gun to be a 16-gauge smoothbore and a rare 20-gauge Paradox rifled caliber. The demonstration highlights the importance of chamber casting for accurate measurements and safe firearm restoration.

This video details the restoration and reloading of a rare 1870s Parker 11 Gauge side-by-side shotgun. Larry Potterfield demonstrates advanced gunsmithing techniques, including fabricating a replacement coil spring for the lifter lock and machining custom brass shells. The process highlights the rarity of the 11 gauge and the meticulous work required to bring such an antique firearm back to functional status using black powder.

This video introduces Brownell's Cerrosafe Chamber Casting Alloy, a specialized material used for precise firearm chamber measurements. The description highlights its utility in determining rifle caliber and, in some instances, assisting with stuck casing removal. While not a direct demonstration, the content points to practical applications for gunsmiths and firearm enthusiasts involved in caliber identification or repair.

This video details the complex maintenance and repair of a German Drilling firearm. Mark Novak successfully diagnoses and fixes a frozen firing pin issue, identifies the rifle caliber as 9.3x72R using a Cerrosafe cast, and performs a full disassembly and cleaning. The firearm is restored to perfect working order across all three barrels.

This video details the complex gunsmithing required to restore a M1941 Johnson Automatic Rifle. Mark Novak demonstrates advanced techniques for repairing a split stock using Acraglas and a 'dog bone' screw, and for removing a damaged magazine tube with Cerrosafe. The video also explores the rifle's unique short-recoil operation, its 10-round rotary magazine, and its historical context as an alternative to the M1 Garand.

This video details the repair of a Husqvarna M46 rifle, addressing both a cracked stock tang and a significant headspace anomaly. The headspace issue was diagnosed as excessive, despite the rifle being confirmed as 9.3x57mm. The stock repair involved reinforcing the cracked tang area using Brownells Acraglas mixed with walnut shavings for color matching.

This video details a complex gunsmithing process to convert a rare Peabody Rifle from its original 11.15 Romanian Beaumont chambering to .45-70 Government using a sleeve from a Swiss Vetterli barrel. The conversion involves extensive machining of the barrel and breech block, fitting a new extractor, and carefully modifying the chamber for reliable feeding. Crucially, the modification is deemed safe only for black powder loads due to significant thinning of the breech block.

This video details the conservation-focused restoration of a severely flood-damaged Mauser K98. Mark Novak emphasizes preserving original finish over aggressive cleaning, using techniques like rust conversion boiling and careful scraping. Key steps include disassembling the rifle, treating rust with boiling and carding, steaming dents from the wood, and repairing the handguard with polyurethane glue.

This video provides a practical, live-fire demonstration of the 1918 Chauchat light machine gun, focusing on its unique long-recoil action. Mark Novak showcases the weapon's cycling in slow-motion, highlighting the reciprocating barrel and bolt assembly. The demonstration emphasizes the historical significance and operational mechanics of this WWI-era firearm.

This video details the conservation of a barn-found LC Smith 20 Gauge shotgun. Mark Novak demonstrates critical steps including barrel solder testing, proper disassembly with fitted tools, and analysis of the stock's inherent weaknesses. The conservation process involves boiling metal parts to convert rust to black oxide and treating the wood with oil, followed by meticulous reassembly and a successful test fire.