From the Vault: Custom Ruger® Blackhawk® Revolver

This video features a "Show & Tell" with custom gunsmith Bobby Tyler, showcasing several unique firearms and sharing insights into the custom gun-making process. Tyler, alongside Brownells Gun Tech Steve Ostrem, discusses his philosophy of prioritizing function and accuracy before aesthetics. The video highlights a custom Ruger Bearcat Shopkeeper, a Ruger Blackhawk in .44 Special, a Colt 1911 Gold Cup with custom engraving and grips, and a Smith & Wesson Model 19-3 Combat Magnum. Tyler also offers advice on researching custom gun desires, choosing base guns, selecting calibers based on purpose, and the importance of quality holsters for custom handguns.

This video details a comprehensive custom build of a Smith & Wesson 627 revolver, named the 'Bounty Hunter', by MK3 Firearms for Midwest Industries. It showcases the integration of a new Midwest Industries pistol chassis, featuring a 'Not a Stock' brace and accessory mounting capabilities. The custom gunsmithing includes advanced modifications like a bobbed hammer, textured grips, an asymmetrical Fitz cut, and specialized barrel work with triple porting and a custom finish, highlighting expert-level firearm customization.

This video features Bobby Tyler of Tyler Gun Works demonstrating practical, real-world upgrades to enhance the accuracy of hunting revolvers. The discussion covers addressing common issues like gritty triggers, rudimentary sights, slippery grips, and draggy cylinders to ensure the firearm's accuracy potential is realized. Specific upgrades discussed include selecting appropriate sights, performing an "Accuracy Package" (barrel crown, forcing cone cut, barrel throat chamfering), and an "Action Job" for a smooth trigger pull. The video emphasizes that factory barrels are often sufficient when the rest of the revolver is properly tuned, and highlights the significant accuracy improvements achieved through these modifications.

This video debunks the myth that custom firearms are unaffordable for the average person. Featuring Brownells Gun Techs Steve Ostrem and Caleb Savant alongside master pistolsmith Bobby Tyler of Tyler Gun Works, the video details the process of customizing a Ruger Blackhawk in .45 Long Colt. They cover an 'Accuracy Package' including barrel work and trigger enhancements, as well as aesthetic choices like a Bisley grip frame, Turkish walnut grips, color-casing, and custom engraving. The final cost is revealed, proving that custom gun ownership is within reach.

This video details the extensive customization of a Ruger Old Model Blackhawk to emulate the 'Doc Holliday' aesthetic. Key modifications include a Power Custom grip frame, intricate hand-engraving by Rocky Sharp, and traditional mammoth ivory grips. The build also features a custom action job, accuracy enhancements, and a protective holster from Simply Rugged Holsters, resulting in a highly personalized and functional firearm.

Bobby Tyler of Tyler Gun Works joins Brownells Gun Techs to discuss the current hot market for revolvers. With new factory revolvers scarce, TGW offers 'pre-customized' Ruger Vaqueros, Blackhawks, and Bisleys with action jobs, accuracy packages, and upgraded parts. The video highlights popular modifications like improved grips and sights (Bowen, Fermin Garza, Freedom Arms) and details the benefits of action jobs and accuracy enhancements such as tighter barrel-to-cylinder gaps and muzzle crowning. TGW also works on classic rifles like the Winchester Model 71 and Browning B-78, and maintains an inventory of vintage firearms.

This video details the installation of a Geissele MK8 Super Modular Rail on an AR-15. Key steps include using a Geissele Reaction Rod for upper receiver stability, proper torquing of the proprietary barrel nut, and secure installation of the gas block and tube. The rail is then slid on and secured with two cross-bolts using a T-handle hex wrench. Final steps involve muzzle device installation and a thorough inspection.

Proper ammunition storage is crucial for maintaining reliability and safety. Avoid storing ammo in cardboard boxes in damp environments, as this leads to moisture absorption and corrosion. Utilize airtight containers like ammo cans and control humidity with desiccants like silica gel packs. Heat accelerates gunpowder and primer degradation, so store ammo at stable room temperatures. Reloading primers are particularly vulnerable to moisture and require strict airtight storage.

This video demonstrates how to upgrade an AR-15's A2 furniture to Magpul components. It details the removal of the A2 grip using a Bondhus hex set and the installation of a Magpul MIAD grip with interchangeable backstraps for improved ergonomics. The process also covers preparing and installing the Magpul PRS stock, highlighting its adjustable features for cheek weld and length of pull.

This video explores the custom Remington 11-87 shotgun used as a prop in 'No Country for Old Men.' The film required a semi-automatic shotgun with a suppressor, a combination not readily available at the time. Prop master Larry Zanoff details how a non-functional, 'homemade' looking suppressor was custom-built for the 11-87, with the iconic silenced sound effect achieved entirely in post-production.