Gunsmithing - How to Make a New Mainspring for a Ballard Rifle

This guide details the process of replacing the mainspring on a Swiss Luger 1900. It covers identifying a failed mainspring, the correct direction for removal, manipulating the grip safety, compressing and installing the new spring with safety precautions, and reassembly. The new spring is noted to be significantly stiffer, requiring a specific operational technique for this model.

This video details the extensive factory repairs performed on two Tisas 1911 models, the Raider and the Government, both chambered in .45 ACP. The manufacturer admitted to numerous issues, including improper Cerakote application, sear peening, grip screw failures, and problems with the feed ramp and barrel throat. Both firearms required significant part replacements and internal polishing to meet operational standards, suggesting potential manufacturing inconsistencies in Turkey.

This guide details the intricate manufacturing process of the L1A1 SLR rifle, as presented by Jonathan Ferguson of the Royal Armouries. It covers the extensive machining, heat treatment, and quality control steps involved in creating the rifle body, barrel, breech block, trigger housing, furniture, and magazines, culminating in rigorous testing and packing procedures. The process highlights the precision engineering and labor-intensive operations required for military-grade firearm production.

This guide details the expert gunsmithing process for replacing a broken top lever spring on an 1889 Remington shotgun, as demonstrated by Mark Novak. It covers disassembly, diagnosis of the broken spring, meticulous fabrication of a new spring from stock, critical heat treatment and tempering, and reassembly. The video emphasizes patience, proper tools, and understanding metallurgy for antique firearm repair.

This video details the expert-level process of fabricating a replacement mainspring for an 1812 Springfield lock. The instructor, Mark Novak, demonstrates the intricate steps of shaping, welding, heat-treating, and tempering spring steel. Key techniques include forming the spring's geometry for optimal leverage, carefully controlling heat during bending and welding, and achieving the correct hardness and flexibility through precise quenching and tempering in a lead pot. The process emphasizes understanding the functional requirements of the spring within the lock mechanism.

This video demonstrates the process of bladesmithing a railroad spike knife. It covers heating the spike in a coal forge, shaping it on an anvil and in a vise to create a twisted handle design, and forming the blade. A key technique shown is differential heat treatment, where only half the blade is quenched to harden the edge while keeping the spine flexible.

This guide details a high-speed Cowboy Action Shooting stage, demonstrating expert transitions between a lever-action rifle, dual single-action revolvers, and a side-by-side shotgun. It highlights efficient manual shotgun reloading techniques from a belt carrier, showcasing advanced proficiency in competitive shooting disciplines. The video emphasizes speed and accuracy across multiple firearm types.

This video provides an expert-level demonstration of the Mosin-Nagant M91/30 PU Sniper rifle. It covers visual inspection, the proper loading procedure for 7.62x54R ammunition, and live fire at an outdoor range, showcasing bolt manipulation and recoil control. The demonstration is presented in a silent, ASMR-style format by an authoritative demonstrator.

This guide details the complex process of reboring a Winchester 1885 Low Wall rifle from .32 Rimfire to .357 Magnum, addressing a pitted bore. Expert gunsmith Larry Potterfield demonstrates disassembly, barrel removal, specialized reboring at Delta Gun Shop, chambering, crowning, action conversion, and final marking/finishing. The process highlights advanced machining techniques and specialized tools required for such a conversion.

This guide details the cycle of operation for the Winchester Model 12 shotgun, as explained by Larry Potterfield of MidwayUSA using a cutaway model. It covers loading, safety engagement, firing, extraction, and chambering. The explanation highlights the hammerless pump-action design and internal component interactions, offering valuable insights for gunsmithing and understanding firearm mechanics.