Barrel Accuracy – 13

Posted on September 20, 2012 by Mark Vanderberg

In this Episode, Fred Zeglin the host of Gunsmithing Radio talks about accuracy in barrels. What makes a barrel accurate and what can cause accuracy problems. There are darn few barrels made by the custom makers today that are poor shooters. Most gunsmiths will tell you that it has more to do with the gunsmith doing his job than it does with the quality of the barrel.

Sure there is the rare occasion when a bad piece of steel sneaks through the process, but every maker who cares about their name will make things right. Unfortunately that normally leaves the gunsmith with the job of installing a new barrel for free. Most gunsmiths will do this without complaint, because it reflects on the quality of the work they produce.

Article on what it takes to make a hunting rifle shoot well.

Dan Lilja’s web site and the article he produced about accurate barrels.

Craig Boddington discusses accurate barrels.

Jon R. Sundra about this complicated subject.

In the second portion of the show we have an interview with Jonathon Buckley, representing Cutting Edge Bullets. This company not only uses CNC machines to make accurate bullets, they have done extensive testing to improve performance of their bullets both for accuracy and for terminal performance. The produce bullets for target work as well as game animals of any size.

Non lead bullets, or bullets containing no lead are already mandatory in a few places and the greenies continue to push for the removal of lead from ammunition. We are not going to dig into the politics of this issue here, but know that Cutting Edge Bullets are completely lead free.

Jonathan Buckley

Jonathan Buckley holds up a 308 Winchester loaded with the ESP Raptor bullet by Cutting Edge Bullets.

MTH Bullet

MTH bullet (Match Tactical Hunter) hollow point. This bullet also has a boat tail and a hollow base. The design also includes bore rider and drive band features. For details on the design check out this page on the company web site.

Here we have the ESP Raptor bullet. Jonathan discusses the bullet at length in his interview. The for fired bullets at center demonstrate how the design shed the front petals upon penetrating. The petals become in effect shrapnel, while the rear section is designed to be a deep penetrating projectile that stays on track, delivering straight line penetration.

Note the poly-tip at the top of the picture. These are provided with the bullets you the user can determine how they wish to set the bullets up for use.

ESP Raptor Bullet

Another view of the ESP Raptor bullet, showing clearly that the ends are reversible. Seat the bullet as a solid or as a hollow point. As above you have the third option of inserting the poly-tip to increase B.C. for long range shooting.

ESP Raptor Bullet

Home page for Cutting Edge Bullets. This site contains a large amount of technical data on the bullets and will make the discussion on the podcast easier to follow.

Lead is not a threat.

Interview with Andy Huebschmann – Episode 12

Posted on August 16, 2012 by Mark Vanderberg

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Interview with Andy Huebschmann of Thureon Defense and Sunny Hill Enterprises.
Andy explains the history of his companies.

Sunny Hill manufactures a line of custom metal products for high end custom rifles. Pete Grisel the originator of the Sunny Hill product line said of the companies products, “I wish I could have made them that well when I started out.” Andy talks about the new products being added to the line.

Andy also talks about the carbines offered by Thureon Defense. The trigger parts, butt stock, and grip are all AR-15 parts. The receiver is designed specifically to work with pistol cartridges. The latest version of the carbines utilized Glock style magazines. Calibers offered in Thureon Defense carbines are 9mm, 357 Sig, 40 S&W, 10mm Auto, and 45 ACP.

http://www.thureondefense.com

http://www.sunny-hill.com

Below is the Thureon Defense, Meltdown video as discussed in the interview with Andy.

Headspace the Final Frontier

280 Ackley Improved

The traditional method of Ackley Improved headspace is explained in simple terms. Then we discuss the controversy over the chamber and ammunition dimensions for this cartridge. The problem stems from multiple drawings which were generated using two different mathematical approaches.

Fred performs a simple empirical test to determine the real world difference between the SAAMI or Nosler version of the cartridge and the “traditional” Ackley version, see photos. If you’re chambering for either version of the cartridge, simply use the gauges that are made for your version. This is the simplest and smartest way to be sure you have the correct headspace.

Below is a link to a Youtube video that generically explains how AutoCad can locate and interference. MasterCam has a similar feature. This is the functionality that was used to change the drawings for the 280 Ackley Improved by the design engineer. It would have made more sense to ask the reamer maker who works with these dimensions everyday to handle these decisions, not a piece of software.

For more details on the 280 Ackley Improved controversy check out Fred’s blog where there is an ongoing discussion of this subject.

Big News: Miller Precision Arms introduced a new rifle on July 4^th of 2012!

MP-300 Guardian. Is a 300 Winchester Magnum on a true AR Platform, utilizing AR-10 parts where possible. This is a fully scaled up AR, if your familiar with the AR-15 or the AR-10 then this gun will require no new training. This cartridge choice increases the effective range of the weapon by a significant amount.

Of course this rifle can use the MK 248 MOD 1 ammunition. One of the stated purposes for this ammo was to increase the effective range of the 300 Winchester Magnum to 1500 meters. For more information on the MK 248 MOD 1 ammo see this page: http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/munitions/mk248.htm

http://www.millerprecisionarms.com/html/guardian.html

Here is the youtube video for the MP-300

1911 Trigger Job – Episode 11

Posted on January 23, 2012 by mark vanderberg

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

1911 pistols in all their numerous variations are incredibly popular. In this Episode Fred discusses a simple trigger job. The techniques discussed are universal to all 1911 variations. The Gold Cup and Series 80 type guns have a couple of extra parts, but the process of the trigger job is nearly identical, so Fred did not chase those details. These minor variations only muddy the waters and our goal is to make this subject easily understood and duplicated.

Trigger jobs on the 1911 can involve the installation of many custom parts, in short that would not change the basic method of doing a trigger job. Probably because the 1911 has become so iconic with its 100 years of history, many new gunsmiths are sure that the 1911 is more complex than it really is.
Below you will find a large group of pictures that will help make the podcast more understandable. These photos were taken during the trigger job process and depict most every step that Fred talks about.

Download the high resolution photos (click here)

Mosin Nagant – Episode 10

Posted on January 9, 2012 by mark vanderberg

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

In this Episode Fred talks about getting ready for SHOT Show and a little about how marketing is changing in the gun industry. Fred talks about his plans for gathering info for future shows.

The Mosin Nagant 91/30 is discussed. How to disassemble and reassemble this rifle. There are numerous versions of this rifle from many different countries. They have been made in very high quality and very poorly depending on when and where they were made. We are not talking collecting here, we are concerned with gunsmithing, so if you want to no more about the history and the variation, I would suggest you locate a good book on the subject.

The Nagant is probably the simplest design for a bolt action, it has very few moving parts. Of course it’s not the most attractive design, but they were not building sporters, this was a “soldier proof” battle implement. The pictures here show most of the steps discussed in the podcast.

Two stage triggers are explained, as most Americans are not used to this concept. Trigger jobs are pretty easy on this rifle, but will deliver limited results. Your best bet would be to install a Timney trigger, which will add a sear block safety at the same time. The Timney trigger will give you a fully adjustable single stage trigger.

Because this is probably the last of the surplus bolt actions rifles that will come into the U.S. it’s interesting to look at how this rifle could be made into a useful tool. In future Episodes we will discuss at least three variations of custom rifles that can be made from the Nagant. We will start with the least expensive and simplest conversion and then work up to a full custom showing several options along the way.

Century Arms Inc. Manual for the Mosin Nagant

Nagant Fans hang out at mosinnagant.net

Front Sight: 4 Day Defensive Handgun

4D Sweepstakes: Enter Here to Win

Win a 4 day Defensive Handgun Training course taught at Front Sight, Firearms Training Institute. 4D will give away this $2000 retail value in January of 2012.

Interview: Brandon Miller – Episode 9

Posted on December 20, 2011 by mark vanderberg

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Fred interviews Brandon Miller of Miller Precision Arms. Brandon is the designer of the Hammerhead Muzzle Brake. While they will work for any application, Brandon’s brakes were developed specifically to aid competitors in 3 gun matches.

Brandon discusses his shooting experience and how that led to him becoming a gunsmith. He offers insights into what it’s like to be a gunsmith at a shooting match, and how it benefits his business to participate in matches.

Miller Precision Arms also produces a specialty barrel for the AR platform that delivers the performance of a heavy barrel like the SPR with 60% less weight. Brandon explains how they accomplish this magical feat.

Brandon Miller with AR

Bonus: A Christmas 2011 present from Miller Precision Arms for our listeners.

Website: www.millerprecisionarms.com

Phone: 406-257-9095

Headspace the Final Frontier: In this installment Fred explains headspace for rimless bottle neck cartridges.

The 308 Winchester is used as an example, mainly because most any shooter is familiar with this cartridge.

You will learn some things about tolerances and measurements that every gunsmith should know before chambering a gun. SAAMI

SAAMI Members

Wood Stock Finishes – Episode 8

Posted on December 5, 2011 by mark vanderberg

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

In this edition of Gunsmithing Radio Fred discusses how to use Tru Oil™ to apply an easy but versatile finish to wood stocks. This product is tried and true with many years of popular and effective use by professionals and hobbyists alike. Fred suggested this finish material because you can achieve several different types of finish by changing the application of the material to the wood stock.

In all cases multiple coats of the finish will be needed to produce good results. Fred says he will come back to this subject from time to time and discuss alternative materials as there are many to choose from that are equally as good or better.

One item Fred wanted to add here was the use of a “tack rag” during the finish process. This is a special rag that will pick up dust from the stock without interfering with the finish from adhering to the stock’s surface. They are available in paint stores or most anyplace where varnish or urethane type finishes are sold. The advantage is in removing contamination from the surface so that it does not show up in your finish.

The YouTube video below is a great supplement to Episode 8 because it covers a few details specific to Laminated Wood. While the techniques vary slightly from what Fred explained you will note that they are really very similar and represent a variation on the same concepts.

The YouTube video below is another variation on applying stock finish and is right in line with the methods we discussed in Episode 8 for Tru Oil.

One stop shop for multiple brands and types of stocks is Stockysstocks.com.

Making Your Own Stock Patterns – Episode 7

Posted on November 23, 2011 by mark vanderberg

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

In this installment Fred talks about how to make a stock pattern so you can have the stock you want on your next project. Making your own pattern allows you to add the features you want, not all of us want off the shelf stocks.

Very few tools are needed to make a pattern. This is more like body work that stock making. Bondo™, bedding material, fast epoxies, wood, or spot putty can all be used to build up areas of the stock.

When Fred mentions the Cast and Cant information in the second segment of the show keep in mind the dimensions he suggest are for an average sized 6″ man. You can adapt for smaller or larger shooters by changing these dimensions appropriate to the size of the shooter you making the stock for.

Books that might help you work out dimensions for your project are discussed too.

Headspace, The Final Frontier

Headspace is our new segment; Fred plans to discuss some aspect of headspace in most shows from now on. This segment is about belted magnum cartridges.

Resources:

Classic Stock Drawings

Checkering & Carving of Gunstocks

A Few Notes About Custom Gunmaker Jerry Fisher

Custom Stock Template

Custom Rifles in Black & White

The S&W Revolver – Episode 6

Posted on November 8, 2011 by mark vanderberg

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Fred talks about the Smith & Wesson family of revolvers and how to perform a Smooth &Tune job on them. Details about tools and methods are covered. This is a step by step process of how to make your S&W fell much smoother and fun to shoot.

Introduction of a new segment about headspace is delivered in the last segment of the show. This will become an ongoing segment of the show until the subject is fully covered. The introduction covers the basic concepts of headspace and sets us up for later episodes where individual examples and details will be discussed.

Resources: The S & W Revolver: a Shop Manual

Listeners Questions – Episode 5

Posted on October 24, 2011 by mark vanderberg

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

In this episode Fred answers listeners questions about cleaning solvents, grease, and oil. Cleaning methods and tools are discussed. What does cleaning have to do with accuracy? How can you remove leading from a pistol barrel? Can you use too much lube? Are there products you might want to use carefully or avoid?

The final segment of the podcast is in answer to a listeners question about how to select a gunsmith to do work for him. Fred tells you how he thinks you should talk to a gunsmith and why. He also addresses how important it is that a gunsmith has worked on your specific model. A full time gunsmith works on more guns in a week than most gun owners have in their collection, so be respectful.

98 Mauser Trigger Guard – Episode 4

Posted on October 10, 2011 by mark vanderberg

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

In this episode Fred discussed a wide range of changes that can be made to a 98 Mauser trigger guard and/or bottom metal. Much of this information can translate to other military rifles you might want to convert to a sporter. The length of various versions on 98 Mausers is discussed to help you identify what you have, which can have an effect on which modifications you might choose for a particular length of action. Many different features are explained and some tricks of the trade are shared too. When it comes to this kind of work your imagination is the limit, and Fred suggest several ways you can mix and match the ideas discussed.