1911 Trigger Job - Episode 11

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)

1911 Trigger Job - Episode 11 (MP3)

Mosin Nagant - Episode 10

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

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Mosin Nagant - Episode 10 (MP3)

Interview: Brandon Miller - Episode 9

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.

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.

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Wood Stock Finishes - Episode 8

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.

Wood Stock Finishes - Episode 8 (MP3)

Making Your Own Stock Patterns - Episode 7

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

Making Your Own Stock Patterns - Episode 7 (MP3)