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Gunsmith.....to a point?

TEXASforLIFE

TEXASforLIFE

SAINT
Seems like several members on here do basic changes or upgrades, but how many know they can do confident work too a firearm? Buttstocks, chargehandles, flash suppressors/hiders/muzzle brakes, handgun grips, chokes or saddles are usually minor changes made easy? How about a complete gun build from parts (no specialized machining/custom part making)? You say "Hey I can do it"! You watch a video and decide "Maybe not"? How many had learned how too load a gun before knowing which way too safely point it first? Well ....... hopefully no one put the cart in front of the horse! You pay lots of money for a firearm, but don't get exactly what you want (quality is fine, but need a special touch) , but just need 1 more thing? You build from scratch, but where's the warranty? I find factory guns are shy of what I want/need! Sourcing parts and even complete firearms (especially now) can be difficult in cartridges you want! So you decide too go with a custom build by a gunsmith that a gun with a minor change cost several hundred dollars more (or even a thousand). I haven't built a shotgun from parts. I haven't built any 80% guns. I'm working on my 1st complete BA build. The only firearm I've completely built from parts are ARs. I know what I'm getting and sometimes costing more, but worth it! There are a few members that have done complete AR builds, but who and what other types have you built?
 
TEXASforLIFE said:
Seems like several members on here do basic changes or upgrades, but how many know they can do confident work too a firearm? Buttstocks, chargehandles, flash suppressors/hiders/muzzle brakes, handgun grips, chokes or saddles are usually minor changes made easy? How about a complete gun build from parts (no specialized machining/custom part making)? You say "Hey I can do it"! You watch a video and decide "Maybe not"? How many had learned how too load a gun before knowing which way too safely point it first? Well ....... hopefully no one put the cart in front of the horse! You pay lots of money for a firearm, but don't get exactly what you want (quality is fine, but need a special touch) , but just need 1 more thing? You build from scratch, but where's the warranty? I find factory guns are shy of what I want/need! Sourcing parts and even complete firearms (especially now) can be difficult in cartridges you want! So you decide too go with a custom build by a gunsmith that a gun with a minor change cost several hundred dollars more (or even a thousand). I haven't built a shotgun from parts. I haven't built any 80% guns. I'm working on my 1st complete BA build. The only firearm I've completely built from parts are ARs. I know what I'm getting and sometimes costing more, but worth it! There are a few members that have done complete AR builds, but who and what other types have you built?
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Ok so I guess you could say this is cheating, I’ve never home built a firearm but in my 20 years of manufacturing gun stocks I’ve been able to learn how to build lever guns, bolt guns and shotguns all from part’s laid out from start to finish. Definitely learned a lot.
 
When I bought my Ruger EC9S, the thumb safety was kindof loose. I watched a Youtube video that explained how to partially disassemble the gun and fix the problem, and I said, "No way am I going to risk messing up my new gun by doing that!" I didn't ship it to Ruger, because (1) Ruger might not have understood what I was concerned about, and (2) I was afraid I wouldn't get it back. So I took it to a local gunsmith, and for $35 he perfectly fixed the problem. I would choose the local gunsmith route again for a similar issue.
 
TEXASforLIFE said:
Seems like several members on here do basic changes or upgrades, but how many know they can do confident work too a firearm? Buttstocks, chargehandles, flash suppressors/hiders/muzzle brakes, handgun grips, chokes or saddles are usually minor changes made easy? How about a complete gun build from parts (no specialized machining/custom part making)? You say "Hey I can do it"! You watch a video and decide "Maybe not"? How many had learned how too load a gun before knowing which way too safely point it first? Well ....... hopefully no one put the cart in front of the horse! You pay lots of money for a firearm, but don't get exactly what you want (quality is fine, but need a special touch) , but just need 1 more thing? You build from scratch, but where's the warranty? I find factory guns are shy of what I want/need! Sourcing parts and even complete firearms (especially now) can be difficult in cartridges you want! So you decide too go with a custom build by a gunsmith that a gun with a minor change cost several hundred dollars more (or even a thousand). I haven't built a shotgun from parts. I haven't built any 80% guns. I'm working on my 1st complete BA build. The only firearm I've completely built from parts are ARs. I know what I'm getting and sometimes costing more, but worth it! There are a few members that have done complete AR builds, but who and what other types have you built?
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I have built 6 FAL’s from parts sourced from half dozen of the FAL parts specialist companies /FFL transfer in the US . Complete builds 100% from the ground up.

I have become very adept at FAL’s and MSR platforms. I prefer ready made stripped lowers from reputable makers like Ruger, Anderson, etc … on MSR’s. Why bother with all the extra work when LGS’s have plenty available for plug n play. I like to add own triggers, pins, springs, … etc . Custom quality build . Also custom mod pre existing purchased MSR’s with springs, triggers, etc …
 
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I am new to the shooting world, so this is coming from someone with a lot experience than most people here. I enjoy field stripping and cleaning my guns after coming back from the range. However, my approach to "my gunsmith capabilities" is very similar to my approach to being an electrician... I'll swap out a bad switch but that's about it.
 
I find warranties on firearms about like any other product - not worth much, nor is the customer service if you have an issue.

I'm not handing my piece to a clerk for repair, not even a "gunsmith" at the big box sports stores.

One of the most difficult things to find today, a dying breed, is the old school authentic gunsmith, his shop in the back containing all the tools and machinery to do anything, with great pride and skill, to any firearm. The last one I knew about (and done much work for me at a reasonable price) has retired. His house and shop was in the woods, he did not advertise, but was always covered up with work. I for one truly miss these Patriots and Artisans. And I don't see them replaced with new talent of the same calibre.
 
C. Sumpin said:
I find warranties on firearms about like any other product - not worth much, nor is the customer service if you have an issue.

I'm not handing my piece to a clerk for repair, not even a "gunsmith" at the big box sports stores.

One of the most difficult things to find today, a dying breed, is the old school authentic gunsmith, his shop in the back containing all the tools and machinery to do anything, with great pride and skill, to any firearm. The last one I knew about (and done much work for me at a reasonable price) has retired. His house and shop was in the woods, he did not advertise, but was always covered up with work. I for one truly miss these Patriots and Artisans. And I don't see them replaced with new talent of the same calibre.
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The one who fixed my Ruger is about an hour and a half drive from where I live. I have since found out that my favorite gun shop, 20 minutes from where I live, has a gunsmith. When I described what the other gunsmith did (replace the retention spring on the safety), he said that he could do that type of repair as well. So hopefully I won't have to drive so far in the future!
 
I was a Glock armorer back when I worked at my sheriff dept, also a good friend of mine who worked at SSK Industries as one of there gunsmiths taught me a lot on certain guns to work on, mostly 1911’s, I did make a compensated style 1911 on a Colt 1911, many years ago, I do most of my stuff if I can, like part replacement, and some minor fitting of parts, but if I don’t feel comfortable, I let my gunsmith do it for me
 
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mikep said:
I am new to the shooting world, so this is coming from someone with a lot experience than most people here. I enjoy field stripping and cleaning my guns after coming back from the range. However, my approach to "my gunsmith capabilities" is very similar to my approach to being an electrician... I'll swap out a bad switch but that's about it.
Click to expand...

I think this is very important - we each have to know our limits. (y)
 
Jimbo said:
When I bought my Ruger EC9S, the thumb safety was kindof loose. I watched a Youtube video that explained how to partially disassemble the gun and fix the problem, and I said, "No way am I going to risk messing up my new gun by doing that!" I didn't ship it to Ruger, because (1) Ruger might not have understood what I was concerned about, and (2) I was afraid I wouldn't get it back. So I took it to a local gunsmith, and for $35 he perfectly fixed the problem. I would choose the local gunsmith route again for a similar issue.
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That’s the way I would go
 
KillerFord1977 said:
I have built 6 FAL’s from parts sourced from half dozen of the FAL parts specialist companies /FFL transfer in the US . Complete builds 100% from the ground up.

I have become very adept at FAL’s and MSR platforms. I prefer ready made stripped lowers from reputable makers like Ruger, Anderson, etc … on MSR’s. Why bother with all the extra work when LGS’s have plenty available for plug n play. I like to add own triggers, pins, springs, … etc . Custom quality build . Also custom mod pre existing purchased MSR’s with springs, triggers, etc …
Click to expand...
I will come knocking at your door ha ha
 
TEXASforLIFE said:
Seems like several members on here do basic changes or upgrades, but how many know they can do confident work too a firearm? Buttstocks, chargehandles, flash suppressors/hiders/muzzle brakes, handgun grips, chokes or saddles are usually minor changes made easy? How about a complete gun build from parts (no specialized machining/custom part making)? You say "Hey I can do it"! You watch a video and decide "Maybe not"? How many had learned how too load a gun before knowing which way too safely point it first? Well ....... hopefully no one put the cart in front of the horse! You pay lots of money for a firearm, but don't get exactly what you want (quality is fine, but need a special touch) , but just need 1 more thing? You build from scratch, but where's the warranty? I find factory guns are shy of what I want/need! Sourcing parts and even complete firearms (especially now) can be difficult in cartridges you want! So you decide too go with a custom build by a gunsmith that a gun with a minor change cost several hundred dollars more (or even a thousand). I haven't built a shotgun from parts. I haven't built any 80% guns. I'm working on my 1st complete BA build. The only firearm I've completely built from parts are ARs. I know what I'm getting and sometimes costing more, but worth it! There are a few members that have done complete AR builds, but who and what other types have you built?
Click to expand...

To a point TL,
I do what can on firearms and it's enjoyable. The rest send out for whatever when needed or when materials, tooling cost, time and space becomes prohibitive. Regardless, over time, tools, associated costs and space soon add up. - It's a trap I tell yah! :)
 
BobM said:
To a point TL,
I do what can on firearms and it's enjoyable. The rest send out for whatever when needed or when materials, tooling cost, time and space becomes prohibitive. Regardless, over time, tools, associated costs and space soon add up. - It's a trap I tell yah! :)
Click to expand...
So true, but I would only have myself too blame and learn from it. When feeling comfortable enough I'll do the work. I'll report back when I finish the build and testing on 1 or both new BA builds. One thing about Lapua bullets are only having Vihtavuori powder load data and not having any of that specific 1? Knowing a good conversion helps. So far I've been successful.
 
I lack alot of the tools to do anything other than your standard mods and change outs, especially on an AR type platform, so I keep it fairly simple and "Plug n Play".

Any major issues I have I tend to bring to my local gunsmith who I find to be very competent and also reasonably priced. I'd like to learn/do more but I still have a house to add to and rooms to furnish, so it'll have to wait before i take the garage and make it my own work area.

I also tend to come here to confer with the vast amount of knowledge and experience all of you fine gentleman have and willingly offer up. It is appreciated more than I could convey.
 
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About my limit on gunsmithing is just the other day I did the ‘minor fitting’ needed on a drop-in Ed Brown barrel for my new Tisas 1911 4.25in Carry (.45)… it went ok, but I’m still uncertain it’s entirely correct.
But it fired at the range !
Will do a little work on it again soon;).

I would like to get one of those 1911 build kits from the parts store on Rock Island/Armscor’s website - I think it’s called Advance Tactical. Do my own dehorning, etc. Could be awfully ambitious for my level though.
Anyway they were out of stock last time I looked.
 
ddeuce22 said:
I lack alot of the tools to do anything other than your standard mods and change outs, especially on an AR type platform, so I keep it fiarly simple and "Plug n Play".

Any major issues I have I tend to bring to my local gunsmith who I find to be very competent and also reasonably priced. I'd like to learn/do more but I still have a house to add to and rooms to furnish, so it'll have to wait before i take the garage and make it my own work area.

I also tend to come here to confer with the vast amount of knowledge and experience all of you fine gentleman have and willingly offer up. It is appreciated more than I could convey.
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Ditto that last para… appreciate all the quick responses when I post or PM someone - Thank You !
 
I am under no illusions that I am a gunsmith. Like most here, I do my own minor stuff. Anything that I am not confident I can handle goes to a gunsmith. One of my best friends is ( actually was, he's not been in business for many years now) a smith, but he's also old school and has zero experience with strikers or ARs. He works on my rifles, revolvers and 1911s.
 
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