Ever done anything supremely dumb? You know, one of those moves that makes you cringe when you think about it years later. If you haven’t, I call fibbing or maybe unconscious denial because we all have at least some regrets. In this issue, and at great personal risk, I come clean with one of mine. I did so in the interest of learning — to help others avoid similar mistakes with their DIY gunsmithing projects. So be gentle, my boundless embarrassment is for the common good.
DIY gunsmithing can get a bad rap. Sure, if you don’t know what you’re doing, you probably don’t want to make adjustments to the trigger or safety of a fine 1911. A valid point. On the other hand, there are lots of fixes and improvements one can make falling closer to the beginner end of the experience spectrum. We’ve got plenty of those in this Special Edition of DIY Guns .
Want to upgrade the trigger on your polymer pistol? No problem. We’ll show you how. How about making your standard pistol shoot 1" groups? A semi-drop-in barrel job will do the job. Here’s the best part: You won’t even need a pile of expensive tools. Easy peasy. On the other hand, if you’re looking for an excuse to add to your tool collection, we’ll help you out with some recommendations.
If you’re already an intermediate or advanced home gunsmith, never fear. We’ve got plenty of valuable tips and tricks in this issue for you too.
Using the Stealth Arms Phantom Jig, you can build a 1911 from scratch. Here Will Dabbs, MD is cutting rails in the frame.
If you’re feeling adventurous, consider making your own 1911 — from scratch! Will Dabbs, MD will show you how. You’ll be surprised at what you can accomplish with kits and hand tools. If you’ve got tools and some know-how, be sure to check out “Barbecue on the Side.” It’s a story about turning a raw Wilson Combat compact slide and receiver into the social event 1911 of your dreams.
Speaking of Dr. Will, he cobbled up his childhood dream gun — an Imperial blaster right out of Star Wars . Except this one actually shoots — full auto. Did you expect any different from the new caretaker of Handgunner ’s Guncrank Diaries ?
Frank Jardim built this beautiful Charleville musket.
Some of my favorite stories in the 2020 issue are resurrection tales. We’ve all got a wall hanger or beater gun that’s seen better days. Heck, they may not even work. Whether yours are revolvers, surplus rifles or shotguns, we’ve included stories to help you bring that hot mess back into range or field condition. Heck, Frank Jardim even un-de-milled a Berthier rifle and converted it into a pristine blank firing replica. Cool stuff.
You’re about to gain valuable pro tips on woodworking, metal working, parts fabrication, lathe and mill techniques, and even a bit of welding. There are even a couple of articles on how to make your own custom tools.
Now, get reading, then go hit the shop!
