Why I hate Home Gunsmithing or Wear your safety Glasses

Wildalaska · July 10, 2006, 08:19 PM

The Gun...A p17 Enfield chambered in 300 mag, mismatched bolt, barrel band front sight, Williams rear.

The problem: Wont feed

Evaluation: Bolt face is 30-06. Open bolt face. Check headspace...OK...

Test fire: First round, rear sight blasts off barrel, flies up barely missing face of gunsmnith and puts hole in aluminum door! Numbnuts who did the work drilled rear sight hole too deep.

No injuires, safety glasses were worn.

I love home gunsmithing. Watch my responses to the next bunch of "Hey how do you fix it yourself" questions.:barf:

WildguesswehavetocheckallthesehomeprojectsnowAlaska

PinnedAndRecessed · July 10, 2006, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Watch my responses to the next bunch of "Hey how do you fix it yourself" questions

Otherwise known as, "Hey, hold mah drank and watch this!"

johnbt · July 11, 2006, 08:52 AM

"Home Gunsmithing"

Why I've nearly given up on buying used guns.

John

Eghad · July 11, 2006, 09:34 AM

I'm impressed most folks dont have the equipment at home to do drilling like that.

I take my stuff to a gunsmith. I just purchased two lyman 10d sights for shotguns that required the bead sight hole to be drilled an tapped. No sense in messing something up that costs 400-500 dollars by trying to save a few bucks myself.

dfaugh · July 11, 2006, 09:40 AM

What's the matter WA...You're sounding a little porky here lately

First "Bargain Guns" then "Home gunsmithing".

Hey some of us, actually have a clue when it come to home gunsmithing (although maybe only a clue)

donewithabitmorebutnotthatmoremuchofacluefaugh

Wildalaska · July 11, 2006, 11:42 AM

Im cranky...Im running low on used guns and nobody will trade me anyhting with all the nice shiny new colts I have. All they offer is home ghunsmithed Tauruses

WildhespiffdoubleheaderlastnightAlaska

rem33 · July 11, 2006, 12:29 PM

I gots me a colteer 22 mag and I wanna 22 hornet, Colteer is is great shape but I would rather have another hornet.

Scorch · July 11, 2006, 12:34 PM

WildAlaska-
That is known as barrel porting. But seriously, your first clue should have been the bolt face that wasn't opened up to take a cartridge. Not that I never took a gun in trade that was "fixt reeeel good" . . . Like the supposed "30-06 Improved" that was chambered with a drill to give the improved shoulder.

Wildalaska · July 11, 2006, 12:40 PM

We were fixing this one, not taking it in trade, although we own the action and stock right now

(the owner was real apologetic, hes a good customer)...

We just found an air leak in the air lines, after rebounding from the door the sight flew up and cracked a PVC joint

WildalwyssomethingnewAlaska

James K · July 11, 2006, 01:25 PM

I have seen a rifle drilled by a "real" gunsmith (or at least he had a shop and a shingle), with the front scope base hole drilled right into the chamber. The same guy put on a new barrel and found the headspace too short, so he ground off the back of the bolt lugs. Fortunately, he went on to some other line of work.

Jim

**Unclenick** · July 15, 2006, 01:43 PM

Jim,

No comment, except to observe there is a special place in hades for that kind of "professional". It's called the civil court system.

Nick

Redneckrepairs · July 15, 2006, 02:06 PM

Damm to me that was just a " rodeo " moment lol

sm · July 15, 2006, 02:43 PM

My gunbuddy has his shop out back of his rural home.

I go in one day "You want a new pencil holder" - and plops a cylinder from a Model 10 in my hand.

"So you replaced a cylinder...?

He then "plops" a .357 ctg into the cylinder...and I do mean "Plop" - wiggle room to "allow the spent brass to fall out easy".

At least the fellow "kinda sorta figured" it was not safe and never tried to fire it.

Me? I launch recoil guide plugs, shotgun plugs across the garage still...a bit of a challenge to hit that certain light bulb ...

I made a deal as did my gunbuddy, we won't play surgeon, dentist, banker, lawyer, LEO, Semi tractor trailer driver/mehanic....if'n them folks don't do our work.

"What are you doing here?"

"I'm going to have you double check my measurements on fitting this shotgun to this young lady"

"What are you going to do while I adjust /cut the stock?"

"Drink your coffee/ sodas, and go out back and shoot something...that shiny Colt still in the safe? Told her she could shoot a shiny Colt, need to borrow a box of ammo too."

He does not gripe too much, he sold a shiny Colt and a really nice used Model 37 to the lady.

Old man Bulova once said :

I can teach a person to fix a watch - I just cannot teach them to quit fixing it

Steve

guncrank · July 15, 2006, 09:32 PM

Sometimes I even make a little money on them. I have a Mauser action that the "gunsmith" ground off about 1/4 off the front face. My customer bought it at a swap meet. It came with a new barrel to boot. And he got it "cheap"

At least the barrel is ok. I think he will want me to use another of his actions with that barrel.

SRG · July 16, 2006, 12:18 AM

I love the home gunsmith that brings his gun in to me to fix, and then proceeds to tell me how to fix it. The "home gunsmith" accounts for about a quarter of my business. God love 'em.
Oh yeah, it's always "his brother" that screwed up the gun.

Dave Haven · July 16, 2006, 01:32 AM

Quote:

Oh yeah, it's always "his brother" that screwed up the gun.

Or brother-in-law or son or friend......

James K · July 18, 2006, 11:57 AM

When I first started professional gun work, I was amazed by the level of intelligence and skills of the children in the area. I got in a whole lot of "paper bag" guns that the owner assured me his kid took apart. Since in some cases I knew the kid was five or six, I wasn't surprised that he couldn't get a Luger or an H&R breaktop back together; but I thought it was pretty amazing that he could disassemble the gun in the first place.

Jim

choover · July 18, 2006, 03:27 PM

WildItakeityouareafflholder.areyourpricescompetitive?whatsyouremailaddressAlaska

chris

jhgreasemonkey · July 20, 2006, 01:36 PM

A red necks last words (I can say this I am a redneck) "Hey y all watch this!"

Ledbetter · July 20, 2006, 05:25 PM

When firing the first shot out of an unknown gun, where a "helper" or "friend" is not available to do it for you, put a blanket over the rifle.

July 10, 2006, 08:19 PM	#1
Wildalaska Junior member Join Date: November 25, 2002 Location: In my own little weird world in Anchorage, Alaska Posts: 14,172	Why I hate Home Gunsmithing or Wear your safety Glasses The Gun...A p17 Enfield chambered in 300 mag, mismatched bolt, barrel band front sight, Williams rear. The problem: Wont feed Evaluation: Bolt face is 30-06. Open bolt face. Check headspace...OK... Test fire: First round, rear sight blasts off barrel, flies up barely missing face of gunsmnith and puts hole in aluminum door! Numbnuts who did the work drilled rear sight hole too deep. No injuires, safety glasses were worn. I love home gunsmithing. Watch my responses to the next bunch of "Hey how do you fix it yourself" questions.:barf: WildguesswehavetocheckallthesehomeprojectsnowAlaska

July 11, 2006, 09:34 AM	#4
Eghad Senior Member Join Date: May 28, 2005 Location: Texas Posts: 6,231	I'm impressed most folks dont have the equipment at home to do drilling like that. I take my stuff to a gunsmith. I just purchased two lyman 10d sights for shotguns that required the bead sight hole to be drilled an tapped. No sense in messing something up that costs 400-500 dollars by trying to save a few bucks myself. __________________ Have a nice day at the range NRA Life Member

July 11, 2006, 09:40 AM	#5
dfaugh Senior Member Join Date: January 17, 2002 Location: Upstate NY Posts: 1,715	What's the matter WA...You're sounding a little porky here lately First "Bargain Guns" then "Home gunsmithing". Hey some of us, actually have a clue when it come to home gunsmithing (although maybe only a clue) donewithabitmorebutnotthatmoremuchofacluefaugh __________________ "If you Listen to Fools, the Mob Rules" "No one has the answer, but one thing is true. You'e got to turn on evil, when its coming after you. You've gotta face it down,and when it tries to hide, you've got to go in after it, and never be denied. Time is running out...Let's roll. Let's roll for freedom, let's roll for love. We're going after satan, on the wings of a dove. Let's roll for freedom, let's roll for truth. Let's not let our children grow up fearful in their youth."

July 11, 2006, 12:29 PM	#7
rem33 Junior member Join Date: March 31, 2006 Posts: 1,528	whatja tradin? I gots me a colteer 22 mag and I wanna 22 hornet, Colteer is is great shape but I would rather have another hornet.

July 11, 2006, 12:34 PM	#8
Scorch Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2006 Location: Washington state Posts: 15,248	WildAlaska- That is known as barrel porting. But seriously, your first clue should have been the bolt face that wasn't opened up to take a cartridge. Not that I never took a gun in trade that was "fixt reeeel good" . . . Like the supposed "30-06 Improved" that was chambered with a drill to give the improved shoulder. __________________ Never try to educate someone who resists knowledge at all costs. But what do I know? Summit Arms Services

July 11, 2006, 08:52 AM	#3
johnbt Senior Member Join Date: December 6, 1999 Location: Richmond, Virginia USA Posts: 6,004	"Home Gunsmithing" Why I've nearly given up on buying used guns. John

July 11, 2006, 11:42 AM	#6
Wildalaska Junior member Join Date: November 25, 2002 Location: In my own little weird world in Anchorage, Alaska Posts: 14,172	Im cranky...Im running low on used guns and nobody will trade me anyhting with all the nice shiny new colts I have. All they offer is home ghunsmithed Tauruses WildhespiffdoubleheaderlastnightAlaska

July 11, 2006, 12:40 PM	#9
Wildalaska Junior member Join Date: November 25, 2002 Location: In my own little weird world in Anchorage, Alaska Posts: 14,172	We were fixing this one, not taking it in trade, although we own the action and stock right now (the owner was real apologetic, hes a good customer)... We just found an air leak in the air lines, after rebounding from the door the sight flew up and cracked a PVC joint WildalwyssomethingnewAlaska

July 11, 2006, 01:25 PM	#10
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	I have seen a rifle drilled by a "real" gunsmith (or at least he had a shop and a shingle), with the front scope base hole drilled right into the chamber. The same guy put on a new barrel and found the headspace too short, so he ground off the back of the bolt lugs. Fortunately, he went on to some other line of work. Jim

July 15, 2006, 01:43 PM	#11
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,063	Jim, No comment, except to observe there is a special place in hades for that kind of "professional". It's called the civil court system. Nick __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle

July 15, 2006, 02:06 PM	#12
Redneckrepairs Senior Member Join Date: March 9, 2006 Posts: 666	Damm to me that was just a " rodeo " moment lol

July 15, 2006, 02:43 PM	#13
sm Senior Member Join Date: February 5, 2002 Posts: 1,819	My gunbuddy has his shop out back of his rural home. I go in one day "You want a new pencil holder" - and plops a cylinder from a Model 10 in my hand. "So you replaced a cylinder...? He then "plops" a .357 ctg into the cylinder...and I do mean "Plop" - wiggle room to "allow the spent brass to fall out easy". At least the fellow "kinda sorta figured" it was not safe and never tried to fire it. Me? I launch recoil guide plugs, shotgun plugs across the garage still...a bit of a challenge to hit that certain light bulb ... I made a deal as did my gunbuddy, we won't play surgeon, dentist, banker, lawyer, LEO, Semi tractor trailer driver/mehanic....if'n them folks don't do our work. "What are you doing here?" "I'm going to have you double check my measurements on fitting this shotgun to this young lady" "What are you going to do while I adjust /cut the stock?" "Drink your coffee/ sodas, and go out back and shoot something...that shiny Colt still in the safe? Told her she could shoot a shiny Colt, need to borrow a box of ammo too." He does not gripe too much, he sold a shiny Colt and a really nice used Model 37 to the lady. Old man Bulova once said : I can teach a person to fix a watch - I just cannot teach them to quit fixing it Steve __________________ Use Enough Gun TFL Alumni

July 15, 2006, 09:32 PM	#14
guncrank Senior Member Join Date: July 15, 2006 Location: Fern Creek ,KY and Metro Louisville at large Posts: 430	Homegunsmithing Sometimes I even make a little money on them. I have a Mauser action that the "gunsmith" ground off about 1/4 off the front face. My customer bought it at a swap meet. It came with a new barrel to boot. And he got it "cheap" At least the barrel is ok. I think he will want me to use another of his actions with that barrel.

July 16, 2006, 12:18 AM	#15
SRG Member Join Date: October 12, 2005 Location: Prescott, AZ. Posts: 73	I love the home gunsmith that brings his gun in to me to fix, and then proceeds to tell me how to fix it. The "home gunsmith" accounts for about a quarter of my business. God love 'em. Oh yeah, it's always "his brother" that screwed up the gun.

July 18, 2006, 11:57 AM	#17
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	When I first started professional gun work, I was amazed by the level of intelligence and skills of the children in the area. I got in a whole lot of "paper bag" guns that the owner assured me his kid took apart. Since in some cases I knew the kid was five or six, I wasn't surprised that he couldn't get a Luger or an H&R breaktop back together; but I thought it was pretty amazing that he could disassemble the gun in the first place. Jim

July 18, 2006, 03:27 PM	#18
choover Senior Member Join Date: March 27, 2006 Posts: 172	WildItakeityouareafflholder.areyourpricescompetitive?whatsyouremailaddressAlaska chris

July 20, 2006, 01:36 PM	#19
jhgreasemonkey Senior Member Join Date: February 7, 2006 Location: Pacific Northwest Posts: 2,238	A red necks last words (I can say this I am a redneck) "Hey y all watch this!"

July 20, 2006, 05:25 PM	#20
Ledbetter Senior Member Join Date: February 23, 2000 Location: California USA Posts: 4,533	When firing the first shot out of an unknown gun, where a "helper" or "friend" is not available to do it for you, put a blanket over the rifle. __________________ Regards, Ledbetter from thefiringline TFL #4573 NRA for Life Winchester Canyon Gun Club for Life