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December 13, 2011, 05:17 PM | #1 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 25, 2011
Posts: 1,755
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Tools and resources for parts replacement and minor tinkering?
I have a 22/45 that I'd like to turn into a project gun. I don't want to do anything too extensive, my goal is mag safety removal, LCI disabling and a VQ trigger kit. From what I've gathered if I take a slow and methodical approach, I should be able to learn the skills to do these things without messing up.
My more specific questions would be: What are the pros/cons of steel punches vs brass punches, and what would be a good set to start with? What are some good reading and video(dvd and/or youtube) resources to get, so I can be more familiar with the tools and basics before I try anything? I understand I would need a plastic mallet also, but what other items are useful and/or needed to do this kind of tinkering? And lastly, should I even be attempting this or is this level of tinkering generally not recommended for someone without any formal training? I understand that I may have to take it to a gun smith if I mess things up. However with the 22/45 being a relatively inexpensive and frequently modified platform I figure its a good place to start learning more about the internal workings of my firearms and being more capable to keep them in running order/do minor fixes myself. |
December 13, 2011, 06:02 PM | #2 |
Senior Member
Join Date: December 2, 2007
Location: South TX
Posts: 269
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Brass punches will work on most anything. Steel punches can damage most anything. Brass punches to fit your needs can be expensive. Some pins require steel to 'start'.
One thing I recently found is 1/4" x 12" brass rod on Amazon for $1.69 ea. Shipping is not cheap, but if you buy a few, it's a good deal. I now have a good squib rod and make my own punches. Either a drill press or hand-held drill can be used to shape the the punch "tip" to any size you need up to 1/4". I start with small files and finish with sandpaper. |
December 14, 2011, 11:07 PM | #3 |
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Join Date: April 18, 2000
Location: Metairie, Louisiana
Posts: 890
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I thought I was the only one that made his own punches.
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December 17, 2011, 01:49 AM | #4 |
Junior member
Join Date: May 1, 2010
Posts: 5,797
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Gunsmiths, American Pistolsmiths Guild, Brownells...
For any kind of gunsmith work or new parts/training videos/guides/etc I'd check these sources;
www.gunvideo.com www.paladin-press.com www.NRA.org www.midwayusa.com www.Natchezss.com www.Brownells.com www.americanpistol.com . Brownells is a standard any serious gun owner, armed professional, shooting sports industry member, or gunsmith should know about or use. The American Pistolsmiths Guild is a highly rated group too. These resources may help. CF |
December 17, 2011, 02:13 AM | #5 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 25, 2011
Posts: 1,755
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thanks clydefrog, I'll have to starting looking around on those and what I can find to suit my needs. Hopefully with enough preparation I won't make a mess of my 22/45
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