Reloading vs. Buying Ammo: Is It Really Worth It? Gunsmithing is a way of life that creates countless memories, builds strong friendships, and hones skills you can apply to many aspects of your life. As with any career or hobby, there are several costs associated with gunsmithing, including ammunition. Every time you shoot a bullet,…
Unit 16: Pistols and Rifles Lesson 57: Crossman Model 130/1300 Pistol Although this is about BB/Pellet rifles, it is important to know and understand the workings of these pistols and rifles. For example, I was not aware that the M140/1400 rifle was near capable of firing a the same velocity as a .22 rimfire short. That is something I think a lot of…
Key Events of World War I for Gunsmiths This year, every day of every week will fall on the same date as it did in 1914- the year the Great War began. So, you’ve likely seen more than a few World War I retrospectives out there already this year. But this one little different. This…
Unit 15: Tricks and Carbines Lesson 52: Tricks of the Trade This lesson covers: The money maker Common malfunctions Tricks of the Trade in quick inspections to pinpoint problems Quick corrections General service & testing techniques. The tricks of the trade are going over some of the things that have been mentioned in earlier units a little more defined and in relative…
3 Battles That Changed the Course of World War I World War I was the largest and most devastating war to ever be fought by humanity. It encapsulated the entire world and was mainly fought in mainland Europe and North Africa. During the four years it took place, 1914-1918, over 100 million soldiers and sailors died or were injured. Today, we are discussing three main battles of significance during this…
Bolt-Action to Machine Guns: Firearms of World War I The major players all entered World War I expecting a quick, mobile conflict in the tradition of the Franco-Prussian conflict. Small arms with which they began the war were still dominant four years later, despite a handful of innovations implemented during the fighting. While artillery accounted for 60%…
Inside Trench Warfare: Why Trench Guns Changed Combat This month, I want to talk about modern tactical shotguns and where they got their start. It all started with the Winchester Model 1897. The Model 1897 was designed by John Browning and over a million were produced from 1897-1957. The military saw the advantage of using…
Unit 14: Barrels, Barrels, & More Barrels Lesson 48: Installing Shotgun Barrels Shotgun barrel replacement is a very important part of gunsmithing. The different types and variations in barrel type are important to know. Although double barrel break open barrels are not recommended to attempt until you are more experienced, the rest seem pretty straight…
The Symbolism behind RED Friday On Fridays, many Americans choose to wear something red—a shirt, a hat, a ribbon, or a scarf. This quiet tradition, known as RED Friday, carries a deep and heartfelt purpose. The letters R.E.D. stand for Remember Everyone Deployed. It’s a low-key but powerful reminder that, while peaceful life continues at home, thousands of American…
How Veterans Turn a Passion for Firearms into a Paycheck This month, let’s talk about Vets and the firearms industry. What better fit is there than veteran service members and firearms? So how can you turn this relationship with firearms into a career that is rewarding and pays the bills? Let’s break it down. Gunsmithing Today military vets can feed their passion…