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 forward and somewhat similar. However, there are always exceptions to this.  

The differences in the pins if pinned in, or how some are screwed in are others are a twist type locking type. All these are still delicate in making sure everything lines up and can properly function. 

Installing Handgun Barrels 

Initially thought to be a bit easier, but it is not. It is just as difficult as rifle or shotgun barrel replacement. It was interesting to see how a short rifle action is used with a pistol barrel and considered a pistol. The revolver seems to be the most difficult to replace a barrel due the cylinder and its alignment. This is a tedious task for correct alignment and to me a task that a smith can make a decent reputation on for himself and his shop. 

The custom barrel part of the lessons really good and gives many ways to set up a lathe for different results and the use of a barrel reamer and how to use it correctly. And again as always, Safety and knowledge are always at the top of your priorities. 

This lesson covers a lot of different scenarios, tool usage, caliber selection, ballistics information and MANY different types of rifles, shotguns and pistols/Handguns. I really liked the ballistics part. The understanding of how weight can determine velocity over distance is very handy especially if you re-load your own ammunition. 

Lesson 49 & 50: Ruger No. 1 Single Shot Rifle, Ruger .44 Magnum Carbine, & Ruger No. 3 Single Shot Carbine

These two lessons are more of a how to dismantle, field strip and re assemble these firearms. The differences for these three firearms, however, are polar. Two are a single shot, the other is a 4 +1. The Ruger .44 is also a gas-operated firearm.  These are very short lessons but, they cover the cleaning for these as well as the understanding that not all weapons are cleaned in the same manner. The biggest point is some weapons need to be cleaned after each use and what can be cleaned periodically. As long as your cleaning schedule fits your firearm, the longer it will last and function properly. 

Lesson 51: Private Brand Names and Serial Numbers

How to recognize private brand names, cross reference data, serial numbers and dates of various models. 

This lesson to me is “priceless”. The ability to identify a manufacturer, manufacture date or country of origins is extremely valuable in its own right. Proof marks are rare for U.S. firearms but after a little side research, European firearms were built on them. Proof marks are everything. Deciphering serial numbers or proof marks can be very tasking as some serial numbers have no real sensible way they are used by any manufacturer on top of no real database for them. 

Learning how to price a collectable is also part of this lesson, it is also tedious work and can take a long time to verify. Learn what you can when you can, documentation, stories and condition. All of these matters can be verified. Do your homework, ask questions and ask for help but, never make a determination without the correct information. Remember, reputation is everything.    

Written by J. Jacobs, The MGS Experience Student