Unit 9: Rebuilding & Restoration

Lesson 28 – Barrel Rebuilding (.22 Rim Fire) 

Inspecting the barrel dirt and wear is where we start. We are looking at the muzzle and chamber. This will determine the repair or replacement of the barrel. Older barrels are usually threaded and newer ones are pinned. Usually, if the chambered end is worn, then the barrel is not saveable and will need to be replaced. Some pinned barrels are easier to replace but you should make sure it cannot be repaired first.  

I like both types are gone over and what some of the main issues are with each type. This work also falls in line with some of the less expensive models of pistols. There are a few types of repair in this lesson, some more involved than others but all well worth paying attention to.  

Lesson 29 – Antique Restoration for Fun and Profit 

Restorations seem a little complicated as is the case for any type of collectable.The same goes here as any other type of hobby, what’s the back story? What is its value (as is or refurbished), and how many were produced doesn’t necessarily add value.) The biggest factor as with anything is supply and demand.This is also another example of knowledge and using it and/or using resources available to you. 

Most firearm collectors/owners know what they have but, you should research what you have. You want to make sure that a restoration will not damage its historical significance (if there is any) and may want to refer it to a more restoration experienced gunsmith.   

Restoring percussion shot guns sounds like it may be fun to do, but also seems quite dangerous as they could still be loaded with old wads. Removing these can be extremely dangerous. SAFETY: Always keep head and body away from the muzzle when working on them.

Antique work must also be meticulous. Every piece must have your closest attention and workmanship all the way down to the smallest of pieces, always take notes in the order of disassembly and make sure everything fits back together correctly. 

Lesson 30 – Antique Restoration Part 2 (Restoration and Salvaging) 

There is a lot to take in and understand about muzzle loaders in this lesson as there are more safety aspects in this lesson than most of the rest combined. This is due to the black powder and ball used in these firearms. 

The muzzle loader is probably the most dangerous and the most fascinating weapon made. The use of black powder alone is enough to ward off some people from using or restoring them. However, the restoration of these firearms is intricate and interesting. Learning how to make the tools to use on these is really kind of cool. Learning what people had to do back then to keep these in good shape and working order as they did not have tools readily available to them and it  gives a new perspective of old time life. Restoring these firearms could be very fun and profitable. 

Lesson 31 – The Art of Polishing and Jeweling 

Polishing is as important to functionality as functionality is as important to polishing. Inspection is really the most important part of any firearm but polishing can make a loose weapon even looser and nonfunctional all together or even dangerous to try to fire. So inspect for fit, gaps and just plain operational function. Sometimes parts will just need to be replaced with new ones, and then polishing will be more useful.  

This lesson is all about how to polish correctly and by hand, which, in all honesty, is to me the best way to accomplish what you are looking for. Overall the unit is probably the most detailed from start to finish as it should be when it comes to functionality. 

Conclusion: 

I do like the little “History lessons” given at the end of each lesson. Some of these show how long these weapons have been around and the overall evolution of them.  

Projects 1 to 4 Recap: 

All these projects from refinishing the stock to tool fabrication are really good for hands-on learning. I have learned a lot already from these themselves. The hardest? Well so far the tool fabrication. This is not an easy task, at least it wasn’t for me at first, but, once I got into it it was probably my favorite so far next to refinishing the stock. Measurements are important and leave little room for error. All in all, I was satisfied with what I did and liked how it turned out.   

Written by J. Jacobs, The MGS Experience Student