Update August 20, 2013: The Class is full. The CMP states: “If you applied and did not get accepted, the CMP plans to hold additional classes next year in Anniston. Dates will be announced at a later date and an email announcement will be sent out.”
This fall, the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) will offer a 3-day, Advanced Maintenance Class (AMC) for students with strong mechanical aptitude and a desire to learn how to work on M1 Garand rifles. The first AMC class starts Friday, November 1st at the CMP Custom Shop in Anniston, Alabama. The course fee is $1,400.00. This includes a CMP Special Rifle that each student will build (as his own “keeper”) and three lunches. Students must provide their own accommodations in Anniston.
The 3-day class is intended for individuals interested in learning how the M1 Garand rifle functions and how to perform advanced maintenance procedures to their personal rifle(s). The class involves classroom lecture as well as hands-on shop time. Tools will be provided.
NOTE: This class is not intended for gunsmiths or students with advanced knowledge of the M1 rifle. No prior armorer or shooting experience is required. Students will each assemble their own CMP Special rifle from components included in the AMC fee.
CMP M1 Garand AMC Course Topics
Component purpose and function
Commercial barrel installation, chambering and headspace; use of gauges
Component selection and inspection
Fitting and proper assembly of a complete CMP Special rifle
Some discussion of malfunctions and their remedies
Accurizing techniques for the M1
How to Apply for M1 Garand Class
To apply for the CMP AMC, complete the online APPLICATION FORM (You can fill this out online or download the PDF file and email completed application to armorers@thecmp.org.) The class is expected to fill quickly. Students will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. For more info, email John McLean via email at jmclean@thecmp.org or call the CMP Custom Shop at (256) 835-8455, ext. 2114. The November AMC class is the first of its kind. However, the CMP hopes to offer similar classes quarterly at the Anniston Custom Shop.
Are you a skilled gunsmith looking for a salaried position? Here’s an opportunity to work for a great company with solid financials and state-of-the-art machining equipment. Barrett is seeking a Master Gunsmith for precision rifles. The selected candidate must possess the knowledge and skills necessary to independently construct, document, and deliver precise (< 0.5 MOA) long rifles while using parameters set forth by the company. The selected candidate will be considered the authority in regards to identifying critical features that result in a precision long rifle. Specific job and experience requirements are listed below. Barrett is headquartered in Murfreesboro, TN. CLICK HERE for more information.
Job Requirements:
Reputable Gunsmith Certification
(7) years experience constructing highly precise and robust (<.5 MOA) long rifles
Examples of successful long rifle constructions
(3) years manual lathe and mill experience
(3) years competitive shooting in a precision long rifle class
(2) years CAD/CAM (SolidWorks preferred) experience
Understanding of precision critical barrel and ammunition features
Understanding of internal and external ballistics
Ability to work closely with engineers
Excellent communication skills
MS Office (Word, Excel, Project) experience
M107 on duty in Afghanistan with Company F, 2nd Aviation Assault Battalion, 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade’s Pathfinders. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Cody Barber, 11th PAD.
Job find by EdLongrange. We welcome reader submissions.
We know many of our readers own one or more SIG Sauer handguns. And now, for Father’s Day, SIG owners can get their prized guns upgraded at big savings (25% off). Now through June 19, 2013, the SIG Sauer Custom Shop is offering the popular SIG Action Enhancement Package for just $129.95 — that’s fifty bucks off the regular rate of $179.95. You can also get a factory Short Reset Trigger (SRT) for just $49.95, a 50% savings off the normal price. This Father’s Day Special is offered now through Thursday June 19, 2013. You need to call via telephone to take advantage of this deal. Have your serial number ready.
Terms and Conditions Phone orders only. Offer applies to U.S. customers only and cannot be combined with any other offer. The sale ends June 19, 2013 at 12PM Eastern time. $55.00 return shipping/handling fee applies.
Report by Richard King (King’s Armory, Texas; ‘Kings X’ on our Forum)
With all the talk from Vince Bottomley in the April issue of Target Shooter about aluminum stocks, I thought you might like to see my latest project. This is my personal gun, built the way I wanted it. I know it’s radical and some may not care for it. But it works.
This is pretty much an all-aluminum rifle. The action is a Kelbly F-Class with a Shilen stainless steel competition trigger. The scope is a 1″-tube Leupold 36X with a Tucker Conversion set in Jewell spherical bearing rings. The .223 barrel is Pac-Nor 3-groove, 1:6.5″-twist mounted in a “V”-type barrel block. The bipod has vertical adjustment only via a dovetail slide activated by a stick handle. It works like a joy-stick, but for vertical only. I adjust for windage by moving the rear sandbag.
The 30″ barrel is 1.250″ in diameter. With the barrel block forward, the vibrations should be at a low frequency. Instead of one long rod whipping, I now have two short rods (barrel haves) being dampened. This is my fourth barrel block gun. They work, but so does a good pillar-bedded action. I just do stuff a little different.
The vertical “keel” down the bottom of the stock stops the “spring” of a flat-bar stock. There is little, if any, noticeable flex before or during recoil. The long length of the stock, the fat barrel, and the forward-mounted barrel block work together to keep the gun from rising off the ground. BUT, remember this is a .223 Rem rifle. A .308 Win version might act very differently. I may try a .308-barreled action soon, just to see what happens. But I will stick with the .223 Rem as my choice for match shooting.
The offset scope idea came from a benchrest “rail” gun. In truth, the whole concept came from a rail gun — just adapted to being shot off a bipod. Sure it isn’t directly over the bore. It is about 1.5″ over to the left. So if you want the scope to be zeroed on the center of the target, you have to adjust for the offset. At 100 yards that is 1.5 MOA. But at 300 it is only 0.5 MOA, at 600 only a ¼-MOA, and at 1000 about 1 click on my scope.
What the offset DOES do for me is eliminate any cheek pressure. My cheek never touches the stock. Since this is only a .223 Rem, I don’t put and shoulder pressure behind it. And I don’t have a pistol grip to hang on to, but I do put my thumb behind the trigger guard and “pinch” the two-ounce trigger.
The offset scope placement could interfere with loading a dual-port action from the left. That’s not a problem for me as I set my spotting scope up on the left side very close to the rifle. I have plenty of time to reload from the right side while the target is in the pits being scored.
Again — this is my rifle. It is designed for my style of shooting. It is not meant to be a universal “fit all” for the general public. However, I will say the design is adaptable. I can easily convert the system to run in F-Open Class. I would drop a big-bore barreled action into the “V” block, slide on a heavier pre-zeroed scope and rings, add plates on the sides up front to bring the width to 3”, and maybe a recoil pad. It might be interesting to offset the wings up from to counter torque of the big bullets. But I would also have to offset the rear bag rider to get the gun to recoil straight back.
How the Gun Performs
I have had “T” to the range only twice for load development. It groups like my present barrel-blocked 223 F-TR gun. But it’s much easier to shoot and it only moves about 3/4” — straight back. I tried to build am omni-directional joy-stick bipod but I could not get all the side-to-side wiggle out of it. So I have set it up so it only moves up and down (horizontal movement is locked-out). As it works now, the joystick on the bipod lets me set elevation on the target quickly (with up/down adjustment). Then, to adjust for windage, I slide my rear bag side-to-side as needed. Once set, I just tickle the trigger and smile.
Gun Handling — Shoot It Like a Bench-Gun
I basically shoot the gun with no cheek or body contact. I don’t grip it, other than maybe a pinch on the trigger guard. The scope was offset to the left to help the shooter move off the gun and avoid the possibility of head/cheek contact with the stock.
Listen to Richard King Explain How He Shoots his ‘Texas-T’ Rifle:
[haiku url=”http://accurateshooter.net/Video/RichKingTalks.mp3″ Title=”Richard King Talks”]
J.P. Sauer & Sohn has released an all-new hunting rifle, the Sauer 101. This new rifle features a six-lug bolt that locks directly into the barrel, along with a new, sophisticated safety system that positively blocks the firing pin. The Sauer 101 also has a patented “Ever-Rest” bedding system featuring a metal block surrounding the front action screw. The Sauer 101 comes with either a black synthetic stock (“Classic XT”), or a quality walnut stock (“Classic”). MSRP has not been revealed, but the Sauer 101 is designed to fall in the “mid-class price range”, making it much more affordable than the Sauer 202. CLICK HERE to visit Sauer 101 dedicated website.
Sauer 101 Features
Smooth-running bolt with 60° lift
6-lug bolt locks directly into the barrel
Dual ejectors provide reliable 90° extraction
Safety system directly blocks firing pin
Crisp 2-lb trigger pull
22″ barrel for standard calibers
24″ barrel for Magnums
Adjustable open sights optional
Sauer 101 Technical Features Video (with Amazing Computer-Generated 3D Animations)
Sauer has provided some fantastic 3D-style cutaway animations that show the features of the new rifle. You can see 3D “exploded” renderings of all the gun’s components. As well, the animation shows the function of the safety system, the six-lug bolt, and the dual-ejector system. Watch this video!
Barrel Attachment Technology
Sauer boasts that the barrel is heat-pressed into the receiver, with the bolt locking up directly into the barrel. That may sound good, but in reality, this engineering solution makes it extremely difficult to fit a new after-market barrel to the gun. We talked with two highly-respected custom gunsmiths. Both agreed that it would be “very difficult to find a smith who would tackle the task of re-barreling this gun (starting with a barrel blank).” One smith observed that “machining the lug recesses directly into the barrel is not a procedure that 95% of gunsmiths are capable of doing.” So, when your Sauer 101 barrel wears out (or if you want to change calibers), presumably you have to send the gun back to the factory.
Chamberings Offered
Standard calibers: 22-250 Rem. .243 Win, 6.5×55, .270 Win, 7×64, .308 Win, .30-06, 8x57IS, 9.3×62
Magnum calibers: 7mm Rem Mag, 300 Win Mag, .338 Win Mag
Sauer 101 Intro Video (1 Minute)
Sauer 101 Pros:
1. The safety system looks very robust and sophisticated. The Sauer 101 features an integral firing pin block that allows firing only after the bolt has been fully locked into battery. That’s smart engineering.
2. Crisp, two-pound trigger pull is very nice for a factory rifle. Sauer claims trigger has “zero creep”.
3. Sauer 101 Accepts Remington 700 long action scope base mounts.
4. Stock is ambidextrous — good for both righties and lefties.
Sauer 101 Cons:
1. The pressed-in “Heat-Lock” barrel attachment system is not “gunsmith friendly”. And, because the lug recesses are inside the barrel, it will be difficult to fit after-market barrels. The machining required is much different than simply drilling a chamber as is done with “pre-fit” threaded barrels.
2. The sling swivel stud is positioned on the front of the Schnabel fore-end. To fit a Harris bipod, the owner will have to add a stud further back, or make an adapter for the forward-facing swivel stud.
3. No factory muzzle brake option.
4. No factory rail option for mounting scope rings.
5. No provision for adjusting length of pull (fixed at 14.4 inches).
In a series of YouTube videos, Larry Potterfield of MidwayUSA shows how to prepare, finish, and polish a wood gunstock. The first video covers sanding, sealing, and filling. The second video shows how to apply a multi-coat finish by hand, with light sanding between coats. In the third video, Larry applies a final polish to his project stock. The principles illustrated in these videos can be applied to most types of stocks. However, keep in mind that Larry is working with a hardwood stock.
By contrast, with a typical Rutland laminated stock, the finishing process is somewhat different and (usually) more time consuming. You’ll probably have to do more aggressive sanding, and the sealing process can be more time-consuming because laminates typically have very porous surfaces that soak up a lot of sealant. You may have to do multiple sealant passes with aggressive sanding in-between. Alternatively, you can use multiple coats of high-solids clear coat to fill the pores.
How to Prepare a Riflestock for Finishing
How to Apply a Multi-Coat Finish
How to Polish the Finish on a Riflestock
Clear-Coating Your Stock
While you can put an oil-type finish on a Rutland laminate, we think these often look best finished with an automotive clear coat. Rub-on finishes can cause small changes in stock coloration. If you want to preserve the colors in your laminated stock, a quality, spray-on clear-coat is probably the best way to go. CLICK HERE for expert tips on how to prep and clear-coat a laminated stock.
Thomas “Speedy” Gonzalez, a Hall of Fame shooter, will be teaching a “PRECISION BEDDING” class at Murray State Junior College (Tishomingo, OK) the week of June 10-14, 2013. The class will be limited from 12 to 14 students.
Speedy tells us: “We will go over the theory and physics of bedding and different materials, processes and procedures used to ensure a long-lasting and accurate bedding job. I will demonstrate [how to get best results] through proper control and knowledge of the bedding process and we will spend the remainder of the week bedding rifles students bring with them to class. A full list of tools will be post on Murray State NRA web site. I look forward to seeing some of you there.”
To register for the Precision Bedding Seminar
at Murray State, contact either:
Forum member “Tooms” sent us a report on his very special Sauer 202 with a 22LR conversion kit. Sauer 202 rifles feature a “Quick-change barrel system”. The barrel is clamped into the receiver with crossbolts providing tension. This allows barrels to be swapped in a few minutes with simple tools. Tooms, from Denmark, explains: “The rifle began as a Sauer 202 Avantgarde Gold in .308 Win. I have added a 6.5×55 match barrel, plus a wide flat-bottom match fore-arm with rail for handstop and bipod. The 22LR system [originally] cost $1000.00 [including] barrel, bolt, magazine well assembly, and magazine. The barrel is attached by three cross-bolts and the magazine well assembly is attached by one screw that fits into the barrel.”
Using this “Quick-change system”, Tooms can easily remove his centerfire barrel and swap in a .22 LR barrel. Then he places the factory conversion kit into the magazine well. This kit provides a rimfire bolt, a fitted sleeve for the rimfire bolt, and a track for the magazine. This is a full Sauer factory-designed system so it works flawlessly. With the bolt closed, you can see the “new” 22LR chamber in the front section of the loading port. On the silver section of the bolt you can see the rimfire extractor on the side.
The 22LR Conversion Really Works
The Sauer 202 Varmint rifle shoots very well with the 22LR conversion, as the 50m target at right shows. Though quite expensive, the conversion kit essentially transforms your centerfire rifle into fully functional, mag-fed precision rimfire. That makes the Sauer 202 much more versatile as a hunting platform. It also allows you to cross-train with inexpensive ammo. You don’t have to purchase another scope, trigger, or stock. And you enjoy the exact same stock fit and ergonomics whether you’re shooting centerfire or rimfire. In some countries where gun ownership is severely restricted, it may be easier, from a legal standpoint, to purchase a 22LR conversion kit than to obtain a permit for a second rifle.
To learn more about the complete line of Sauer 202 rifles visit the J.P. Sauer USA website. You’ll also find more information on the primary J.P. Sauer & Sohn German website, www.Sauer.de.
How would you like to be a salaried gunsmith for a major gun-maker’s USA operation? Here’s your opportunity. Blaser USA is looking to hire a gunsmith for its San Antonio, Texas sales and service center.
Candidates must have completed a recognized gunsmithing course, have “excellent communication skills”, be able to work in a “fast-paced” team-oriented business environment, and be able to work (on location) at regional and national shooting events. Duties include general gunsmithing, customer service work, and the following specific tasks:
Finish assembly of rifles and shotguns.
Inspects first piece samples from vendors.
Assembles firearms in accordance with customer specifications.
Repairs firearms for customers, sponsored shooters, and journalists.
Minor stock repair and wood-working.
Aligns sights/scopes and conducts test firings.
Documents problems on customer returns as required.
Inspects and sets out parts for repairs or product updates.
How to Apply
If you are interested in this position,
forward your résumé to:
Blaser USA Inc.
Laura Aldana
403 East Ramsey Ste. 301
San Antonio, TX 78216
email: info [at] blaser-usa.com
Story Tip by Edlongrange. We welcome reader submissions.
Paul Liebenberg of Pistol Dynamics is widely considered to be one of the finest pistol-smiths on the planet. When you ask other well-known pistol-smiths whom they would rank among the very best, Liebenberg is a consensus pick. And Paul’s work is in high demand. There is a multi-year-long waiting list for his custom pistols, mostly built on 1911-platforms.
Now Liebenberg is sharing his pistol building/tuning knowledge through a professionally-produced video from Panteao Productions. In this two-Disc DVD, Paul Liebenberg demonstrates the procedures he employs when crafting a custom 1911 pistol. The DVD covers all key aspects of customizing the 1911 pistol. Topics covered include: fitting barrel and barrel bushing, installing grip safety and thumb safety, installing and tuning the trigger, installing and tuning extractor and ejector, relieving the mag well, undercutting the trigger guard, lowering the ejection port, and much more. This is a rare opportunity to learn from a master gun builder like Paul Liebenberg. Panteao is accepting pre-orders for the DVD and expects it to be released shortly.
30+ Years Expertise
A trained industrial designer from South Africa, Paul Liebenberg was a member of the World Champion South African Practical Pistol Shooting Team. An NRA High Master and four-gun firearms instructor, Paul competed successfully in many disciplines in the shooting sports.
In 1983 Liebenberg immigrated to the USA and joined Pachmayr Gun Works in Los Angeles where he rose to manage the Custom Gun Shop. In 1985 he opened Pistol Dynamics in Los Angeles to build high-end 1911 competition handguns and Pachmayr pistols on contract to that company. Today Pistol Dynamics is based out of Palm Bay, Florida where Paul continues to build high-end 1911 pistols.
Are you a skilled gunsmith looking for a salaried position? Here’s an opportunity to work for a great company with solid financials and state-of-the-art machining equipment. 
The offset scope idea came from a benchrest “rail” gun. In truth, the whole concept came from a rail gun — just adapted to being shot off a bipod. Sure it isn’t directly over the bore. It is about 1.5″ over to the left. So if you want the scope to be zeroed on the center of the target, you have to adjust for the offset. At 100 yards that is 1.5 MOA. But at 300 it is only 0.5 MOA, at 600 only a ¼-MOA, and at 1000 about 1 click on my scope.
Thomas “Speedy” Gonzalez, a Hall of Fame shooter, will be teaching a “PRECISION BEDDING” class at Murray State Junior College (Tishomingo, OK) the week of June 10-14, 2013. The class will be limited from 12 to 14 students.
The 22LR Conversion Really Works
How would you like to be a salaried gunsmith for a major gun-maker’s USA operation? Here’s your opportunity. Blaser USA is looking to hire a gunsmith for its San Antonio, Texas sales and service center. 
30+ Years Expertise
