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February 14th, 2010
Trinidad State Junior College (TSJC) has launched an advanced Third-Year gunsmithing program at the school’s Trinidad, Colorado campus. This program augments Trinidad State’s respected two-year gunsmithing school, established in 1947. For the past 63 years, TSJC has built a world-wide reputation for the excellence of its program. Companies involved in the firearms industry have been quick to hire TSJC’s gunsmithing graduates. The new third-year program is an elite school, open to the top 25 percent of graduates from all gunsmithing schools in the nation.
 The Advanced Third-Year Gunsmithing Program will be directed by Tom ‘Speedy’ Gonzalez, an innovative smith and Benchrest Hall of Famer. Speedy observed: “At the grand opening (of the new program), we’re pleased to have the President of the NRA attending, along with [Brownell’s President] Pete Brownell and the governor of Colorado.” Trinidad Interim President Felix Lopez explained: “The goal of the third-year gunsmithing program is to prepare its graduates to be ready for employment directly out of school.” Dr. Sandy Veltri, TSJC’s VP of Student/Academic Affairs added: “This third-year program will allow our students to gain entrepreneurial skills that will make them not just successful gunsmiths, but savvy business leaders.”
Development of the third-year program began with conversations between the college and representatives from Brownells about the need in the industry for gunsmithing graduates who are not only accomplished gunsmiths, but who also understand the firearms business, including retail sales, inventory control, counter sales, customer service, and dealing with vendors and management. Pete Brownell, shared his vision for this program to reflect real world employment in a working gun shop environment. Brownells provided $250,000 in funding for facilities remodeling plus needed equipment for the new retail-repair facility, christened the “Brownells Trinidad American Firearms Technology Institute”.
The first class of third-year students will experience the hard work and challenges of starting up a small business under the guidance of TSJC gunsmithing instructor Speedy Gonzalez. Gonzalez, a member of the Benchrest Hall of Fame, spent 30-plus years building precision rifles before coming to TSJC to “pass on his knowledge of gunsmithing to the next generation of gunsmiths”.
“Our intent is to open and operate a real-life gun shop with third-year students who will provide top quality gun repair, parts, and services for gun owners and collectors and hunting and shooting sports enthusiasts. We will offer retail, repair, blueing, reloading, and we even plan to do some light manufacturing”, said Gonzalez. The shop will maintain regular hours to serve local customers, including shooters from the nearby NRA Whittington Center in Raton, NM.
Additional ‘Gunsmithing Business Practices’ and ‘Gunsmithing Shop Management’ modules will be taught year-round by experts directly involved in the industry. Gunsmiths already employed and even gun shop owners/managers can sign up for modules of particular interest. In addition to the original two-year Gunsmithing Program and the new third-year program, TSJC offers short-term summer courses designed for anyone interested in learning gunsmithing. To learn more about gunsmithing programs at Trinidad State Junior College, visit www.TrinidadState.edu, or call Lynette Bates at (719) 846-5650.
February 9th, 2010
Colorado’s Trinidad State Junior College first launched a gunsmithing school in 1947. That makes Trinidad’s gunsmithing program the oldest active gunsmith school in the nation, and the first of its kind ever offered by an American college. The gunsmithing program immediately attracted capacity enrollment, dominated by veterans of World War II. In its 63 years of existence, the school has earned the respect and support of many leading companies in the shooting industry, including Brownells and Sinclair International.
The NRA Blog recently interviewed Trinidad Professor of Gunsmithing Dave Nolan to learn more about the program. Nolan explained that: “Each student chooses whether to pursue an Associate’s degree of Applied Science or a Certificate of Gunsmithing”. Students come from all across the nation, according to Nolan, shown above with colleague Keith Gipson. Most students enrol in a two-year program, but Trinidad recently added a new Advanced Third Year Gunsmithing Program, which launched in January 2010.
CLICK HERE for more info on Trinidad’s Advanced THIRD-Year Gunsmithing Program
While the courses, ranging from Firearms Safety to Custom Pistolsmithing, make up the bulk of the two-year program, there is also a hands-on experience called the “Gunsmithing Cooperative Program”. Much like a short-term apprenticeship, the Cooperative Program places students in a real working environment. This requires that students learn about business management and financial planning as well as just smithing techniques. “It’s the real deal,” Nolan said. Each student must enroll in the 13-week program in order to graduate.
Conveniently, the campus houses its own full-scale gunsmithing shop, complete with storefront and real customers. If you’re interested in gunsmithing but don’t have the two years necessary to complete the Certificate course, consider one of the Trinidad Gunsmithing Seminars. These are one or two weeks long and attract a variety of pupils — both college age students and older workers looking to learn a new trade.
Article by Danielle Sturgis, courtesy NRABlog.com.
February 5th, 2010
Grizzly Industrial, makers of gunsmith lathes and other products, offers a Digital Tailstock Readout Kit for just $149.95. This digital readout (DRO), model T10118, is an affordable, helpful tool for shooters who do their own lathe work, and who need a fast, handy way to measure depth of cut with their tailstock. On the www.Grizzly.com website, you’ll find a full description of the Digital Tailstock Readout, complete with photos and product features. The unit is very versatile. It has two (2) digital readouts. One on the unit itself, PLUS a remote display that can be positioned up to 6 feet away. Both displays feature 0.0005″ resolution, inch or millimeter display, zero keys and ON/OFF keys. The scale has an 8-inch range and its display features ABS or INC mode as well as a Hold key. Both displays read independently of each other.
Shop Review by Mark LaFevers
What I find most helpful using this Grizzly Digital Tailstock Readout is the way it enhances the speed and certainty of multi-step processes. For instance, when preparing to bore a deep hole by first stepping through various bit diameters to get close, you are unlocking and moving the tailstock to change bits. The Grizzly DRO lets you lock down with a new bit in the chuck, hit zero as the leading edge of the flutes align with the face of the bore. As you are backing each bit all the way out to clear chips, the DRO lets you fast return without counting handwheel revolutions to within a hundredth, then slow down to begin the cut. This is very helpful in keeping track of what’s going on, and it’s a good backup for fine control (comparing the last few thousandths with your tailstock’s manual dial). I have a dial indicator set-up for fine work off the tailstock, but opted for this DRO instead because of its greater range and equal accuracy.
Mounting Tips and Splash-Guards
As the digital transducer is sensitive to contamination by liquids, you’ll need to be careful about splash from your cutting fluid sources. I used a simple stationary spring clip to hold a plastic sandwich bag over the face to catch any splash during chamber reaming using high pressure through-the-barrel flushing. The plastic was easy to see through with the eye, but the camera wanted to catch light glare and not show the on-tool digital display well. You can mount the remote readout wherever it is convenient, but I wanted my vision focused only in the working area for this operation.
For the value, I would rate this tool as a “must have” for anyone currently working without a DRO on their lathe tailstock. The Grizzly DRO is simple to set up, easy to operate, and has an ample 8″ range. Durability is unknown at this time as I’ve just started using the unit, but hopes are high. Like all your other electronic tools, keep an extra set of batteries on hand. Also, please note — to keep the price down and make the Grizzly DRO fit anyone’s particular tailstock quill diameter, Grizzly correctly judged that if you were in the market for this tool you will be able to build your own quill adapter.
November 1st, 2009
Larry Potterfield, owner and founder of MidwayUSA, has created some basic gunsmithing videos that are worth watching. These show some key aspects of rifle metal-working, such as crowning a barrel. Be aware that these videos are really just teasers — they don’t illustrate most of the critical preparatory steps a skilled gunsmith will do, such as leveling his lathe precisely, and indicating the barrel very, very carefully. Nonetheless, there are some good, basic tips in the videos, which should be informative for all shooters, whether they do their own smithing or not. Please note that benchrest smiths may employ more advanced methods.
VIDEO One: Cutting and Crowning a Barrel (Radiused Crown)
VIDEO Two: Threading and Chambering an Octagon Barrel
VIDEO Three: Trueing the Bolt Face on a Mauser 98
September 24th, 2009
 Here’s a “dream job” for someone with gunsmithing experience and writing skills. American Gunsmith magazine, the official publication of the American Gunsmithing Association, is looking for a new editor. The candidate shoud be something of a “jack of all trades” who is computer-savy and has multiple skills.
In edition to writing copy, the editor needs to do some basic layout functions, and edit photos. Duties involve writing original articles, editing contributed material to length, arranging for art and photography, and performing layout duties using InDesign CS2 templates.
According to the publisher, “No relocation is required if you have a broadband connection to the internet and possess the requisite computer skills. You’ll need a passion for the mechanics of firearms and superior communications skills.” To apply for the job, send a cover letter and resume to American Gunsmith publisher Tim Cole at tim.cole@belvoirpubs.com.
August 20th, 2009
 The latest Brownells Catalog #62, is now available and it’s bigger than ever. This monster 592-page catalog now contains over 30,000 total products, with more than 1,200 that are new since 2008. Some of the thirty sections include: AR-15/M16; 1911 AUTO; Rifle and Shotgun Sights; Holsters and Mag Holders; General Gunsmith Tools; Metal Finishing; Screws and Hardware Kits; plus sections for Rings and Bases; Books and Videos; Optics and Accessories; and Stockwork.
According to company President Pete Brownell, “The ‘Dream Gun’ idea has proven to be very popular and we’ve updated it with six new-to-the-big-book ARs and another eight new 1911s showing some ideas on building a gun just the way you want it using products in the Catalog”.
Catalog #62 is currently available for purchase. To order, or for more information, call 800-741-0015 or visit Brownells.com and mention code “PFE”.
July 19th, 2009
 Ernie Paull from California was an active competition shooter for many years. However, his eyesight has declined so he has turned his attention to providing components for shooters and gunsmiths. Through his Ernie the Gunsmith website, Paull sells a variety of useful products including gun trigger springs, pillar-bedding kits, Accu-Risers, and pillar installation tools. This Bulletin post focuses on Ernie’s trigger springs. Ernie offers springs for a wide variety of rifles: Browning (A-Bolt, A-Bolt 22, X-Bolt), CZ (m452), Kimber, Remington (XR100, XCR, 7, 700, 722, 788, 7600 and more), Ruger (77, 77-22, LC6), Tikka (T-3), Weatherby (MK-V), and Winchester (M-70).
Springs start at just $6.95. Ernie also sells springs for the Rem-compatible Shilen Benchrest trigger, as well as Rem 700 ejector springs and trigger alignment springs. For Rem 700 rifles, Paull makes a spring that fits all Remington M-7 and M-700 triggers including the 2007-vintage X Mark-PRO trigger (but not the new X Mark-PRO trigger introduced in 2009). Ernie says: “on average, installation of his Model-700 spring will reduce factory triggers’ weight of pull by 1½ to 2½ lbs with no other changes. The exact amount of creep, overtravel, and weight of pull are dependant upon the type and amount of tuning accomplished by your gunsmith.”
 We often hear requests from Tikka T-3 owners asking how they can reduce their trigger pull weight. Paull offers a Tikka T-3 varmint trigger spring which can reduce the pull weight significantly. The photo at left shows the Tikka T-3 trigger assembly.
While there is more to a good trigger job (in most cases) than just a spring swap, you need to have the proper rate spring when adjusting trigger pull weight downwards. NOTE: For safety reasons, we recommend you consult a competent gunsmith before modifying factory triggers. We stress the word competent…
Ernie has observed that some gunsmiths try to lighten trigger pulls by modifying factory springs in questionable ways: “I have worked with gunsmiths in the past who, when the subject turned to trigger springs, preferred to clip them, grind them, heat them, bend them, smash them, or simply back out the weight of pull screw until there was no or almost no pressure on the spring. With any of these methods, you get a spring whose rate is rapidly rising as the trigger is pulled. As the trigger is released, the spring rate rapidly decreases as it approaches full or near-full extension. A more uniform weight of pull will be achieved when the trigger spring is compressed within its normal working range throughout the entire movement of the trigger. In the long run, the benefits of saved time, plus more uniform and reliable results, will more than offset the cost of these [replacement] springs. If you want a lighter trigger pull, you need a lighter trigger spring.”
April 18th, 2009
 NRA-approved gunsmithing courses are conducted at four locations across the country. There is still time to sign up for most of the 2008 courses, which run in May through August. Classes offered at Lassen Community College in Susanville, CA include Law Enforcement Armorers’ School Classes for AR15s and Precision Rifles, an M1/M1A Accurizing Seminar, plus courses in Single-Action Revolver Tuning, Knifemaking, Engraving, and Metallic Cartridge Reloading. Trinidad State College in Colorado classes include Metal Finishing/Blueing, Blue-Printing Bolt Actions, Stockmaking, Accurizing AR15s, tuning 10/22 ‘Raceguns’, plus smithing for Airguns. Montgomery Community College in Troy, NC offers classes in Bolt Action Accurizing, AR15 Accurizing, Engraving, Stock Checkering, and Welding for Gunsmiths. Among the many classes at Murray State College in Tishomingo, OK, are Basic Lathe Operation, M1/M1A Accurizing, Rifle Re-barreling, Shotgun Repair, and Air Rifle Accurizing. For more info, log on to the NRA Gunsmithing School site. College information offices and current summer schedules can be found at MidwayUSA’s Gunsmithing School page. We know two people who completed Armorers’ classes at Lassen CC. They reported the program was excellent. Photo courtesy MidwayUSA.com.
Lassen C.C. | Trinidad St. | Murray St. | Montgomery C.C.
March 15th, 2009
The Roto-Stand is a handy, innovative product that’s great for gunsmiths and anyone who needs to work on pistols or action and trigger assemblies. The product consists of two elements, a large, stable round base, plus a rotating, swivel head that can be locked in position. There are two different head assemblies available: 1) a general-purpose hobby vise with padded jaws; and 2) an adjustable, internal magazine post used to hold pistols. In the photo below you can see the Hobby Vise securing a Ruger 10/22 action. The Vise is not limited to gun applications — it will also secure electronics, fishing lures, RC motors, and other hobby items.
The video below shows the Roto-Stand with Mag Post holding a 1911 pistol. The Mag Post secures your pistol from inside the magwell. The Mag Post has an adjustable internal wedge so you can adjust the amount of “grip”. Three different Mag Posts are offered — one for 1911s, a second for Sig P220s, and a third for most Glock models. Watch the video below to see the Roto-Stand and Mag Post used with a 1911 pistol.
The Roto-Stand and related components are sold by BAT Industries, LLC of California (no connection to BAT Machine in Idaho). The base assembly, by itself, costs $69.95. The Hobby Vise is $39.95, and the Mag Post is $19.95. BAT Industries offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Roto-Stand Base
$69.95 |
Hobby Vise
$39.95 |
Mag Post
$19.95 |
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December 27th, 2008
 The technical staff of MidwayUSA has created a series of useful “how-to” articles for the NRA’s Guns and Hunting website. These stories cover many basic operations that can be done in a home workshop without expensive tools. The articles available online include:
 Fitting a Recoil Pad
Scope Mounting Made Easy
Glass-Bedding a Rifle Stock (Part 1) | (Part 2)
Applying a Baked-On Gun Finish
How to Shorten and Crown a .22 LR Barrel
How to Install Sling Swivel Studs
Working with Polishing Stones
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