GCA-Newsletter_01_13.. - Gun Club of America
GCA-Newsletter_01_13.. - Gun Club of America
GCA-Newsletter_01_13.. - Gun Club of America
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2<br />
Table<br />
<strong>of</strong> Contents<br />
2 Note From The President<br />
3 <strong>Gun</strong>Tech Program Guide<br />
4 Jack's Corner<br />
5 Tip <strong>of</strong> the Month<br />
6 Restoring the Winchester<br />
Model 57<br />
8 Rifle Cleaning Equipment<br />
9 Coming Next Month<br />
10 Producer's Cut<br />
11 Name That Part Contest!<br />
12 The A.H. Fox Sterlingworth<br />
Shotgun<br />
14 Resource Directory<br />
15 Student Certifications<br />
16 Video Index<br />
The <strong>GCA</strong> Connection and <strong>Gun</strong>Tech DVD Magazine<br />
are published and produced by The <strong>Gun</strong> <strong>Club</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>America</strong> and distributed solely to current<br />
<strong>GCA</strong> Members. ©Copyright <strong>GCA</strong> 2<strong>01</strong>2.<br />
All rights reserved. No part <strong>of</strong> this DVD or<br />
newsletter may be copied, reproduced, rented or<br />
transmitted for any reason without the written permission<br />
<strong>of</strong> the copyright holder.<br />
Contacting <strong>GCA</strong>:<br />
<strong>GCA</strong>, 351 Second Street, Napa, CA 94559,<br />
800-435-4262, Fax 707-253-2135,<br />
www.<strong>Gun</strong><strong>Club</strong>Of<strong>America</strong>.com<br />
Submissions and contributions: We welcome you to<br />
submit articles, stories, photos and videos for<br />
publication in the <strong>GCA</strong> Connection and/or <strong>Gun</strong>Tech<br />
DVD Magazine. <strong>GCA</strong> pays for submissions and contributions<br />
with "AGI Bucks." These coupons are<br />
redeemable dollar-for-dollar towards the<br />
purchase <strong>of</strong> any AGI product or AGI video course.<br />
Articles: Email your articles to<br />
jlandis@<strong>America</strong>n<strong>Gun</strong>smith.com.<br />
Articles and stories must be submitted in<br />
MS Word or MS publisher format. We pay<br />
for stories and articles we print by the word:<br />
100-300 words = 20 AGI Bucks,<br />
300-500 words = 50 AGI Bucks,<br />
500+ words = 100 AGI Bucks.<br />
Photos: Electronic photos must be submitted in a<br />
jpeg format with a resolution <strong>of</strong> at LEAST 640x480.<br />
Print photos are accepted but <strong>GCA</strong> cannot return any<br />
printed photos and all submitted photos will become<br />
the property <strong>of</strong> <strong>GCA</strong>.<br />
Videos: Videos must be on DVD or on MiniDV tape,<br />
S-VHS tape or Hi-8 tape. We cannot return any<br />
video tapes and all submitted videos will become the<br />
property <strong>of</strong> the <strong>GCA</strong>. All videos must have<br />
sound on the tape that explains what we are<br />
watching. We pay by the minute for each minute<br />
(or portion there<strong>of</strong>) that we use. 10 AGI Bucks<br />
per finished minute.<br />
Subscriber information - missing or damaged issues:<br />
If an issue <strong>of</strong> the <strong>GCA</strong> Connection and/or <strong>Gun</strong>Tech<br />
DVD is lost in the mail or arrives damaged, simply<br />
contact <strong>GCA</strong> at 800-435-4262 for a replacement.<br />
A Note from the President . . .<br />
Enjoying the guns I already own!<br />
Seems like whenever I go places where there are new or<br />
different firearms, such as the SHOT Show, visiting manufacturers<br />
or doing testing for <strong>Gun</strong>Tech, I come away lusting after some<br />
new gun or guns!. I mean get real, I don’t think a mule could<br />
even begin to carry all the guns I own now, so why on earth do I need another one!<br />
Well, “need” as I am sure you know isn’t really the issue, but WANT<br />
certainly is and I am O.K. with that! Hey I need that beautiful Chiappa color<br />
case hardened receiver, single shot, Baby Sharps in .30/30 caliber because, well, it<br />
would be cool for, um, hunting deer<br />
I, like most gun guys, have convinced myself that I needed (read that as really, really<br />
wanted) this and many other guns that probably will never get taken into the field more<br />
than once or twice. But “Gee Wally!” I STILL really want them. So what do I do Well,<br />
most <strong>of</strong> the time I restrain myself and the trance I find myself in over a particular gun<br />
eventually passes, but <strong>of</strong> course, not always. Hey, a guy needs to have his toys right!<br />
Recently I had occasion to go through many <strong>of</strong> my guns as I moved them into a new safe.<br />
This gave me the opportunity to handle some guns I hadn’t looked at or admired for quite<br />
some time. Some <strong>of</strong> those guns have very fond memories attached to them and it gave<br />
me joy just to handle them again.<br />
The first that fell to hand was a very old, slightly pitted, S&W Model 10 .38 Special<br />
revolver, that was the very first centerfire handgun I ever owned. Bought it used -<br />
really, really used! I did a trigger job on it in gunsmithing school and it is still silky smooth<br />
and timed up tight. That gun went into the field a lot with me over the college years and<br />
beyond. I still enjoy shooting it.<br />
Colt's .22lr Autoloading Stagecoach<br />
I also looked at my<br />
Dad’s old 1894 .30/30 Winchester that I carried on some <strong>of</strong> my<br />
first deer hunts. In the back <strong>of</strong> the safe was my Colt “Stagecoach” .22 LR<br />
semi-auto rifle. It is a 16" carbine with a 13 shot tube magazine, a glossy walnut<br />
stock, a saddle ring, and roll engraving on the receiver. That was my first rifle and I saved<br />
for it a long time. Over the years it “killed” a lot <strong>of</strong> cans, and even put a few<br />
rabbits in the stew pot. I still really enjoy shooting that lightweight, fast handling, little<br />
gun. Another rifle I pulled out was an M1 Garand in .308 that I’ve still never fired. Dang!<br />
All <strong>of</strong> this got me to thinking. Here I had a group <strong>of</strong> “friends” that I really enjoyed and yet<br />
I was always out looking for another. Maybe I am just a insatiable gatherer/collector but<br />
it did give me pause. Because I knew there was still a huge amount <strong>of</strong> enjoyment available<br />
to me with the guns I already owned. So, now I’m making plans to take a number <strong>of</strong><br />
my “old friends” out on a “Range Date” this year. I might even have to put blinders on so<br />
I don’t look too closely at any new guns while I am visiting the shooting range. Well<br />
maybe just a peek . . .<br />
So, enjoy the guns you’ve got. Take them out, tune them up, reacquaint yourself with<br />
some old friends and have some fun!<br />
Good Shooting, Gene Kelly<br />
President, AGI and the <strong>Gun</strong> <strong>Club</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>America</strong><br />
◆<br />
Chiappa’s Mini-Sharps Hunter in .30/30 Winchester
What’s in this Month’s Issue<br />
Welcome to 2<strong>01</strong>3 and welcome to <strong>Gun</strong>Tech Issue #81.<br />
Apparently the Mayan calendar wasn’t really right about the<br />
end <strong>of</strong> the universe so we have another great issue <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Gun</strong>Tech for you this month and a surprise host! Gene brings<br />
another submachine gun out <strong>of</strong> his gun locker, Ken has a very<br />
interesting topic in “Tips from the Workbench,” Jack has some<br />
great tools and products, Keith goes on a clandestine mission<br />
to find some out-<strong>of</strong>-the-ordinary guns, and much more!<br />
Ten-X TX-12<br />
12GA. “Hello”<br />
for LE and Military<br />
entry teams<br />
<strong>Gun</strong>Tech<br />
Program Guide<br />
Ten for Ten-X<br />
We pay a visit to<br />
Ten-X because we’ve heard<br />
they are up to<br />
something very different, at least<br />
for THEM! They have a new product they<br />
are working on and, instead <strong>of</strong> developing<br />
another obsolete/antique cartridge, they<br />
have gone in a COMPLETELY different<br />
direction. They have developed an under-barrel, add-on for<br />
the AR platform that kind <strong>of</strong> delivers a smackdown to the<br />
competition because <strong>of</strong> its simplicity and ease <strong>of</strong> use.<br />
Media Flash . . . Product Review<br />
This media is no flash in the pan item.<br />
Instead it is quite the opposite and you<br />
will want this for your gun pantry! Jack<br />
shows you how to get polishing media for<br />
dimes-on-the-dollar that is just as good<br />
as the fancy stuff and better yet . . . wait<br />
for it . . . it’s available nearly 24hrs a day<br />
just down the street (or the next town over<br />
for you folks in the country). Believe me, you’ll go nuts for this<br />
once you learn about it (The Editor is NOT responsible for the<br />
Producer’s puns! – Ed).<br />
Instructor Interview<br />
AGI instructor Fred Zeglin took<br />
some time out from his busy SHOT<br />
Show schedule to do an interview<br />
with Hot Brass editor Lenée Landis.<br />
She gets him<br />
talking about<br />
his early gunsmithing<br />
experiences and his reason for<br />
developing his line <strong>of</strong> wildcat cartridges.<br />
We also see his latest publication on the<br />
subject. Fred’s passion is making wildcatting<br />
understandable and available to all <strong>of</strong><br />
us, instead <strong>of</strong> that “back room” thing<br />
going on with just a few “crazy guys”!<br />
Product Review<br />
Once again it’s time for<br />
Jack to review another<br />
great product for what<br />
You guessed it, the<br />
venerable 10/22. This<br />
compact and useful unit is<br />
easy for the first timer to<br />
install, and includes the needed tools and instructions. It is a<br />
replacement rear sight that goes right in the factory dovetail.<br />
It adds a laser to your lineup without the loss <strong>of</strong> your<br />
standard iron sights or the addition <strong>of</strong> any expensive or bulky<br />
items hanging <strong>of</strong>f another part <strong>of</strong> the gun!<br />
SIG 224 Compact, available in<br />
9mm, .40 S&W, and .357 SIG<br />
Replacement Laser Rear Sight for the<br />
Ruger 10/22 from Laserlyte<br />
Walkin’ the line(up) with SIG<br />
Gene checks out the complete 2<strong>01</strong>2 lineup<br />
<strong>of</strong> existing AND NEW pistols from SIG. First he<br />
test-fires each on some steel targets at the range,<br />
then the SIG rep gives him the low-down on each. There are<br />
more than a few surprises in store as SIG unveils a really<br />
compact 1911 style .45, releases one <strong>of</strong> their previously<br />
“military only” guns to the public and makes a brand new gun<br />
from scratch!<br />
Tips from the Workbench<br />
This month Ken gets hypothetical, theoretical, and practical<br />
all in one segment! He addresses the very REAL issue <strong>of</strong><br />
making a part for a firearm that you have NO specs on. That’s<br />
right, its not in the books, no parts have been made for a<br />
LONG time and guess what You don’t even HAVE the part .<br />
. . it’s missing! What are you going to do Never fear, Ken is<br />
here and the answer is simpler than you might think! He<br />
walks you right through the entire process <strong>of</strong> figuring out how<br />
to replace that part.<br />
The Reising<br />
M50 Submachine <strong>Gun</strong><br />
Gene’s <strong>Gun</strong> Locker<br />
It is time once again for another installment <strong>of</strong> “Gene’s <strong>Gun</strong><br />
Locker!” This month he pulls out a pariah <strong>of</strong> sorts. This gun<br />
was issued to the Marines in WWII and they actually threw<br />
them away, destroyed them and buried them until the military<br />
issued them a different weapon! Why Was the gun really that<br />
bad You’ll find out as Gene gives you the history, takes you<br />
through the field-stripping and then drags you to the range to<br />
put the Reising submachine gun through its paces.<br />
Tool <strong>of</strong> the Month<br />
This month (this being the time for end-<strong>of</strong>-year clearance<br />
sales) Jack gives you a three-for-one <strong>of</strong>fer you simply can’t<br />
refuse and simply CAN afford! How are you and your tool bits<br />
doing lately Got one <strong>of</strong> those expensive-yet-awkward drivers<br />
that you keep losing the bits for Perhaps you have one <strong>of</strong><br />
those bit sets that is hard to keep organized and keeps<br />
spilling bits all over the place Maybe you wish you could<br />
Continue on page 5<br />
3
Jack’s<br />
Corner<br />
by Jack Landis<br />
AGI Technical Services Manager,<br />
<strong>GCA</strong> Connection and<br />
<strong>Gun</strong>Tech Editor<br />
January to me, besides the<br />
beginning <strong>of</strong> a new year, means it’s almost time to head out<br />
for the SHOT Show. Mz. Lenée and I will be heading out early<br />
Sunday the 13th for Las Vegas. Since we drive, we get all <strong>of</strong><br />
the “Hey! We forgot to pack/couldn’t find/didn’t buy the . . .<br />
(fill in the blanks). Could you bring/stop and buy . . .<br />
(whatever was in the preceding blanks)” requests. Not a<br />
huge problem but it sometimes entails a little searching and<br />
we need to be at the Convention Center by around 1300 hrs<br />
to bond with our General Manager Chuck Pope. Bond - and<br />
by that I mean unpack/assemble/setup/lay out the AGI and<br />
<strong>GCA</strong> booths. We’ve pretty much got it down pat after six years<br />
(that I’ve been doing it). I’m not exactly sure why, but those six<br />
foot long glass cases seem to be significantly heavier now<br />
than they were six years ago.<br />
Besides getting to reacquaint with all <strong>of</strong> our friends in the<br />
industry one <strong>of</strong> the two times a year we generally get together,<br />
the other being the NRA show, we get to see and shoot<br />
many really neat new and sorta’ new guns. Media Day on<br />
Monday sees all <strong>of</strong> us out at the range looking at and trying<br />
out all <strong>of</strong> the “latest and greatest” guns, optics, ammo, etc.<br />
This is absolute Heaven on Earth for gun guys and girls.<br />
This year we’ll be out there bright and early for the “Morning”<br />
session as well as the usual later session. The morning<br />
session is limited to those invited by the manufacturers,<br />
usually their biggest sales targets and major media. I can’t tell<br />
you 'how' we got invited, suffice it to say that there were NO<br />
threats <strong>of</strong> serious violence, cross my heart.<br />
Among the things I<br />
want to see and try are:<br />
Note polymer<br />
ballistic tips<br />
1. Cutting Edge Bullets –<br />
These folks make light<br />
for caliber homogenous<br />
bullets, like Barnes “X”<br />
bullets, but with a twist.<br />
They have a very large<br />
and long hollow cavity. When they hit they’re supposed to<br />
open up to about half their length into six petals that shear <strong>of</strong>f<br />
and form their own wound channels. The base plows on<br />
4<br />
through like a solid, like the base <strong>of</strong> a Nosler Partition bullet,<br />
for maximum, usually through, penetration. They also come<br />
with pointed polymer plugs that can be inserted into the<br />
bullets for long range work. They’re pr<strong>of</strong>ile is quite long for<br />
caliber, sort <strong>of</strong> like a Swift Scirocco. They make these bullets<br />
in calibers from .22 to .50. They’re supposed to be set up on<br />
the thousand yard range with something chambered in .338<br />
Lapua to demonstrate their long range accuracy. Can’t wait to<br />
press THAT trigger a couple <strong>of</strong> times.<br />
U.S. Optics SR8 1x8x30 scope<br />
2. U. S. Optics is<br />
introducing their<br />
brand new SR8, 1x8x30 short to medium<br />
range scopes designed for tactical use. It has an illuminated<br />
variable brightness reticle with blue/green/red color<br />
selectivity. They are variable from 1 to 8 power (no, really!)<br />
and the 1 power is actually a true 1 power. Right, no<br />
magnification, which means they can be used with both eyes<br />
open like a red dot reflex sight at close range. The 8 power<br />
allows accurate target engagement out past 600 yards. The<br />
30mm tube allows better light transmission and a 100 minute<br />
windage and elevation adjustment. That would be pretty good<br />
looking and working on top <strong>of</strong> my AR-10 M4 variant.<br />
3. Desert Tactical Arms<br />
will be debuting their<br />
new SRS-A1 suppressed<br />
sniper rifle.<br />
This bad boy is an<br />
AR/M4 variant with a<br />
MagPul looking butt<br />
stock with an<br />
adjustable cheek piece. Those <strong>of</strong> us whose dimensions give<br />
lie to the whole “One size fits all” garbage will greatly appreciate<br />
the ability to size the comb so our shooting eye falls<br />
exactly in line with the sighting system with no squirming<br />
around. An accurate, reliable, semi auto rifle, that’s adjustable<br />
to fit for natural shooting . . . hard to find something here not<br />
to like.<br />
4. I’m am looking forward to<br />
checking out the several AK and AR<br />
based tactical/ competition shotguns. RAAC Akdal MKA 1919 Shotgun<br />
They seem to get better and less cobby looking every year,<br />
and run more reliably. We shot the RAAC Akdal AR style<br />
shotgun last year and it in fact introduced us to red dot reflex<br />
sights on shotguns when shooting clays. This led us to the<br />
year long involvement with the Redring and EoTech sights on<br />
several <strong>of</strong> our shotguns. We shot a couple <strong>of</strong> AK variations at<br />
a competition from Saiga.<br />
Sporting shotguns are evolving rapidly as well. The<br />
s<strong>of</strong>t-shooting, shoot everything Beretta Explor, Remington
Beretta A400 Explor Shotgun<br />
Versa Max, and Franchi Affinity really impressed us<br />
last year, and we’re looking forward to seeing what’s new and<br />
comparable from Benelli and Browning.<br />
Program Guide Continued . . .<br />
carry a tool in your pocket, have interchangeable bits and<br />
NOT have them get lost He has solutions for ALL these<br />
problems and better yet . . . they are SUPER affordable! Yeah,<br />
it’ll blow your mind.<br />
We’ll check in with ArmaLite and Nemesis to see what’s new,<br />
as well as fondle and shoot the latest handguns from FNH,<br />
SIG, Beretta, S&W, Glock, Ruger, Charter, Chiappa, and the<br />
other big names. We’ll also find, as always, a number <strong>of</strong><br />
unexpected treats and surprises that will excite us for the rest<br />
<strong>of</strong> the year. We normally run out <strong>of</strong> time and legs before we<br />
get anywhere near to seeing everyone we wanted to see, and<br />
I don’t see this year as being any different.<br />
Of course this all takes place on Day minus 1, the actual show<br />
hasn’t even started yet. Days 1 – 4 on the show floor we’ll<br />
wander among thousands <strong>of</strong> exhibitors searching for<br />
whatever stops us and makes us go “Wow, that’s pretty neat”.<br />
While working in our booths we’ll meet lots <strong>of</strong> new<br />
prospective students and <strong>GCA</strong> members, renew old acquaintances<br />
with members and students who drop by to say hello,<br />
ask questions, and buy a few items at our “Show Only” sale.<br />
It is a truly exciting, energizing, and knowledge expanding<br />
experience, but after 6 days and the last tear down and<br />
pack-up, our own beds back at the homesteads begin to call<br />
pretty loudly. Yeah, I know, I can hear all the way from here<br />
how loudly you’re weeping about our trials and tribulations,<br />
and believe me, I know just how you feel. I feel the pain just<br />
as much for Boddington, and the late Aagaard and Ruark as<br />
they describe roughing it on their foreign hunts. Uh huh, you<br />
bet! My heart just weeps!<br />
‘Til next month, break some new ground ‘smithing and<br />
shooting, and introduce someone new to each,<br />
Jack Landis<br />
(800)797-0867 x 104 • jlandis@americangunsmith.com ◆<br />
Tip <strong>of</strong> the Month<br />
by Robert Theriot<br />
A crochet hook also works well for removal and replacement<br />
<strong>of</strong> springs. I use them for both guns and musical instruments.<br />
---------------------<br />
Editor's Note - WARNING!!! As a matter <strong>of</strong> personal<br />
experience, DO NOT take these from your wife's sewing stuff<br />
bag, or worse yet remove one from something she's working<br />
on, without her permission!!! If you can't get that, be certain<br />
to put them back immediately (the idea here is don't get<br />
caught), but do not forget to wipe <strong>of</strong>f any grease, dirt or oil!<br />
Failure to follow these instructions will likely cost you hugely,<br />
particularly in a community property state like California.<br />
Firearm Evaluation<br />
For January, we conduct a<br />
complete bench and field<br />
evaluation on the new AR-30 rifle<br />
from ArmaLite in .338 Lapua<br />
Magnum. You heard me right<br />
and you’ll hear this gun too! Don’t worry, it comes with the<br />
muzzlebrake to end all muzzlebrakes and that makes this gun<br />
a pussycat to shoot! However, this is NOT your Grandfather’s<br />
gun, so what do Uncle Bob and Ken think <strong>of</strong> it We find out<br />
as they dive into the gun, and your fellow <strong>GCA</strong> members help<br />
us conduct the range testing! Jack gets the accuracy testing<br />
done during a sandstorm in the Sacramento Sahara.<br />
Let me entertain you, Let me make you smile<br />
This month Keith has a segment all his own. He didn’t tell<br />
Jack or Gene what he was up to or where he was going so<br />
they’ll see it now when you do! All he said was that he heard<br />
<strong>of</strong> a place with some pretty cool guns and he went on a safari<br />
or sorts to see if he could find it and get an interview. Some<br />
<strong>of</strong> what he found is so rare that they are no longer available<br />
but others are so new they aren’t even released yet! So don’t<br />
let the “sky fall” as Keith gets his “James Bond” on this month<br />
in his quest to bring you something different!<br />
Disassembly/<br />
Reassembly Course<br />
This month Ken tackles the<br />
Ortgies pocket pistol. Jack and Lenée<br />
have a history with this gun but most <strong>of</strong> us<br />
have probably never even seen one. This little gun<br />
is an exercise in simplicity and straightforward<br />
thinking. As Ken guides you step-by-step through the<br />
complete disassembly and reassembly, you will gain further<br />
insight into the different takes on firearm design that had<br />
some <strong>of</strong> the pioneers in the field taking “The road less<br />
travelled”(making you a better gunsmith). You may even<br />
become so enamored that you snag one for yourself! So enjoy<br />
this issue and the start <strong>of</strong> the new year and we’ll be<br />
back next month . . . in <strong>Gun</strong>Tech! ◆<br />
5
Restoring the<br />
Winchester<br />
Model 57<br />
By David E. Fey<br />
AGI Practical <strong>Gun</strong>smithing Course Graduate,<br />
AGI Certified Law Enforcement Armorer,<br />
Certified Glock Armorer, <strong>GCA</strong> Member<br />
Editor’s Note; This is David’s second restoration article to<br />
appear in <strong>Gun</strong>Tech. Those <strong>of</strong> you who have been members<br />
for awhile may remember his excellent Ithaca 37 article that<br />
appeared in <strong>Gun</strong>Tech Issues 62 and 63 about a year and a<br />
half ago. Due to its length (~5,400 words and a bunch <strong>of</strong><br />
pictures) this “Magnum Opus” will run in four parts.<br />
The Table <strong>of</strong> Contents below shows you what is coming up.<br />
Sections One, Two, and Three will be the first three parts, and<br />
sections Four and Five will be the fourth. Upon completion the<br />
entire article with ALL <strong>of</strong> the pictures will be available on the<br />
<strong>GCA</strong> Members website along with the Ithaca 37 article.<br />
Table <strong>of</strong> Contents<br />
Part One:<br />
Introduction<br />
A friend has this gun, you see . . .<br />
The Plan<br />
Assessment <strong>of</strong> Firearm Value<br />
Firearm Market Value<br />
Firearm Condition<br />
Assessment Conclusion<br />
My story starts like many a good gun story: a bag o’ parts<br />
and the dream <strong>of</strong> greatness from ruin. The ruin in question<br />
was a rusty rifle; the greatness turned out to be a beautiful .22<br />
rifle and a pr<strong>of</strong>ound appreciation for an old school technique,<br />
hand polishing. I believe this is a lost art for one pr<strong>of</strong>ound<br />
reason, it’s a lot <strong>of</strong> work! Way, way more effort than<br />
mechanical means, and for that, I thank Da Vinci, Fulton and<br />
their engineering and materials predecessors for making our<br />
modern lives easier.<br />
Along the way I discovered that the restoration, leveling, and<br />
polishing <strong>of</strong> both wood and metal share many <strong>of</strong> the same<br />
tools and techniques such as files, and coated abrasives<br />
(sand paper).<br />
I took the long way on this restoration project for the same<br />
reason AGI is around: to preserve the gunsmithing arts. No<br />
one is going to bemoan the fact that mass production has<br />
replaced hand craftsmanship in the production <strong>of</strong> firearms;<br />
we acknowledge that there’s a time and place for machine<br />
work. But there’s also a time for hand work that builds and<br />
sustains craftsmanship.<br />
A friend has this gun, you see . . .<br />
I’d been itching to try draw filing and hand polishing after<br />
reading a book on that subject. My opportunity came when<br />
a friend handed me his beat-up Winchester Model 57 and<br />
asked me for a full-on restoration: stock refinished, metal<br />
reblued. His interest in the gun was as a .22 LR for his<br />
grandson to shoot, maybe to hand down as a family heirloom.<br />
Part Two:<br />
Now the work begins<br />
Firearm Disassembly<br />
Stripping and Restoring the Stock<br />
On to the Sanding!<br />
Part Replacement<br />
6<br />
Part Three:<br />
Draw Filing and Polishing<br />
Now that 90% <strong>of</strong> the work is done…the other 90% begins!<br />
Part Four:<br />
Rust Bluing and Carding<br />
Cleaning the Steel Wool<br />
Handy Containers<br />
Carding<br />
This is Why I Keep This Stuff Around:<br />
Making the Barrel Jig<br />
Part Five:<br />
Conclusion<br />
Mislabeled bag o' parts<br />
The gun was a classic “bag gun.” A barrel/receiver, a stock,<br />
and a bag o’ parts. You will notice from the photo above that<br />
the bag o’ parts was labeled “Win Mod75.” Upon examination<br />
<strong>of</strong> the firearm I discovered that my friend must be dyslexic<br />
because he gave me a Model 57!<br />
The Plan<br />
My plan was to establish an opinion <strong>of</strong> the gun’s potential<br />
market value, inform the owner <strong>of</strong> my findings, and work with<br />
the owner to see whether restoration or leaving the firearm<br />
as-is was advisable.
Assessment <strong>of</strong> Firearm Value<br />
A gunsmith’s obligation to determine value was reinforced in<br />
the November 12, 2<strong>01</strong>2, issue <strong>of</strong> The <strong>America</strong>n Rifleman.<br />
“Technical Questions and Answers” section editor Rick Hacker<br />
responded to the question “Restore or Retire an Old <strong>Gun</strong>”<br />
about a shotgun inherited by the gun owner’s nephew.<br />
Without knowing the company that made the shotgun in<br />
question, Hacker opined that the basic justification whether<br />
to restore a firearm “lies with the firearm itself,” meaning that<br />
a firearm’s value was an assessment <strong>of</strong> its condition, its<br />
historic context, how many were produced, etc. and how<br />
these factors acted together.<br />
Hacker noted that “ . . . as a general rule, refinishing any<br />
firearm, whether a utility-grade Crescent or a top <strong>of</strong> the line<br />
Parker, will reduce its value by half.” That’s an expert opinion<br />
<strong>of</strong> a gun’s market value.<br />
In a recent article in The Shotgun News, entitled Condition +<br />
Backstory = Collector Heaven, writer Luke Mercaldo detailed<br />
his purchase <strong>of</strong> a Model 1891 Mosin Nagant, a Russiandesigned,<br />
<strong>America</strong>n-made rifle rich in history. The rifle’s<br />
history—it’s place in the spectrum <strong>of</strong> firearm development, its<br />
role in historical events, and the story <strong>of</strong> how Mr. Mercaldo<br />
purchased it—all contribute a potentially high market value<br />
that would have likely plummeted if it were carelessly<br />
‘restored.’ The fact that “the rifle still had the original armory<br />
grease/preservative on the wood and metal,” also contributes<br />
to the gun’s market value.<br />
The technical description <strong>of</strong> this gun's condition is "ugh!"<br />
It shouldn’t take a great detective to see that this is Exhibit 1<br />
to the decline <strong>of</strong> value, market or personal, from a NIB<br />
condition.<br />
The metal’s original finish was largely gone with only patches<br />
<strong>of</strong> bluing existing in protected places such as the space<br />
where the barrel is joined to the receiver. Overall the barrel<br />
presented extensive light surface corrosion and a few small<br />
dents and gouges on the metal. There was no overall<br />
consistent patina on the metal.<br />
Bolt and receiver share the same serial number. Barrel, lands<br />
and grooves and muzzle are in good condition. All markings<br />
are sharp including the Winchester roll marks on the barrel.<br />
Action is mechanically sound, edges and fit are sharp and<br />
tight. Trigger works, dummy .22 rounds are ejected, and the<br />
safety functions.<br />
If one were to take Mercaldo’s rifle, strip and polish the<br />
metalwork, re-blue or re-parkerize it, upgrade components,<br />
drill and tap for a modern scope, and give it a high-gloss<br />
urethane finish, its context as an historical firearm would be<br />
dramatically reduced.<br />
Ultimately, a firearm is a personal possession, and the owner’s<br />
wishes contribute to the gunsmith’s actions. In fact, the<br />
narrator for AGI’s video “Restoring the <strong>America</strong>n Long Rifle”<br />
states, “I’m not going to debate whether or not restoration <strong>of</strong><br />
a historic firearm should or should not be done . . . I’m going<br />
to show you how I do it.” Thus, the decision to restore starts<br />
with the owner, and is performed by a willing gunsmith.<br />
Firearm Market Value<br />
Behold! A Winchester Model 57, SN 23XXX which, according<br />
to web sources, puts it in the 1931 production category. The<br />
32nd Edition Blue Book <strong>of</strong> <strong>Gun</strong> Values - 2<strong>01</strong>1, places<br />
Winchester Model 57 values from $775 (100%) to $375 (60%).<br />
A perusing <strong>of</strong> firearms websites indicated the rifle was a good<br />
plinker though it wasn’t rare or historic, and didn’t represent<br />
a significant contribution to firearm design or history.<br />
Firearm Condition<br />
My next assessment was the firearm’s condition. Now, I’m no<br />
Sherlock Holmes, but Exhibit 1 was the fact the rifle arrived<br />
in several parts, and most parts were in a ziplock bag.<br />
At least it looks like it has all <strong>of</strong> its parts<br />
Rear sight appeared to be a correct Lyman peep sight<br />
mounted to the rear left <strong>of</strong> the receiver. Elevation is adjusted<br />
by turning a small lever that releases a cam so the sight can<br />
be raised and lowered; windage is—or would be—adjusted by<br />
loosening a screw that allows the peep sight to shift right and<br />
left in a dovetail. This screw appeared to be inserted with a<br />
ball peen hammer, which made removal problematic. Overall,<br />
the rear sight presented light surface rust and corrosion. All<br />
screws were damaged or mangled and both the peep and a<br />
mounting screw were missing.<br />
The front sight appeared to be a badly dented Marble<br />
“Sheard”. The one-piece stock was un-checkered walnut and<br />
showed what remains <strong>of</strong> a matte finish. No carvings or<br />
“improvements” by unskilled (or bored) previous owners.<br />
There was a prominent blemish on the stock near the butt<br />
where the finish had been corrupted by water or solvent. It<br />
Continue on page 9<br />
7
Rifle Cleaning<br />
Equipment:<br />
Solvents and Oils that won’t<br />
put you in the doghouse<br />
By Ron Dague - Sinclair Reloading Technician<br />
Reprinted by Permission <strong>of</strong> Sinclair International<br />
One time, after I had cleaned some rifles in the garage, my<br />
wife told me to go chase the skunk from under the pine tree.<br />
The joke was on me. I was the skunk. We all know that cleaning<br />
our guns is a necessary part <strong>of</strong> shooting. And there are<br />
plenty <strong>of</strong> chemicals and solvents out there that clean guns<br />
really well. But a lot <strong>of</strong> us also know, from hard experience,<br />
that some products that clean well don’t preserve the peace<br />
in the house very well. Simply put, a lot <strong>of</strong> gun cleaners stink—<br />
literally.<br />
Inside The House<br />
When I clean firearms inside<br />
the house or in the basement,<br />
I use what I call “familyfriendly”<br />
cleaners that are<br />
odorless for the most part. I<br />
use TM Solution and Bore<br />
Tech C4 Carbon Remover for<br />
starters. They go after carbon and powder fouling very<br />
aggressively, and when the carbon is gone they will turn the<br />
patch light blue. That’s when I switch to Cu+2 Copper<br />
Remover. I don’t mix TM Solution and Bore Tech C4. I use one<br />
or the other, but not both at the same time.<br />
Here is a list <strong>of</strong> the other tools and chemicals I like to use<br />
cleaning guns inside the house:<br />
• Two Dewey cleaning rods—one for brush and one for jag.<br />
Cleaning rod cases are good ideas as well.<br />
• Cleaning rod guide, specific to each rifle I’m cleaning.<br />
• Cleaning patches in sizes to cover .22, 6mm, and .30<br />
caliber; I keep plenty <strong>of</strong> 1-1/8″, 1-3/8″ and 2″ patches on<br />
hand at all times.<br />
• A cleaning cradle or maintenance center is a good idea.<br />
I like to keep the muzzle down so solvents will run out the<br />
muzzle. I use the Sinclair cleaning cradles.<br />
• Bronze brushes in the specific calibers I am cleaning.<br />
A word on bronze brushes. I have heard all the pros and cons<br />
<strong>of</strong> the debate <strong>of</strong> bronze brushes versus nylon brushes. I think<br />
the nylon applies cleaners better, but I also think the bronze<br />
brushes scrub better. Any brush can damage a bore or crown<br />
if used improperly. Don’t change direction in the middle <strong>of</strong> the<br />
bore and when you start back from the muzzle go slow and<br />
8 let the brush self-center.<br />
Carbon First<br />
I start by running two or three wet patches down the bore and<br />
I let it soak for about five minutes. Then I put solvent on a<br />
brush that’s mounted on a rod, and give five stokes down and<br />
back. I repeat this process about four or five times and let it<br />
soak for another 15 to 20 minutes. Then I dry patch the<br />
cleaner out and run two or three wet patches through the<br />
bore and let it soak for about 15 minutes.<br />
Finally, I dry patch and see if the patch turns black, or if there<br />
is light blue on the patch. If it is still black I repeat two wet<br />
patches and let it soak 15 minutes. I will keep repeating this<br />
process until the patches start turning blue. If the patches<br />
come out white on the last pass with carbon remover, I will<br />
run some copper solvent through to see if there is any copper<br />
fouling. I only use the rod with a brush at the very beginning<br />
to break up the loose carbon and powder fouling. After that,<br />
I just use jags and patches.<br />
Copper Second<br />
Cleaning out the carbon as described above also removes<br />
some <strong>of</strong> the copper. But there is still some copper fouling left.<br />
For this I use Cu+2 from Bore Tech. It works fast on normal<br />
copper fouling. If the fouling is really heavy I will soak the<br />
barrel with three or four wet patches and let it stand<br />
overnight. The next day, before I go to work I will go push the<br />
cleaner out and reapply. When I get home from work, I do the<br />
same and then let it set until later that night and go finish the<br />
cleaning. After the barrel is copper and carbon-free I run a<br />
patch with Butch’s <strong>Gun</strong> Oil through the barrel about four or<br />
five times. This leaves a film <strong>of</strong> oil and cleans up any excess<br />
oil left behind. It is a laid back way <strong>of</strong> cleaning rifles when you<br />
can let the solvent do most <strong>of</strong> the work for you.<br />
Cleaning <strong>Gun</strong>s Outside<br />
For cleaning at the range or outdoors and you need fast<br />
results: I use the same cleaning methods described above,<br />
but I don’t leave the cleaner in the barrel for overnight soak. I<br />
apply cleaner and remove it in 15 to 20 minutes. Since I don’t<br />
have to worry about what the cleaners smell<br />
like outside, I use Butch’s Bore<br />
Shine or Montana X-treme 50<br />
BMG .<br />
These cleaners are very<br />
strong solvents with strong<br />
ammonia smells. They are not<br />
family friendly.<br />
Some other products I usually use<br />
outside include Montana X-Treme<br />
<strong>Gun</strong> Grease and Kellube for the bolt and firing pin main<br />
spring. For cleaning triggers, I apply Red Devil lighter fluid or<br />
RONSON oil and then blow it all out with canned air. Be<br />
careful: lighter fluid and RONSON oil are both flammable. I<br />
do this two times a year on the rifles I shoot in competition,<br />
or as needed.
Since I shoot mostly Remington rifles, I use the Sinclair firing<br />
pin removal tool and ejector tool shown below. These allow<br />
you to disassemble the bolt for easy maintenance.<br />
Restoring the WInchester Model 57 Continued . . .<br />
With a little<br />
careful planning,<br />
and correct selection<br />
<strong>of</strong> cleaners and solvents,<br />
you too can clean guns<br />
inside the house without being<br />
the skunk. ◆<br />
Coming Next Month<br />
February has been considered a month for lovers since the<br />
invention <strong>of</strong> Valentine’s Day, and you are going to LOVE what<br />
we’ve got coming for you in the February issue <strong>of</strong> <strong>Gun</strong>Tech!<br />
The 5¼ pound Mountain Ascent<br />
Rifle from Kimber <strong>America</strong><br />
Jack gets all the<br />
details on a new lightweight<br />
Mountain Ascent Rifle from an<br />
unusual source, Gene Shuey’s “Tip from the<br />
Workbench” will improve the quality <strong>of</strong> your customizing<br />
projects and Gene Kelly visits the prolific “Century Arms<br />
Co.” to see what great new guns they are bringing out.<br />
Badly damaged Marble front sight<br />
appeared as a whitish stain with drippings that ran down and<br />
collected near the rear strap swivel. There was some staining<br />
on the wood under the front barrel band, where the metal<br />
contacts the wood. The metal to wood fit was very good.<br />
There was no significant figure to the wood.<br />
It looks like acetone or lacquer thinner dripped on the stock<br />
Jack is back with more product reviews. He is always on the<br />
lookout for bargains AND innovative products that solve<br />
problems and enhance your<br />
shootin' and smithin'.<br />
AGI Instructor and master gunsmith Ken<br />
Brooks visits with a new firearms company<br />
that has a new and innovative, well-designed carry<br />
pistol called the “Caracal.”<br />
New Caracal 9mm tactical pistol from the United Arab Emirates<br />
Mr. Kelly checks out some VERY cool automation that takes<br />
your firearms training to a whole new level. These robots keep<br />
shooters on their toes because they are remote controlled by<br />
your instructor. Jack has his pick for “Tool <strong>of</strong> the Month” (<strong>of</strong><br />
course!) and more.<br />
Stoeger Cougar 8000<br />
Compact 9mm by Beretta<br />
Your Disassembly/Reassembly Course<br />
for February is on the Beretta Cougar pistol. AGI<br />
instructor and master gunsmith Ken Brooks<br />
guides you through the detailed disassembly and<br />
reassembly with exceptional clarity and simplicity, adding to<br />
your every increasing knowledge and expertise with firearms.<br />
So get yourself ready to “fall in love” in February . . .<br />
with <strong>Gun</strong>Tech! ◆<br />
Assessment Conclusion<br />
This is a well-known .22 LR rifle and although many were<br />
made, there are no historic connotations or connections<br />
associated with it that would be altered by a restoration <strong>of</strong><br />
wood and metal surfaces. With the combination <strong>of</strong> lack <strong>of</strong><br />
metal finish, poor but not deleterious condition <strong>of</strong> the metal<br />
and wood, and the missing or broken parts, I estimated this<br />
firearm to be well below the 60% threshold in the BBGV, and<br />
a prime candidate for restoration.<br />
The narrator <strong>of</strong> AGI’s “Restoring the <strong>America</strong>n Long Rifle”<br />
commented that his goal “is to bring this gun to a condition<br />
that shows it has had care in its life, that somebody cared<br />
about the gun.” That would be my goal too. The personal<br />
value <strong>of</strong> this rifle was as an introductory plinker for the<br />
owner’s grandson and I couldn’t think <strong>of</strong> a greater goal to<br />
shoot for.<br />
Continued next month ◆<br />
Drip marks on left side <strong>of</strong> butt<br />
9
Producer’s<br />
Cut<br />
by Keith Hezmalhalch<br />
AGI/<strong>GCA</strong> Executive<br />
Video Producer and<br />
New Age Sage<br />
Not with a bang but . . .<br />
With a whimper 2<strong>01</strong>3 made its way into reality, at least for me<br />
up here on the mountain. Happy New Year everyone, we all<br />
survived the predicted apocalypse! I don’t know about you<br />
but I was never worried (Mayan calendar or no). Why do I say<br />
2<strong>01</strong>3 arrived with a whimper I say that because up here no<br />
one in the canyon was lighting <strong>of</strong>f firecrackers or shooting<br />
guns at midnight and I also say that because I was deeply<br />
saddened by the astounding losses we accumulated in 2<strong>01</strong>2.<br />
It’s the passing <strong>of</strong> an era . . .<br />
It truly was. The year before wasn’t so hot either, many <strong>of</strong> the<br />
greats in film, television, music and literature passed on in<br />
2<strong>01</strong>1, but last year . . . wow. As I pondered the huge losses <strong>of</strong><br />
wonderful performers and artists last year I figured<br />
something out. Whenever there was a new era created by a<br />
new trend or technology, such as the “Age <strong>of</strong> Vaudeville,” the<br />
beginning <strong>of</strong> movies, the “Golden Era <strong>of</strong> Radio”, and certainly<br />
the beginning <strong>of</strong> television, there is an initial period when lots<br />
<strong>of</strong> new faces (or voices) appear at roughly the same time.<br />
Obviously this is because a new entertainment or new venue<br />
opens up opportunity for new artists and personalities. It goes<br />
without saying that many <strong>of</strong> them are younger artists, as it is<br />
hard for older well-established artists to make the change, as<br />
was the case with the change from silent films to “talkies” or<br />
radio to television.<br />
Aged like fine wine . . .<br />
Therefore, what you end up with is a cluster <strong>of</strong> artists and<br />
performers <strong>of</strong> about the same age who entered this new frontier<br />
at about the same time. Think <strong>of</strong> them as a cluster <strong>of</strong><br />
grapes. If you’ve ever gone into a vineyard during harvest,<br />
you’ve seen how some clusters are small in number and others<br />
are quite large. Additionally, some are composed <strong>of</strong> smaller<br />
grapes but others have “perfect” size grapes. Last year we<br />
lost one <strong>of</strong> those larger, more perfect clusters.<br />
John F. Kennedy . . .<br />
He was the first president I can remember. I was only 6 when<br />
he was elected. Things and people who are close to our roots<br />
during that fertile period where we are like little sponges<br />
absorbing everything around us, those people and things are<br />
usually the things that make a deeper impression on us.<br />
Indeed they <strong>of</strong>ten define us in many ways.<br />
10<br />
Others who come along later continue to build on that initial<br />
legacy. Last year we lost many members <strong>of</strong> a group that<br />
certainly played a major part in defining my early years and<br />
also some tragedies where people were simply taken too<br />
soon (from our perspective). A few years ago when we lost<br />
Cary Grant and Jimmy Stewart I felt it, but they were before<br />
my time. Those <strong>of</strong> you who grew-up with them can relate to<br />
what I am feeling.<br />
In Memoriam . . .<br />
I am fortunate in that I subscribe<br />
to Entertainment Weekly.<br />
This magazine keeps you upto-date<br />
on the latest in books,<br />
music, movies, television and<br />
stage without focusing on the<br />
stupid gossip. Each year they<br />
dedicate a major part <strong>of</strong> the<br />
first issue <strong>of</strong> the new year to the<br />
passing <strong>of</strong> people from all those mediums as well as others.<br />
I’d like to take a moment to list those from the “old guard” <strong>of</strong><br />
which I previously spoke as well as a few who were taken too<br />
soon just so we can reflect and remember again how much<br />
they made us laugh, cry, sing and smile.<br />
Andy Griffith, Phyllis Diller, Etta James, Dick Clark,<br />
Gore Vidal, Ernest Borgnine, Mike Wallace,<br />
Maurice Sendak, Ray Bradbury, Sherman Hemsley,<br />
Nora Ephron, Don Cornelius, Larry Hagman,<br />
Donna Summer, Michael Clarke Duncan,<br />
Whitney Houston.<br />
They will most assuredly be missed for the rest <strong>of</strong> our lives.<br />
Mixed bag . . .<br />
Most <strong>of</strong> us realize that life is a mixed bag, but sometimes it<br />
becomes too apparent and we wish it didn’t have to be right<br />
in our face. This year is beginning as a mixed bag for me. On<br />
the one hand I am feeling very energetic and am able to<br />
breathe a huge sigh <strong>of</strong> relief that I completed some major<br />
projects that dogged me in 2<strong>01</strong>2, and I am indeed on a roll<br />
toward completing in very short order the few that are left!<br />
But, on the other hand . . . I am left quite nostalgic for those<br />
who are gone (just losing Andy and Ernie alone has hit me<br />
quite hard). I am making it a priority to remember them again<br />
and again throughout the year as I pause and reflect.<br />
The buck stops here . . .<br />
Speaking <strong>of</strong> bucks . . . and deer . . . I must say, the bucks have<br />
certainly come out <strong>of</strong> the woodwork since December! I see<br />
them routinely now, nearly every day. I am happy to say that<br />
there aren’t many does and fawns with them, so the<br />
gunfighters certainly did another great job when they came to<br />
town for the holidays! I can only hope they have a return trip<br />
planned for late Spring to once again cull the herd.<br />
Continue on page 13
Thank you to the 27 who took the<br />
time to email me an answer to<br />
this month’s question. We had 20<br />
correct answers, that our part is the operating rod from an M-14 or M1A rifle. The majority<br />
<strong>of</strong> the incorrect answers were the M1 Garand, but its rod section is much longer. One<br />
answered M-1 Carbine, nope, that has the large block in front. We also had 2 who thought<br />
it was an extractor, not a bad guess since it does look like one <strong>of</strong> the oddly long European<br />
extractors.<br />
*$50 limit<br />
We said we’d take the first, last before publication, fifth and twelfth correct responses for the<br />
first three prizes and Honorable Mention. This month’s winners are shown below.<br />
This month we are going to pay <strong>of</strong>f based on the “function” <strong>of</strong> the part and the gun it belongs to.<br />
By that I mean is it a Colt, S&W, AK, etc. hammer, trigger, discomfrabulator, etc. We’ll pay an<br />
additional $20 AGI if you know whether it is a First, Second, or Third Model. Don’t lollygag,<br />
we’re talking free money from Mr. Kelly here!<br />
(Hints: #1. note the barrel length given. #2. It is NOT in Brownells catalog. #3 It is from Gene’s<br />
first (legal) concealed carry pistol.<br />
You can call me with<br />
the answer ONLY if:<br />
1. You do not have a computer/<br />
email access.<br />
2. You call (800) 797-0867, ext. 104<br />
between 0800 - 1700 PST Mon - Fri.<br />
3. If you get my voicemail, you leave your name,<br />
phone number, and guess. The voicemail<br />
time stamps, so be CLEAR with the info.<br />
Jack's<br />
Dumb<br />
Statements<br />
<strong>of</strong> the Month's Winner . . .<br />
Nobody caught either <strong>of</strong> the slips <strong>of</strong> the tongue I made in last month’s<br />
issue, so I guess Gene’s wallet, and my job are safe for another month.<br />
I noticed two in this month’s DVD. Good luck in your search!<br />
Remember we’re not talking opinions here, opinions are like noses, everyone is entitled to one. By “Dumb<br />
Statement” we mean a real, unnoticed and uncorrected erroneous statement, i.e. saying hammer instead <strong>of</strong><br />
striker, Colt instead <strong>of</strong> Smith & Wesson. Don’t despair, keep looking and listening.<br />
11
I was recently visiting my brother, Bill, in Georgia. We have many <strong>of</strong> the same interests and firearms are certainly one <strong>of</strong> them. That<br />
being said, I asked him if I could rummage around in his gun cabinet. In the cabinet, I found a few old friends from our childhood,<br />
but that is a topic for a different article. My hands were like a divining rod, as they gravitated toward a double barreled side by side<br />
shotgun that I had not seen before. It had a nice patina on the steel and the stocks looked to be in good shape. I was pleasantly<br />
surprised when I read Fox Sterlingworth on the right side <strong>of</strong> the receiver.<br />
In 1896 Ansley H. Fox started the Fox <strong>Gun</strong> Co. in Baltimore, Maryland and produced shotguns until around 1900. The guns made<br />
in Baltimore are quite rare and are worth a lot to a collector. After working at the Baltimore <strong>Gun</strong> Co., Ansley formed the<br />
Philadelphia <strong>Gun</strong> Co. and then started the A.H. Fox <strong>Gun</strong> Co. in 1905. During 1905, the Sterlingworth 12 gauge shotgun began<br />
production. It is a double trigger shotgun with very simple engraving. It is a quality <strong>America</strong>n shotgun that was meant to be used for<br />
hunting and not to be stored in a glass cabinet and ogled for its beauty.<br />
Fox produced guns in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania from 1903 to around<br />
1929. Savage Arms bought the company in 1929 and “Fox” shotguns<br />
were manufactured in Utica, New York from 1930 to 1988. This is<br />
where my brother’s Sterlingworth was produced. They continued to produce<br />
the Sterlingworth, as well as grades A thru GE through about 1946,<br />
although some <strong>of</strong> the higher grades were dropped along the way. The last<br />
Fox was sold in 1956. The Fox Model B was a Savage shotgun that bore<br />
no relationship to the actual Fox shotguns, other than the name.<br />
Editor Jack Landis apparently went into a swooning trance when he<br />
Fox Sterlingworth manufactured after 1929 by Savage in New York.<br />
spotted a rather tired Philadelphia Sterlingworth in 16Ga, a gauge for<br />
which he has some odd affinity, at a gun show in Ventura, California last year. Apparently it was love at first sight since he overpaid<br />
and was overjoyed. Thankfully for him he had Bob Dunlap in a good mood and he fixed its rather unique rotating locking block<br />
system and did a working fix for the forend. He’s mentioned its ongoing restoration more than once in his column.<br />
These fine shotguns are still being manufactured by the Connecticut Shotgun Manufacturing Company <strong>of</strong> New Britain,<br />
Connecticut. They began production here in 1993. These shotguns are top notch. The finishing <strong>of</strong> these new firearms is still<br />
performed by hand. The polishing, rust bluing, stock checkering, part fitting and engraving is some <strong>of</strong> the finest work I have ever<br />
12
New Fox Exhibition Grade gun produced by Connecticut Shotguns in New Britain, Conn.<br />
seen. The craftsman and toolmakers from this facility do not crank out<br />
thousands <strong>of</strong> guns each year, they will most likely produce less than one<br />
hundred shotguns annually. When you feast your eyes on one <strong>of</strong> their<br />
Exhibition Grade guns, you will see why!<br />
Another fine example from Connecticut Shotguns<br />
Bill and I selected a couple <strong>of</strong> firearms to go with us to the cabin for<br />
some fun and then we rummaged around in a few ammo cans to find<br />
some select ammunition. In doing so, I found a really cool box <strong>of</strong> Victor<br />
paper shot shells manufactured by The Peters Cartridge Company, in<br />
Cincinnati, Ohio. I love old cartridge boxes and this one had a lot <strong>of</strong><br />
character. These old guys were loaded with that newfangled Smokeless<br />
Powder, which was first produced in the United States around 1893.<br />
The Peters Cartridge Company was established in 1887 and manufactured many calibers <strong>of</strong> ammunition throughout the 20th<br />
century. The Peters Cartridge Company was founded by two brothers (the Peters brothers). One brother’s father in law was<br />
J.W. King, who just happened to be the founder <strong>of</strong> one <strong>of</strong> the biggest explosive makers in <strong>America</strong>, King Powder Company. The<br />
Peters Cartridge Company was also one <strong>of</strong> the first companies to utilize an automatic machine to load cartridges. The Peters<br />
Company was bought by Remington in 1934.<br />
My brother’s Fox Sterlingworth, in much spryer condition than our editor’s.<br />
If you are<br />
looking for a<br />
great working<br />
shotgun with a<br />
cool history,<br />
pick up one <strong>of</strong><br />
the older Fox<br />
shotguns. If you<br />
want to buy the<br />
equivalent <strong>of</strong><br />
Vintage Peters smokeless cartridges<br />
a Rolls Royce in a shotgun, look into one <strong>of</strong> the new Fox shotguns<br />
made by the Connecticut Shotgun Manufacturing Company, it doesn't<br />
get any better than these guns.<br />
Producer's Cut Continued . . .<br />
"On the road again" . . .<br />
There are songs and then there are iconic songs and that one<br />
is certainly iconic! In this case I am referring to my little excursion<br />
in this month’s issue <strong>of</strong> <strong>Gun</strong>Tech. When I found out about<br />
those guys and the cool guns they had I just had to go film it<br />
for you! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did and remember,<br />
many items are still available if you want your very own.<br />
New Horizons . . .<br />
Ok, actually it’s the same horizon that’s always been there,<br />
but looking to the horizon I see a whirlwind approaching<br />
when it comes to the projects and shows that are right at the<br />
beginning <strong>of</strong> the new year! That said, I have a lot to do so I<br />
will sign <strong>of</strong>f early this month. My New Year’s wish for you is<br />
that you spend some time reflecting on what has gone before,<br />
and also in the here and now. There are friends and family in<br />
our lives who are getting closer to that horizon and although<br />
they may be “the same as they always were” right now . . . we<br />
know how fast that can change. So, this year I’d like to<br />
encourage you to plan on spending time in the now, while<br />
you still can.<br />
May God bless you with much this year and I’ll see<br />
you next month . . . in <strong>Gun</strong>Tech!!! ◆<br />
13
Resource Directory Issue #81<br />
14<br />
Ten-X Ammunition<br />
TX12 12GA Under-barrel Attachment<br />
for ARs, Cowboy Action and<br />
Classic 19th Century Cartridges<br />
5650 Arrow Highway<br />
Montclair, CA 91763<br />
(909) 605-1617<br />
www.TenXAmmo.com<br />
CDNN Sports Inc.<br />
10/22 Rear Laser Site by Laserlyte<br />
P.O. Box 6514<br />
Abilene, TX 79608<br />
(800) 588-9500<br />
www.cdnninvestments.com<br />
SIG SAUER<br />
P224, 226, 250, & 290 Pistols<br />
18 Industrial Drive, Exeter, NH 03833<br />
(603) 772-23025<br />
www.sigsauer.com<br />
Grizzly Tools<br />
<strong>Gun</strong>smithing and Machine Tools<br />
1821 Valencia Street<br />
Bellingham, WA 98229<br />
(800) 438-59<strong>01</strong><br />
www.grizzly.com<br />
ArmaLite, Inc.<br />
AR-30 Tactical Rifle<br />
P.O. Box 299<br />
Geneseo, IL 61254<br />
(309) 944-6939<br />
www.armalite.com<br />
Factory Entertainment, Inc.<br />
Movie Prop Replicas<br />
1<strong>01</strong>5 Shary Circle, Suite 2<br />
Concord, CA 94518<br />
(925) 270-3739<br />
www.factoryent.com<br />
Holland Shooters Supply<br />
Superb Riflesmithing/Custom Rifles,<br />
Scope Mounts/Rings/Levels, Tools,<br />
Long Range Shooting School,<br />
711 Avenue "H"<br />
Powers, OR 97466<br />
(541) 439-5155<br />
www.hollandguns.com<br />
4D Reamer Rentals<br />
Chambering Reamers, Bolt Handles,<br />
Extensive Line <strong>of</strong> Custom <strong>Gun</strong>smithing Tools & Parts<br />
432 East Idaho Street<br />
Suite C420<br />
Kalispell, MT 599<strong>01</strong><br />
(406) 752-2520<br />
www.4-dproducts.com<br />
Joe Alesia AKA "Lefty Longridge"<br />
Next Level Shooting Clinics – Cowboy, IPSC<br />
(661) 373-2709<br />
www.deadwoodboys.org<br />
Email: leftylongridge@ca.rr.com<br />
Dealer Showroom – John Bush<br />
Huge Stock <strong>of</strong> Military <strong>Gun</strong> Parts,<br />
Accessories and Books from the 20th Century<br />
553 Market Street,<br />
Klamath Falls, OR 976<strong>01</strong><br />
(541) 882-4249<br />
Email: Johnd.bush@yahoo.com<br />
Shuey Custom<br />
Gene Shuey, Master <strong>Gun</strong>smith<br />
Ultra Custom 1911 & Glock Pistols<br />
21 Cygnet Dr. #200,<br />
Carson City, NV 89706<br />
(775) 246-7662<br />
www.shueycustom.com<br />
PISCO <strong>Gun</strong>smithing<br />
Bob Dunlap/Ken Brooks – <strong>Gun</strong>smithing<br />
1455B N. Hemlock Street<br />
Coquille, OR 97423<br />
(541) 396-5558<br />
www.piscogunsmithing.com<br />
AGI - The <strong>America</strong>n <strong>Gun</strong>smithing Institute<br />
Hobby and Pr<strong>of</strong>essional <strong>Gun</strong>smithing Courses<br />
351 Second Street<br />
Napa, CA 94559<br />
(800) 797-0867<br />
www.<strong>America</strong>n<strong>Gun</strong>smith.com<br />
www.<strong>America</strong>n<strong>Gun</strong>smithingInstitute.org<br />
<strong>GCA</strong> - <strong>Gun</strong> <strong>Club</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>America</strong><br />
351 Second Street<br />
Napa, CA 94559<br />
(800) 435-4262<br />
www.<strong>Gun</strong><strong>Club</strong>Of<strong>America</strong>.com
November Student Certifications<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>essional <strong>Gun</strong>smithing<br />
Introduction<br />
Harry Nolan<br />
Paul Dallaire<br />
Scott Lowmiller<br />
Antone Carrier<br />
Richard A. Czapp<br />
Shawn Kevin Mc David<br />
David Slusser<br />
John A. Auger<br />
Tyson C. Wooldridge<br />
Dennis Pullaro<br />
Ronny L. Tilson<br />
Clifford G. Steele<br />
Steve York<br />
Keith Chesnut<br />
Kevin Vanlandingham<br />
Daniel F. La Tulip<br />
Mike Kemp<br />
Max Smith<br />
Curt Cheshire<br />
Brian A. Bunting<br />
Anthony Sacco<br />
Scott Liepitz<br />
Jeffery D. Shipp<br />
Johnny Roberts<br />
Mickey D. Russell<br />
Jerry Blaze Lee<br />
James Parsons<br />
James B. Haggard, III<br />
Lawrence Wilson<br />
Douglas Hesler<br />
Donald Klatt<br />
Anthony Johnson<br />
Mike Hubbard<br />
Alan Joyner<br />
Steven Psaros<br />
Tom Dove<br />
Ann Miller<br />
Jeff Sloan<br />
Roy Kidd<br />
Daniel Lowyns<br />
Donald Hardin<br />
Glenn Morefield<br />
Machine Shop<br />
Robert Badeer<br />
Bucky Smith<br />
Practical and Hobby<br />
<strong>Gun</strong>smithing<br />
Don Bennett<br />
Victor L. Brown<br />
Derrick Ray Izor<br />
Richard P. Bartee<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>essional <strong>Gun</strong>smithing<br />
Shotguns<br />
Walter Simmons<br />
Kyle P. Cobb<br />
Charles Welch<br />
Josh Rook<br />
Zach Glaser<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>essional <strong>Gun</strong>smithing<br />
Rifles<br />
Tom Woitt<br />
John Owens<br />
Ronald K. Clark<br />
Kyle P. Cobb<br />
David Dautel<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>essional <strong>Gun</strong>smithing<br />
Rimfires<br />
John Shride<br />
Nathaniel B. McFadden<br />
Alex Evans<br />
Gregory Culver<br />
Dennis Prins<br />
Congratulations!<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>essional <strong>Gun</strong>smithing<br />
Pistols/Revolvers<br />
Tyson Wooldridge<br />
Charles Milburn<br />
Lukas Bartee<br />
Shawn Kevin Mcdavid<br />
Alex Evans<br />
Thomas Johnson<br />
George Walters<br />
Allen Fleming<br />
David Anderson<br />
Damon Knight<br />
John Walter Platt<br />
Antone Carrier<br />
Law Enforcement<br />
Armorer's Course<br />
Chris Cochran<br />
James C. Daniels<br />
Michael L. Mullens<br />
Richard A. Petrencsik<br />
Law Enforcement<br />
Armorer's Course - Amended<br />
Ronny L. Tilson<br />
Steve Jacek<br />
Richard A. Petrencsik<br />
Ryan Powers<br />
Michael E. Blakesmith<br />
Firearms Appraiser<br />
Robert J. Perry<br />
Doug E. Stanton<br />
Tom Privett<br />
Robert Mckim, Jr.<br />
Welding<br />
Grayson Mobley<br />
Cowboy Action Armorer<br />
Samuel Lanter<br />
15
Disassembly/Reassembly Video Index<br />
Firearm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . <strong>Gun</strong>Tech Volume #<br />
Hi-Point Pistol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45<br />
Mossberg 500 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46<br />
Walther P-38. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47<br />
Hi-Point Carbine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48<br />
Beretta Al 391 Urika Shotgun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49<br />
Savage Model 24. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50<br />
NAA Mini-Revolver / Crickett .22 Training Rifle . . . . . . . . . . 51<br />
Remington 1100/1187 Shotgun. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52<br />
Browning BAR Semi-Auto Rifle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53<br />
Beretta 21 Pistol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54<br />
Ruger LCR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55<br />
Ruger #1 Single-Shot Rifle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56<br />
Walther P22 Pistol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57<br />
Winchester Model 77 Rifle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58<br />
S&W Double Action Revolver. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59<br />
Sako Model 4 Rifle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60<br />
Walther P99 Pistol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61<br />
Browning Cynergy Shotgun. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62<br />
Firearm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . <strong>Gun</strong>Tech Volume #<br />
Charter Arms .44 Bulldog Revolver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63<br />
Steyr M9 Pistol. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64<br />
1907 Winchester Autoloader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65<br />
Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 380 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66<br />
1905 Ross Rifle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67<br />
Heckler & Koch P7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68<br />
Interstate Arms Model 99 '87 Coach <strong>Gun</strong> . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69<br />
Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 38 Revolver. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70<br />
Ruger LC9 and LCP Pistols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71<br />
Chiappa .357 Magnum "Rhino" Revolver. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72<br />
Remington 81 Rifle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73<br />
Husqvarna Swedish M-40 "Lahti". . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74<br />
Darrell Holland's PGW .45 Carbine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75<br />
Benelli B80 Lever Locking Pistol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76<br />
Remington 581 Rifle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77<br />
Colt 19<strong>01</strong> DA New Army Revolver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78<br />
Werndl Rifle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79<br />
Ruger <strong>America</strong>n Rifle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80<br />
DID YOU MISS SOMETHING<br />
Want to order back issues <strong>of</strong> <strong>Gun</strong>Tech Back issues <strong>of</strong> <strong>Gun</strong>Tech are available to current, paying members <strong>of</strong> the<br />
<strong>Gun</strong> <strong>Club</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>America</strong>. Single issues <strong>of</strong> <strong>Gun</strong>Tech are available for $30 each + $5 shipping. Multiple issues are available in<br />
either 6 or 12 month sets. You can get 6 consecutive months <strong>of</strong> <strong>Gun</strong>Tech for only $168 ($28 each) + $10 shipping.<br />
You can order an entire year <strong>of</strong> <strong>Gun</strong>Tech (12 consecutive issues) for only $312 ($26 each) + $12 shipping.<br />
Order your back issues today by calling <strong>GCA</strong> at 1-800-435-4262 or go to:<br />
www.<strong>Gun</strong><strong>Club</strong><strong>of</strong><strong>America</strong>.com to order and view the entire video index <strong>of</strong> <strong>Gun</strong>Tech issues and their contents.<br />
©<strong>GCA</strong>, 351 Second Street, Napa, CA 94559, 800-435-GCOA (4262), Fax 707-253-2135, www.<strong>Gun</strong><strong>Club</strong><strong>of</strong><strong>America</strong>.com