FRONT SIGHT - uspsa

By Guy Neill, A-632—In the past I have pointed outthat there are many parts and accessoriesavailable today, and it may bethat we even take them for granted.These days you can literally build agun from scratch from the improvedparts that are available. As a result,it makes little sense to weld and refitthe original parts as has beendone in the past. In fact, it may bebest to simply build the gun fromparts rather than begin with a completegun. Doing this prevents duplicationof expense because you areno longer paying for a part that willnot end up in the gun.The best view of this picture cancome from perusing a BrowneIlscatalog. Brownells is a gunsmithsupply company that has been cateringto the trade for more than 50years. Its present catalog, Number50, is what I term the "shooter'swish book." During the company'searly years, catalogs were not putout annually as they are now, butthey have always been interesting tolook through.The Brownells CatalogThe Number 50 catalog hasabout 60 pages dedicated to handguns,handgun accessories and toolsfor working on handguns. Forty ofthese pages deal closely with theColt Government Model and itsvariants and clones. In an earlier column,I talked about the Swensonthumb safety, which was the first extendedthumb safety for the GovernmentModel. The Swenson, underthe new name of B&C, is still availableand listed in the Brownells catalog.Other thumb safeties found inthe Brownells catalog are producedby Brown, Wilson, Nowlin,Mueschke, Baer, Cylinder & Slide,Kings, Gunsite, and Spec-Tech.The sheer quantity of barrels,frames, and parts of every descriptionis staggering. Then there are thetools and accessories. If your localdealer doesn't carry Safariland competitionholsters, the solution is simple--orderit from Brownells. Howabout a collection of spare parts tokeep in your shooting bag just incase? Brownells is the place.New this year from Brownells isa "Factory Parts" catalog. Just out inJanuary 1998, it lists parts from mostof the major gun manufacturers.Whether for the professionalgunsmith or the home tinkerer,Brownells has the necessary tools. Ifyou have a plunger tube pull loosefrom the frame of your gun,Brownells has the tools to stake anew one in place. No gunsmith canoperate without files, and Brownellshas the files suited to the task. Ifthere are any other tools you needsuch as hammers, screwdrivers,stones, or whatever you may need,Brownells is very likely to have it ifit pertains to guns.If you think I am enthusiasticabout Brownells, you're right. Theyare a good group to deal with andcan offer suggestions if you arestuck at some point in a project.I've not even touched on the rifleand shotgun aspects found inBrownells catalog. Do yourself a favorand call them at (515) 623-5401and get a catalog. You're likely tofind gadgets and doodads you neverknew existed. Have fun!Only the strongest super alloysteel's and advanced coil springtechnologies are used.• Tested extensively with rimlessEXTRACTOR PROBLEMS !Try the new Advanced Competiton Extractor -.Ace.Stith an ACE in your extractor hole you can eliminate the problemsassocated with a spring steel extractor.AFEEC is providing a Lifetime Guarantee against breakage,if the product has not been altered. With the absolute teliabilityof advanced coil spring technology, AFTEC is confident that ourproduct will deliver the level of performance that every shooterexpects.* No modifications to your pistolare necessary.* Easy to install.following models are availableExt009 -9x i 9,21,23 & 38 Super CompExt038-38 SuperF,xt040- 40 S&W & 10 nunAvailable at a later dateExt045-45 ACP/AFTEC\AdvancedFirearmsTecnnolopnbrass in rough chambers.For orders contact:AFTECPH: 404-366-2584 FAX: 404-366-413220 FRONT SIGHT • May/June 1998