DIY Gunsmithing Experience

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Up front, I’ll state that I’m not a licensed gunsmith. But over the years I’ve learned a lot (thanks to internet) through T&E and a Glock Armorer course. Number 1: Patience; number 2: good tools (I’ve had great luck with Wheeler); number 3: a good clean bench with a vise for both handguns and long guns; number 4: read and re-read all you can online; number 5: fear no evil; if you have the right tools and patience, take it apart. You can always put it back together.

Remember that a stock, factory is engineered and designed to be reliable. If you venture off that path in search of lighter triggers, less muzzle flip, etc. you may risk losing that reliability. I’ll take a standard G29 trigger for self defense (and agency uses) over a light connector and spring which may fail when I need it most.

I’ll say again, Wheeler Engineering has great tools for pistols, revolvers, rifles, & shotguns at a reasonable price. So before you dive in and DIY ‘smithing, get the right tools for the job. I will take a step over the line here and say that I have had bad experiences with REAL AVID products. Made in China and a bit on the crappy and weak side of what I want in tools. Just my 2¢ worth.

Until later / hasta luego,
Jd

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Very good advice.

I would add that it took some time but once I learned that flat head screwdrivers are consumable tools to be modified as needed I got on a lot better with DIY gun work. When I have a flat head to remove, especially in a place where it will be visible, I start with a file and a slightly large screwdriver blade and I create a blade custom fit to that screw’s slot. It sounds like a little thing, but it makes a huge difference in saving me from buggering up the screw or the surrounding finish on the gun.

Many of those Wheeler sets will already have a blade just the size I need, which is nice. But if not don’t be afraid to make your tool into the tool you need. Screwdrivers are cheap compared the cost of gun finish.

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