Budd's Shop Talk

Pawn business comming

2012-01-26T22:36:00.001-05:00

I have been approved by ATF for a Pawnbrokers license, I hope to have it by March, that will change business a lot

Cars and Trucks

2011-11-01T21:06:00.002-04:00

My wife has a 2000 Ford escort I hate the computers in these cars and trucks. My 88 Silverado has one. I am Ready to go back to only vacuum hoses. We start looking for older cars and trucks. Need to finish restoring our 1985 Toyota Land Cruiser.

Equine Dental Bone Spur

2011-11-01T16:01:00.003-04:00

Bone Spur definition -Mandiblular periostitis or abnormal bony growth due to trauma.

Etiology Most often caused by trauma from bit to lower jaw bone.

Resulting Problems Can be extremely painful causing behaviorial problems when bit contacts area.

Solution Surgical removal of affected bone.

Call Bill Davis 606 308-3777

Doing More sell buy trade

2011-10-29T22:02:00.003-04:00

I am thinking of starting to sell guns, maybe even buy and sell. Getting a lot of calls.

The Horse Dentist

2011-10-28T19:53:00.002-04:00

People have said that Gunsmiths and Blacksmiths are a dying breed. Well let me introduce you to my friend Bill Davis Equine Dentistry. Bill works on horses teeth. He tells me that Vets only get about 9 hours of instruction, compared to his degree. call Bill at 606 308-3777

Crazy Man Forge, waffle maker handle

2011-10-26T08:02:00.002-04:00

I had bought my wife some cast iron pans and a waffle maker from a old shop. They are for wood burning stoves. The waffle maker has a spur to lift it but no handle to attach to it. The handle for the iron plate of a wood burning stove turns out to have a hole too large for the spur.
I need to go to the shop/forge and make the handle shape it and punch the right hole in it.

Crazy Man Forge

2011-10-25T20:12:00.003-04:00

I have come up with a new idea or philosophy. I am reflecting on comments from my wife and daughter. They both call me a crazy man,,so I come up with the idea of Crazy Man Forge. Budds Blacksmith . at Crazy Man Forge I am a Ky Vol Firefighter, only a crazy man runs into a burning building, gets up at 03:15 for a house fire, when a radio goes off
So I am real comfortable with Crazy Man Forge, I make some crazy stuff.

Women and concealed carry

2011-10-14T13:39:00.002-04:00

Women are different than men. Concealed carry for women is a very different issue. There are special holsters just for women. Janice Davis will address these issues is a very comfortable setting for women. call her at 606-256-3800

CCDW Classes

2011-10-13T18:26:00.001-04:00

Janice Davis in a Ky certified ccdw instructor at 606-256-3800 she is geared to females but all are welcome groups welcome all over 21 yr

Richards shotgun

2011-09-25T22:06:00.002-04:00

I got the hammers forged to fit, and the locks working well. I had to trim and polish to length the front screw'

Richards double barrel shotgun

2011-09-25T08:49:00.002-04:00

I have a Richard's double barrel shotgun in the shop. The hammers do not line up with the firing pins. I need to remove hammers, forge them into alignment with the pins and then I can check the actions.

Corbin BP story

2011-07-27T09:47:00.002-04:00

A very angry follow up on the Corbin BP story. I spoke to local TV WYMT and they can't prove the story, Corbin police can't prove it. No military has owned it. To me this is just like Arson, a cowardly act that hurts people Everyone that responds to a arson fire is affected. People including myself reacted to to the post. My Chief can't find the original post and tells me it is false. This is mental warfare. I heard it in Vietnam on the radio and speakers. Not new.

Corbin Ky BP story

2011-07-26T12:54:00.002-04:00

Trying to prove the Corbin Ky BP story, Spoke to a WYMT news contact. They are working to run this story down to either prove is right or a horrible hoax.

BP Corbin ky

2011-07-25T09:22:00.002-04:00

The local TY station is trying to trace down the National Guardsman involved to confirm everything

Re: Anti i American BP Corbin Ky

2011-07-24T17:26:00.002-04:00

I have searched the fire dept face book posts. many angry guys grabbed this post. have asked the chief where he got it. But this is already going viral 97% of all USA Fire Fighting Companies are volenter and many are military

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Anti American BP gas station, Corbin Ky

2011-07-23T08:02:00.002-04:00

I am a member of Lily Vol.Fire Co, Lily Ky. also combat Vet. My Chief, Gregg Franks posted on Face Book that he spoke to National Guardsman that were in the BP in Corbin Ky between Walgreens and Root Beer stand. The owner appears to be mid eastern told the military that he did not want military in his store. check Gregg Franks post on Face Book and all the responses. Our area is very strong Military,andat lot of Fire fighters are military backround

WILD WEST MERCANTILE..............almost

2011-06-24T14:33:00.002-04:00

Wild West Mercantile ...........almost, Lazy S Western Wear, tack and saddlery. 150 Dog Patch London Ky need to check it out.

My Stetson Hat

2011-06-21T10:06:00.002-04:00

It was cold when I got my first Stetson Hat from Lazy S Western Wear. David showed me a dark brown one and I liked it. Over the next months I wore it hard, Bill at Lazy S has reshaped it several times It got worm and I got a Straw Stetson from Bill. Looks great.

Lazy S Gun Shop London ky

2011-06-17T10:55:00.000-04:00

Lazy S Gun Shop
A Western Lifestyle Store

1-800-284-8837
150 Dog Patch, London KY
862-0048

Rifles, Shotguns, and Handguns, both new and used

Conventional and Cowboy-action

Ammunition and accessories

Women’s section - guns and accessories designed for women

Gun Safes
Large safes for multiple guns and collections
Single-gun safes for bedside

Lazy S Western Wear
Hats by Stetson in felt and straw!
Boots by Tony Lama, Dan Post, H&H, Blackjack, and more!
Coats, jackets, jeans, shirts, belts!

Horse Supplies - saddles, tacks, and horseshoes

Gun repair and restoration - Budd’s Gunsmith

Motorcycle boots

2011-06-02T16:53:00.003-04:00

I was at Lazy S western wear London ky. They have Ariat Boots, Carbide H20 mens sizes 8,9.91/2,10,11,12 and ladies Latitude 8 and 8 1/2 you need to check them out

New Gun Shop London Kentucky

2011-06-02T07:26:00.003-04:00

The new Gun Shop in London Kentucky at dog patch hopefully will be a July 1st opening. Lazy S Gun and Sporting Goods is going to be with in Lazy S Western Wear building. 150 Dog Patch.
I will be doing Gunsmith work out of there. Should give people better access to services.
There is going to be a very good women's section. This will be a store and people you need to try.

Setting up the store

2011-05-26T12:33:00.001-04:00

I have been on the net and on the phone for days, setting up product for the new gun store. Going to make this a different experience for people

New Gun Store at Lazy S dog patch soon

2011-05-23T17:15:00.002-04:00

I am hoping that everything will be in place in June so that there can be a good 4th of July opening of Lazy S Gun Shop and Budd's Gunsmith at Dog Patch 80 and I-75

Making Tools

2011-05-20T10:06:00.002-04:00

In an effort to improve myself, I am working on making blacksmith tongs. So far I have six hours invested in the project and see three more. This is changing my perspective on many things. Jeff Farmer, who is teaching me said that tools are designed to be made but not used. In the process of forging my own tongs, I am getting to understand his reasoning, and I agree.

Expansion to London Ky by interstate

2011-04-29T18:02:00.003-04:00

I have expanded to Lazy S Western Wear London Ky in Dogpatch. Selling horsshoeing supplies and putting Borium on shoes. A lot more will be going on there soon.

2011-04-28T13:08:00.004-04:00

I have had the chance to expand. I just put up banners at Lazy S Western Wear at Dogpatch in London. 80 and I 75. I now have a drop off and pick up place in London Ky.

1892 Winchester in 32 wcf

2011-03-18T11:25:00.002-04:00

A Winchester 1892 in 32 wcf was shipped in for restoration. The finger lever does not work the action. After taking it apart I find the 2 engaging tabs are broken off, there are no parts available. I will have to rebuild this. photos will follow

Fixing Bad Scope Mount Holes

2010-05-30T10:29:00.002-04:00

Fixing Bad Scope Mount Holes

To make improperly drilled scope mount holes disappear. I either use plug screws or steel pin. in the holes .Then TIG weld the area using Black Iron annealed tie wire for the filler. Grind the area flush, sand out grind marks, polish out sanding marks , to a glass finish. And Hot Blue.

J Stevens Boot Pistol 18"Barrel ??1913??

2010-05-12T13:26:00.001-04:00

J Stevens Boot Pistol 18” Barrel
??1913??
This gun came in for hammer, trigger problems. And to have the barrel blued. I reforge shaped the hammer notch and final cut of sear engagement.

Problems with Gunbroker

2010-05-01T13:23:00.004-04:00

Problems with Gunbroker.

I have had some problems with’ guns bought through gun broker. Be careful what you read about the gun and the number of days if there is a problem , Ask for full disclosure. Locally I have had guns come in for repair, after being bought and delivered.
In the past two days I received in a Remington Targetmaster 41, It would not fire. The firing pin seemed to extend out of the bolt face correctly. There was too much play at the end of inside bolt travel.
I designed and fabricated an extension that provided ignition.

A Rossi Slide action 22. It is copy of the Winchester 62A Gallery Gun. Very poor quality. The action was so tight that the operating slide bar separated from the steel sleeve in the Forend’
After very careful brazing of bar to sleeve I machined off excess to I could fit assembly back without damage to the wood
I refashioned the operating back for a smooth action.
This same owner tells me he has a Henry Pump that has already been back to factory and still not right. I will get that next.

Friends of Coal

2010-04-30T18:16:00.000-04:00

Friends of Coal
I got a e-mail from W.V about the Coal Mining problem. They are being pounded by the EPA. They are asking for people to come and help at the hearings I can’t make it maybe you can.
There was a time when all industry ran on coal. iron workers use coal or gas. Gases come from oil drilling
I uses gas, but from a romantic and purest point I am building coal forge with 48” Bellows George Carlen talked about our collective arrogance . The earth has been here a long time. Are we going to trash it in 100 years?

Saving Lives Free 911 Cell Phones

2010-04-27T07:12:00.002-04:00

I am a member of the Lily Fire Dept. We have had some people die in fires. Other depts have had that happen also. To try and lower the number of deaths I came up with a program to get First Responders there to help people faster. If people are in any of the situations on the below flier/application, we will give them a Free 911 CellPhone. This program pays for it's self by collecting and recycling cell phones. Any Law enforcement or Fire department can do it.
The list is given to the 911 call center to give First Responders More information.
Lily Fire Department
4034 E. Hwy 552, Lily, Ky
Free 911 Cell Phone Outreach Program

Gregg Franks Chief Melva Pearse
Public Relations 312-1928

Budd Gardstein 864-1170 cell 606-661-6073
Point of Contact, Collections and distribution of Phones

If you are in any one of these situations please check them.
Include your living address and any contact information you have

Bedridden
Wheelchair Bound
Walking Impaired
Disabled Mentally and or Physically
Single Mom
Women with restraining order
House with no phone
On oxygen
Visually Impaired
Aged living alone, or aged couple
Hearing Impaired

Giving us this information will help us if we have to respond to an emergency.

There is no cost for this. Please donate your old cell phones for recycling. This is how we pay for the FREE phones

Phones can also be dropped off at
Budd’s Gunsmith Shop
132 Bill Karr Rd
Lily Ky 40740

Thank You Marine -Personal Shotgun Repair

2010-04-25T15:30:00.002-04:00

Thank you Marine
This was a interesting Sunday. I got a call from a active duty Marine, Camp Lejeune. The marine was having trouble with his personal shotgun. His friend told him to call me.
I talked him through the problem. This incident gave me a lot of satisfaction. I have had active duty soldiers in my shop before and I have mailed parts. to one. But a reference ,one marine to another is a very strong complement. Thank you HUA { heard ,understood, acknowledged}. The Marine Corps has their own armors, and I am not the only gunsmith in this country. Thank you for calling on me to help you out. By answering the phone on Sunday I was able to help him when he needed me.

Smith and Wesson Model 30 Damaged Hammer

2009-11-26T12:48:00.001-05:00

Smith and Wesson Model 30 Damaged Hammer

I got a S & W Model 30 in with a damaged hammer. The customer had dropped the gun on the hammer and damaged the spur. It would pull back and hold on single action. There were microscopic cracks on the transition from the body to the checkered spur.. I dismantled the gun and put the hammer in my bench vise. I heated it up to cherry to white hot and slowly reshaped the hammer spur. At this temperature the metal will flow and refuse together welding itself back.
I reassembled the gun and test fired a full cylinder of shells. It fired flawless.

Like I Was Back in Nam

2009-08-03T16:57:00.001-04:00

Like I Was Back in Nam

Friday evening I was in McKee ,Ky for a live propane burn training exercise With both burners on the training module . Going full open and flames shooting 15 feet in the air, It reminded me of Tun Son Nhute, Air Base Saigon Viet Nam 1969. Slap Flairs in the heat of the night. You only know what I am talking about if you have been there.
I was on a live fire hose with the breathing apparatus and closing in on that dual full burn. It was a surreal experience

Many Faces of Fire

2009-08-01T14:04:00.000-04:00

Many Faces of Fire

There are many faces of Fire and how I relate to it and or use it. As a Gunsmith I am working with Blackpowder to get it to ignite, burn hot and propel the bullet down the barrel.
On conventional firearms I want the primer to ignite and fire up the smokeless powder to fire the shotgun, rifle or handgun.

As a Blacksmith I use fire to heat up steel to work it into shapes, make things or repair.

As a Firefighter I am working to put out the fire.

Emergency Services -Making a Difference

2009-07-25T10:00:00.003-04:00

We get called out when someone is in trouble or something breaks -- Gunsmith-Blacksmith-Firefighter

This is a different approach to the same idea, Making a Difference. As a soldier I worked at making things different. Being a Gunsmith I keep the guns working to protect people, keep four legged and two legged varmints away. For those that hunt I keep the food coming.

So now I am doing something that has been on my mind for a while. I joined the Lily Ky Volunteer Fire Dept.. I have been learning and training and expanding what I know, in a effort to make a change in peoples lives. It seems to balance me out inside. I now carry a radio scanner and in some ways I am always on standby. But I am training with a team that works in the community to try and save lives and property.

There is also a interesting set of opposites, as a Gunsmith-Blacksmith I work to keep the guns firing hot all the time. Now as a Firefighter I work to go to the source of the fire and fight it to put it out.

Marlin 57 Lever Action 22 Mag

2009-06-24T10:52:00.005-04:00

Marlin 57 Lever Action 22 Mag

This came in with extractor or ejection problems. The owner had this gun at 4 other shops in the area and they all gave up. He had even offered them to put in all new parts to solve the problem. That would not have worked.
I took apart the action and examined all parts carefully. The left and right extractor hooks were good and so was the fit of shell against the bolt face..
Manually moving the bolt back did give ejection. It was apparent that it did not need new parts.

All guns operate within the laws of physics. You just have to understand each operation.
On the extraction and then ejection part, the bolt is being thrown backwards. Many lever actions have the lever hard pinned to the bolt at a pivot joint so movement of the lever yields an exact movement of bolt.

On this gun, there is enormous space or play in the linkage. There is free float of the bolt on the steel rail edges of the trigger group. Once the lever is actuated the bolt is moving backwards freely, until it stops at fully ejected.
In this case, the top rails were chewed up or marred greatly apposing the inertia energy of the backwards moving bolt. Slowing it down. Sometimes ejection, sometimes not.
Taking out the gouges and then polishing the steel edges freed up the bolt the slide without interruption, Every shell ejected.

What Does Gunsmithing, Blacksmithing, and Dry Stone Masonry Have in Common

2009-06-20T10:09:00.001-04:00

What Does Gunsmithing, Blacksmithing, and Dry Stone Masonry Have in Common

In all three skills or disciplines, the mind is challenged to work in three-dimensional ways. Everything is about fit and interaction and sizing.
Blacksmithing addresses the ability to hold pieces in place, and gives me the ability to alter shapes and deminsions.
Dry Stone Masonary is about interactive and overlapping forces. Stones overlap each other and the resulting surface gives holding power. Shape and contact surfaces are important.

All of this has greatly helped when I have to modify a part or design a part when none exists. There has to be enough structural integrity to make everything work.

Recently this all came together when I worked on a Mossberg 410 shotgun , I had a mod 70 and I had to change the receiver to accept a 60 bolt.

Ballister-Molina 1911 45 Cal [11.25mm]

2009-06-18T11:22:00.006-04:00

Ballister-Molina 1911 45 Cal [11.25mm]

This 45 came in with a broken extractor. The gun belonged to the customers Grandfather. The grand son would like to shoot it. Information had it made around 1925 He already knew that Colt and Springfield parts do not work. Both of the common used parts houses did not have parts.
I took the gun apart and found the closest starting point. I ordered a Ed Brown 70 series extractor from Brownells. The tech there said it might not work, which I was well aware of.
When the extractor arrived it was indeed all wrong. This is where my Blacksmithing, Gunsmithing and Machining skill comes into play. I reforged the back end, I had to all a lot of mass to the body then rough reshaped it. I then fit the extractor body to the slide.
After I got the extractor to fit the slide to where I was satisfied, I started to position the hook where I wanted it for correct operation.
I final fit the back end and machined the cross locking recess for the firing pin retention plate. The locking recess had to be totally moved.
I then machined the rear of the extractor to allow the hammer to correctly drop and engage the firing pin.

Because I heard the gun hung up on steel casings, I polished the feed ramp and bore and hood.

Basic test firing was good, but the slide would not lock back after last round. Checking revealed the slide lock was working.
Magazine fit was checked and found sleeve case was ok but inside was questionable. Deeper examination showed improper function.. I made a careful adjustment to follower and then tested and was satisfied.

Final assembly and test firing was good. Slide did lock back after last round.. I blued the extractor to closely match the rest of the steel.

A custom made extractor for a gun that there are not parts for, Happy Customer.

A different Approach to SASS shooting rules

2009-06-13T17:03:00.006-04:00

A different Approach to SASS

When I joined SASS I got the handbook. Upon reading the rules, I had a problem, and I questioned SASS about it. They rule that no loaded guns are allowed on the property, and when you are at the shooting station only then can you load your gun. Then if you drop anything ONLY the monitor can pick up your ammo or gun. This policy was devised by lawyers and insurance people to make everything safe.
They do this because I can be next to a person that has never handled a gun before.

My problem is the clothes are expensive, and so are the guns. You are trying to emulate the society of around 1850. But during that time everyone walked around with loaded guns. Every one understood this. Young boys have been handed guns to protect crops and stock from wild animals for years. Or in decades before we made so many rules to make us helpless.
I am told that in the mid western states or where life is more rugged and real. Many of my customers never heard of SASS. But then again this is where they are not trying to make everything perfect for attorneys and insurance companies. SASS for them is fantasy. Just my opinion.

I am a Gunsmith-Blacksmith by business. Everything I work on I test fire. I carry loaded all the time, for many reasons.
So all the members of a group are walking around with unloaded guns. Anyone could go there and at gun point steal everything. Or wait until the end of match when shooters are loading into the cars or trucks and take.
So I have a solution that could work for them and me also.
For beginners that never handled guns before it is business as usual with all the rules that make current people feel safe.
After a while you could advance and with proven observation that you really do know how to handle loaded guns..
The beginners shoot on one day and the advanced that carry loaded on a different day.
By the way, the older Winchester 94’s did not have that cross bolt safety. My own Winchester 1892 in 32 WCF Blackpowder does not have a safety. The safety is in you mind and handling. Or the first hammer notch.
One of my other problems is I carry all the time. But I carry concealed. I could be next to one of these people in a store anywhere and they have no problem with me, If I have my 1911 it is loaded, cocked and locked as it is designed to be carried. Same if it is my .380 But in that special town they have a problem. I say it is the mental attitude. Kentucky is open carry. If I would carry open would these people run from me? No monitor? I would hope SASS would want to encourage accountability and carrying all the time loaded

Would anyone is SASS expect a military combat vet to submit to these rules after being under live fire? Maybe SASS is for a very specific culture, mindset.

Hatfield’s and McCoy’s of History

2009-06-05T19:58:00.002-04:00

Hatfield’s and McCoy’s

This week I have had a experience. One of the legendary Hatfield family came to my shop for help. This is one of the famous feuding families of this area. Years ago it was most likely shotguns, rifles, hand guns. This time it is a SKS in a synthetic stock. When the gun fires it is jammed shut. Can’t extract the shell. I was told that no one could fix it at the local gun shop. They referred it to me. I thanked the gun owner for the challenge.

Once I got the gun open I saw that the bolt was very hard to open, I made a mental note and kept on going. The chamber looked very dirty so I polished it out and test fired the gun. The bolt was jammed shut. Getting the bolt open I find jam marks on the cartridge case. So I go back and republish the chamber.. I repeated this several times going deeper and deeper until I got a partial result.

The bolt would partially extract the shell casing and then slam back shut on the empty. Questioning the bolt I took it apart and reset everything.

After doing all this and not having success I started thinking outside the box. Maybe the recoil system was wrong. I then started to re balance the recoil system. I made an adjustment and reassembled the gun and test fired. I did this over and over again

My first success was a two to three round successful burst, but the bolt would not lock in the rearward position, I carefully kept on going and at last I had a perfect three round run and the bold locked back on a empty magazine.

I am sure there are other families that have history going back that far and maybe more. I am also sure that others also have a very vivid history. I am sure I have worked on their guns.

RULES FOR DATING A MARINE'S DAUGHTER

2009-06-05T17:07:00.003-04:00

I found this on the internet- I also pulled a tour in Nam

RULES FOR DATING A MARINE'S DAUGHTER

If you pull into my driveway and honk you'd better be delivering a package, because you're sure not picking anything up.
Remove your hat when entering my humble abode. I may think you have something terrible under it and will do my best to exterminate it quickly, efficiently, and fatally.
You do not touch my daughter in front of me. You may glance at her, so long as you do not peer at anything below her neck. If you cannot keep your eyes or hands off of my daughter's body, I will remove them.
I am aware that it is considered fashionable for boys of your age to wear their trousers so loosely that they appear to be falling off their hips. Please don't take this as an insult, but you and all of your friends are complete idiots. Still, I want to be fair and open minded about this issue, so I propose this compromise: You may come to the door with your underwear showing and your pants ten sizes too big, and I will not object. However, In order to ensure that your clothes do not, in fact, come off during the course of your date with my daughter, I will take my electric nail gun and fasten your trousers securely in place to your waist.
I'm sure you've been told that in today's world, sex without utilizing a "barrier method" of some kind can kill you. Let me elaborate, when it comes to sex, I am the barrier, and I will kill you.
In order for us to get to know each other, we should talk about sports, politics, and other issues of the day. Please do not do this. The only information I require from you is an indication of when you expect to have my daughter safely back at my house, and the only word I need from you on this subject is "early."
I have no doubt you are a popular fellow, with many opportunities to date other girls. This is fine with me as long as it is okay with my daughter. Otherwise, once you have gone out with my little girl, you will continue to date no one but her until she is finished with you. If you make her cry, I will make you cry.
As you stand in my front hallway, waiting for my daughter to appear, and more than an hour goes by, do not sigh and fidget. If you want to be on time for the movie, you should not be dating. My daughter is putting on her makeup, a process that can take longer than painting the Golden Gate Bridge. Instead of just standing there, why don't you do something useful, like changing the oil in my car?
The following places are not appropriate for a date with my daughter:
- Places where there are beds, sofas, or anything softer than a wooden stool.
- Places where there are no parents, policemen, or nuns within eyesight.
- Places where there is darkness.
- Places where there is dancing, holding hands, or happiness.
- Places where the ambient temperature is warm enough to induce my daughter to wear shorts, tank tops, midriff T-shirts, or anything other than overalls, a sweater, and a goose down parka zipped up to her throat.
- Movies with a strong romantic or sexual theme are to be avoided; movies which features chain saws are okay.
- Hockey games are okay.
- Old folks homes are better.
Do not lie to me. I may appear to be a potbellied, balding, middle-aged, dimwitted has-been. But on issues relating to my daughter, I am the all-knowing, merciless god of your universe. If I ask you where you are going and with whom, you have one chance to tell me the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. I have a shotgun, a shovel, and five acres behind the house. Do not trifle with me.
Be afraid. Be very afraid. It takes very little for me to mistake the sound of your car in the driveway for a chopper coming in over a rice paddy outside of Chu Lai. When my Agent Orange or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) starts acting up, the voices in my head frequently tell me to clean the guns as I wait for you to bring my daughter home. As soon as you pull into the driveway you should exit your car with both hands in plain sight. Speak the perimeter password, announce in a clear voice that you have brought my daughter home safely and early, then return to your car. There is no need for you to come inside. The camouflaged face at the window is mine.

By: Unknown Author

Getting a Gun Repaired for Old Tools - Bartering-

2009-05-25T16:15:00.001-04:00

Getting a Gun Repaired for Old Tools

In the pursuit of expanding my Blacksmith shop, I will barter out Gun repair or Restoration work. I am looking for old Blacksmith tools that you might have laying around not needed. I am interested in hand tools, anvils . Large post vise, Fly press or others. Tongs, hardies. If this might be you give me a call.

Cell Phones for Soldiers

2009-05-20T14:12:00.001-04:00

Cell Phones for Soldiers

In the London-Corbin Kentucky area I am a drop off point for used phones. This program recycles the phones and provides FREE calling cards to deployed military. This allows those deployed to call home FREE and connect with family on a regular basis. From personal experience in VietNam and my son’s deployment in Iraq. I know first hand what this means. Check their web site out, call me.

S & W Sigma Sub Compact 380 SemiAuto Handgun review

2009-05-16T08:45:00.003-04:00

wrote this for ammoland

S&W Sigma Sub Compact 380 SemiAuto Handgun

Monday, May 11th, 2009 at 5:14 pm

S&W Sigma Sub Compact 380 SemiAuto Handgun

Budd's Gunsmith Shop

Lily, Kentucky - -(AmmoLand.com)- I am usually impressed with what Smith and Wesson puts out. In addition, at first glance the compact .380 auto is very nice.

The safety is the pivoting trigger segment, and it is double action.

Getting into it
I have a slight problem with these integrated pivoting triggers. I do not really like them. This gun is no exception. The whole trigger is plastic, and rock or pivot in the lower extension of the barrel housing. The barrel is held to the frame with a cross pin the goes through the trigger and hold everything in place.

Looking at the slide
The slide is held in place by the barrel going through it and in the rear it slides on about one half inch metal tabs. This means that disassembly is by driving the cross pin out, and raising the slide. The half inch tabs come up with the slide, and on reassemble have to be very carefully positioned for the drive pin. I also do not like autos that only have ½ to 1 inch of steel matting with the slide.

Sighting is straight down the top of the slide. No adjustments so this is not really a target gun, more self defense

Cleaning
With the slide coming off. After driving out the cross pin, that makes cleaning not as fast and easy as other guns I have handled or owned.

Magazine
The mag has to be pinched on both sides to pull it out. Not very problematic, but still takes more effort than my Barretta .380 and 1911 which both have the same type of mag release. As do many other guns.

Conclusion
Overall this would be a back up gun of last resort. I say last resort because a .380 is a 9mm short with less powder than the 9mm. I have talked with combat vets coming back from action. They shot the enemy 4 plus times and the enemy did not go down dead. If I had to carry a .380 and pull it I would empty the clip and be ready for the next move. I prefer my Barretta 85 .380 all steel, if I needed to carry a .380

Budd Gardstein of Budd's Gunsmith Shop

About Budd “Gun Doc

Blackpowder guns I wrote this for ammoland

2009-05-16T08:41:00.001-04:00

Budd's Gunsmith Shop

Lily, Kentucky - -(AmmoLand.com)- The ATF does not consider Black powder guns a firearm. That is strange, because they expel a projectile out of the barrel just the same as any other gun. But it is great for me and you because there is no NICS check then. They are also great fun!

Care of the iron
Black power weapons need some special care. One of the most important things to remember, is to keep them clean and greased. If they are not properly greased, they will seize up and become welded together.

Avoiding the problem
After a shooting session, the gun needs to be cleaned and taken apart. Any part that could freeze up must be removed and cleaned. More importantly when reassembling the components anit-sieze grease formulated for black powder needs to be used. This would apply to nipples and breach plugs.

If it is possible to take off the side drum from the side hammerlock, it should be done. Clean the port and grease the threads. Carefully installing the drum with the right alignment for the hammer is very important.

Checking your work
After the gun is reassembled, you should be able to blow through the barrel and breech hole and hear airflow. Preventive If you feel comfortable remove the side lock and grease the lock, then reinstall.

Inline and breakdowns Rifles
While the inline and breakdowns style rifles have eliminated the side hammer there are still issues to deal with. The inline with a nipple should still be removed, cleaned and greased. And the breach plug also cleaned and greased. The 502 type breach also needs to be removed, cleaned and greased

Any type of gun dealing with Blackpowder needs this care but with just a little bit of attention your Black Powers Rifle should last for years.

Budd Gardstein of Budd's Gunsmith Shop

About Budd “Gun Doc” Gardstein:
Budd’s Gunsmith Shop is the only full service shop in Southeastern and Central Kentucky.

Budd is a gunsmith that works on all types of guns.

Budd’s Gun Smith Shop is an experienced restoration shop specializing in the repair of fire and flood damaged firearms.

Budd will take on many jobs others wont touch give him a call.

Got a gun repair question? Email

The Importance of telling me up front what you did.

2009-05-05T18:49:00.000-04:00

The Importance of telling me up front what you did.

I cannot stress the importance of giving me all the information up front. The worst job I ever had was a H & R 10 ga Black powder Shotgun Breakdown. The gun came in with a apparent rod down the barrel. I was informed that they tried to clean out the load and jammed the rod there.
I chucked the barrel in my lathe and . I machined out the hard nipple, I then removed the barrel and poured oil into to hole to neutralize the powder to avoid a explosion from spark of hot steel. Then I increased the drill size and cut out the breech . On this barrel the breech did not have a threaded in plug, the wall was part of the whole barrel. A solid wall of hard steel. It took a few the bit sizes getting through that wall.

At this point I had the problem I had before on other guns. This barrel had been loaded with two loads. I have no idea why people double load black powder. It has happen to me a hand full of times and makes machining very difficult. I have to stop and clear the bit frequently.
I clear out the powder and the bullets and take the barrel out of the lathe and rest it on my anvil and attempt to drive the rod out of the barrel with a ¼’ steel rod. A regular hammer has no effect.. I upgrade to a heavier blacksmith hammer with also no effect. I further upgrade to a small sledge hammer and I cannot move the rod at all.

I reset the barrel back in the lathe and start to drill out the rod out of the barrel. I wind up chewing up drill tip re grind bit tip and then chewing them up. I go back to my anvil and am pounding with a larger sledge hammer and help holding the barrel. Nothing I was doing was working.

A phone call to the owner reveals the a concrete carbide bit was pounded down the barrel with a sledge hammer. To my knowledge, only a diamond bit might cut a carbide bit. The cost and availability of a ½ ’ diamond bit with 18’ shaft , I have no idea. Would the customer have paid that bill? That job beat me because of bad information. I had to walk away from that job. Maybe had I had a 10 ton press, I might have been able to get that bit out. The set up would have been wild. Would the customer have paid for that press time , I don’t know.A

Does Your Gun Stock Really Fit You?

2009-05-05T18:47:00.001-04:00

Does Your Gun Stock Really Fit You?

If shooting you gun is beating you up, then maybe your buttstock does not fit you. Consider that each of us is slightly different from the other. Or greatly. There are major differences on how a 180 pound man holds a shotgun compared to a 250 pound man. And again a 140 pound woman will have different body dynamics.. Size of bone and muscle mass on everyone is not the same. So why should one shotgun fit every one? The answer is that it does not.

There is a rarely used dicipline of shotgun stock fitting that takes all the factors of the body shape and size into account..
If the stock does not have enough drop then the receiver will not come up high enough for a good and comfortable sight picture.
If the comb is too high or if there is a integrated cheek area that is too high it can beat you up. I have a friend that bought a gun like that, and a few 3inch magnum shells gave him such a ache in the cheek bone and jaw that it was not fun shooting. Not wanting to go through the effort of a stock adjustment I suggested to him he try something like Brownell’s Cheekeeze stick on pad to the stock comb. He liked that idea.

The above situation can give you a difficult to get sight picture, or missed shots. I can also beat you up so it is no fun to hunt or sport shoot.

The answer is a stock modification to you body. Measuring the length of pull would be first. After that is established you can decide if you want a butt plate or a pad. Either needs to end at the length of pull measurement. If the stock is too long with the butt pad then the stock needs to be cut down and the pad fitted to it.

If the rear of the receiver is too low making sighting difficult the back of the stock needs to be lowered . That will raise the rear sighting area.

If your cheek is more than lightly resting on the comb or raised cheek area, it is too high.

Stock can be lowered with careful adjustments where the wood meets the steel. Sometimes this can be done. Other times the adjustments are made on the existing stock, and then that stock is copied with the improvements incorporated into a new wood stock and refitted to the original gun..

After all is said and done, the gun should effortlessly mount to your shoulder and sight and fire with no trouble at all. Singles , over and under’s and doubles should break down and close with almost no effort at all, Just about a snap of the wrist.

Article I wrote for ammoland.com

2009-05-05T13:10:00.000-04:00

Is My Shotgun Safe to Shoot?
The breakdown on my old double barrel is getting loose, or worn, What can I do?

Budd's Gunsmith Shop

Lily, Kentucky - -(AmmoLand.com)- I am starting to see wear in my shotgun. When I close the action the barrel clicks as it rocks back and for on the receiver?

I can now put my whole fingernail in between the breech and the barrels. Sometimes when I pull the trigger, the shells do not go off and the safety is stiff to operate?

I hear about these conditions all the time, and I work to resolve these and other issues on very old and somewhat old guns alike.

Barrel Type:
The first thing to determine is do you have a Damascus barrel. They are wound steel that is heated and then hammer welded together. They are beautiful but different. If the metal has good integrity, it can be shot with low-pressure shells. Now when I say good integrity of metal I mean that there are no deep pits and rust cracks or separations in the steel. Those marks would indicate that the welding of the steel in that barrel has been weakened and could blow. Modern shells are at about 1200 psi on up and are way too high powered. Polywad Inc of Georgia, a Shotgun Shell Developer makes a Vintage shell that tests at 600 psi and works for that period of gun.

Other guns would be of regular armory steel and not have a separation potential.

Barrel Lock Up:
Next is barrels lock up. Lock happen when the barrel comes down into the receiver and the locking lug secures it to the frame. There are two extremes that are both problematic.

If the lock up does not really happen, the barrel can tip open when fired. The recoil can push the locking lug off the barrel locking platform. Depending on how this happens, it can be very dangerous

If lock up happens, but the metal is so worn that the barrels can rock back and forth. If there is enough play, you could still have some blowout. Blowout would be the gas exploding out of the brass casing the was not held tight against the face of the receiver.

Breakdown Lever
The breakdown lever should move freely with light thump pressure, and snap back into place upon barrel lockup.

Pivot Action
If the pivot action is worn then the barrels might be too loose against the breech face. The wrist pin gives the pivot action of the barrel tipping down. The forend locks against the writs pin. This condition could also manifest in firing problems. Primers not indenting far enough to ignite shell.

Safety
The safety operates under spring tension. Sometimes they get very loose and dangerous, Other times they are so tight that they are not easily operable. Tightness over time can be corrosion of parts or grit working into contact areas that should slide.

Hammer
On exposed hammer guns, you should feel a definite click when pulling back the hammer. On single barrel, you can see the trigger jump and lock into place. Only sometimes visible on concealed hammer guns.

On side hammer guns the integrity of the inside lock is important. The hammer has a first sear notch called the safety notch and the second is the firing notch. The engagement of the hammer to the sear on both of these notches has to be right, or the gun could go off. If the second hammer has a bad firing notch, it could go off when the first hammer fires. Causing double firing. Both dangerous and not legal. With a bad sear notch, it just might not lock into position at all.

Old Guns are Great but Make Sure they are Safe
You might have your Grand Fathers or your Fathers gun that was handed down to you. It has been tucked away in the closet for a while. Consider the great pleasure of sharing that experience with your young child, adult child or grand child. I have seen the expression on a young man’s face when one of my projects is placed in his hands. I have heard the stories from out of state, and I have a file of letters from those that have chosen to put their feeling on paper. I do total restorations of these guns on a regular basis. Stories and photos of the journey is posted on our blog Budd’s Shop Talk.

Stevens 15A Single Shot 22 LR

2009-04-20T17:49:00.005-04:00

Savage 15A Blued

Stevens 15A Single Shot 22

This simple rifle came in already partially prepared by customer. I finished the polishing and also polished the bolt.

My Problem with SASS Now

2009-04-09T18:18:00.001-04:00

My Problem with SASS Now

I joined SASS to have fun, network and expand business. Shortly after joining I read the rules and had a problem. This group, as I imagined it was to emulate the 1850 life. Of the old west. The guns are expensive and you are expected to buy period cloths, also expensive. If I could manage that situation I have a problem with the policy on guns. You cannot walk around with your gun on and loaded. You have to wait until you get to the shooting station to load. If you drop anything , gun or ammo, the site manager has to pick it up. They say they are so worried about safety. In the 1850”s everyone walked around armed and loaded.
Apparently they have accountants, lawyers, doctors and such, people never having had a gun in their hand on site. And they are scared to death.
I say have a novice class, intermediate, and advance class. In advanced you should be able to walk around holstered and loaded all the time.
Further amazement, a customer tells me now the are measuring the angle of a cross draw with a protractor?? Ha Ha and if is more that 30 degrees it is illegal.
Maybe SASS is for people living in fantasy land, and me being a active Gunsmith` Blacksmith I should leave that world alone,, such a shame.

Free Help For Teens with Guns

2009-04-06T16:42:00.003-04:00

Free Help For Teens with Guns

Our children is our future. I want them to have a very safe positive experience with their guns. I have said on the Radio on Swap Shop here in London Ky that help for teens is always free. I think that it is wrong to charge a teen even if they are working. Life is hard enough for them.
Now for a slight play on words,,but being real. Swap Shop is on the am dial and I talk about teens and guns. But Let the Wolf 104 Country take a bite out of the problem of kid getting in trouble with guns. Wolf Radio is the fm part of the station that I am on.I am howling about my offer to help the teens. People talk about down home country. That is exemplified so much by teens shooting game, targets, or defending family with a gun. We have done that for so long before liberal society cranked so many laws to foul us up. A guy or girl will learn real accountability out hunting with a real adult Kids growing up on working Ranches and Farms keep varmints off or out all the time . The tribes have done that for centuries. WE should be stomping mad at what has happened.

Protecting What You Have

2009-04-04T13:56:00.001-04:00

Protecting What You Have

Protecting what you have is always a good idea. Investing in yourself is also good. Making wise choices is very important.. After years driving a Locksmith service truck, I have learned a lot. For the most part Locks and alarms only keep honest people out.. Most break-ins are very fast in and out. Meaning that even if you have a alarm, by the time there is a direct response, or the alarm company notifies the local police. The response time is such that they are long gone. Wasted money from my point of view.
If someone is always home then they should be armed. They can defend against the predators.
I you are going to be gone and the home is left alone unguarded, then the best answer is security bars and gates. Insurance on things that cannot re replaced is a waste from my point. Investing in real iron or steel to keep out that bad guy is your best self investment.. T.V. commercials are a joke that shows a alarm company calling someone and then sending help. Self reliance is always best.. All of the security stuff I see at the local Lowe’s is china- junk. Aluminum may be rust free and be able to be painted, but it is weak. I am working on gearing up to make quality security gates and doors out of forged iron in my Blacksmith shop here. Regardless if you are going through great, good, or rough economic times. Protecting what is yours is vital. There is never a good time to be robbed.

Humane damage Binghamton N.Y.

2009-04-04T09:55:00.002-04:00

Humane damage Binghamton N.Y.
The humane damage in Binghamton n.y. immigration could have been reduced or eliminated. If we take a different attitude with our society. The Gov. talked about shooting in Alabama, and other places. The information is all over the place where shootings are happening. The answer is also out there but no one talks about it.. One comment I read was “how could it happen here”. It can happen anywhere and it does. Except where we stop it. John Lott Chicago university wrote “more guns less crime”
In states that are anti gun ,in buildings that are anti gun we set ourselves up to be victims. We have laws that disarm us but the people that kill us don’t pay attention to those laws.
9 years ago in Clearwater Fl, rout 60. A man walks out of the kitchen of a hotel into the lobby and starts shooting, 5 dead, car jacked and shot someone. If there was a armed citizen in that lobby that shooter may have been stopped. The fatal mistake is thinking or saying it can‘t or would not happen here.
The history of the world and this country has proven different. Predators understand strength, none of them play by our rules. The liberals want you to think that guns are the problem,, no people are the problem. Special forces learn how to kill with anything. That is taught all over the world.
How do you have a armed receptionist at immigration when that is against state and federal regs? She could have stopped him. Our approach is wrong. I have walked in social security office and see a rent a cop, but I cannot go in there with my concealed weapons permit..
All of this happens because we let it happen. We have given up our self protection concept and expect others with a badge to protect us and are horrified we they fail. But I will not walk some where as a victim. I will not do business where I am helpless. There is a word "Zachor" Never Forget.
If we do not learn from history, history will repeat itself. There comes a time when I am responsible for my self, and if something horrible happens. Then it is my own fault for not taking action to prevent it.

2009-04-01T10:36:00.003-04:00

greg has left a new comment on your post "1913 J Stevens 12 Ga Single Barrel Shotgun":

Hello ...

i just got my grandfather's j stevens, single shot, 12 guage shotgun and it looks just like this one you have pictured here. My father is guessing that my grandfather bought it about 1930. I know it hasn't been shot in more than 50 years, but it has been kept nice, clean, dry etc. I don't care about the market value of the gun, but I'm curious about how to determine if it is safe to shoot. There isn't a gunsmith within 200 miles of here. The outside of the barrel is nice and straight without any nicks or marks whatsoever. The inside of the barrel is clean and shiny, but I can feel the inside of the site bead near the muzzle and I can just see it if i look down the barrel at a light. I'm wondering if this is normal, or if this is unsafe.

My Response to Greg

No it is not. The shaft of the bead should be flush with the steel. I install the bead with locktight, and after it is set I carefully grind the stub flush and then go back and polish the area with a Cratex wheel on my Dremmel. Polishing out any burrs.

Extreme Firearm Makeover

2009-04-01T08:31:00.000-04:00

Extreme Firearm Makeover

Wood stock work, Ironwork, Function of parts and cycling of shells, Finish of Iron and Wood;
Restoring performance, tightening loose fitting parts, eliminating rattle. Freeing frozen and locked actions.
Replacing missing or broken parts, making them if there is no source.
Fire, Smoke and Water damage guns have been restored. Check long list of guns in archives.

A Look at My Values , Appreciation of Old Things

2009-03-26T20:30:00.005-04:00

A Look at My Values. An appreciation of old things

A 1886 Elgin Key Wind Pocket watch and 1892 Winchester Lever action. What do these have in common for me? I think that they are both Classics. The Key wind pocket watch takes a lot more effort to operate. You have to open it to read it. You have to open the back to insert the key and wind it and have it cleaned and oiled one in a while.
The Winchester is a little more complicated than other guns and takes some effort to maintain. It shoots Black powder shell. It has a Saddle Ring from a different time in history.
Then there are the Single Action Revolvers. simple and basic in design. You have to pull the hammer back to shoot it each time. They were carried with hammer on empty chamber, that was before the concept of saftey. They were chambered up to 45 cal. Plenty of punch to do the job.
All are a reflexion of my romance with a different time in history.
Now depending on my mood. I carry a Ruger Blackhawk Single Action chambered 357 Magnum or a 1911 45cal a .380 becomes a backup only.
We bought a older Ranch style house that needed a lot of work, and we are doing the work ourselves. We love the Salvage yards. We have a small woodburnig stove in the office as our main source of heat. That is how it was done.

10 ga. Bonehill Club Double Barrel Shotgun

2009-03-20T17:13:00.007-04:00

10 ga. Bonehill Club Double Barrel Shotgun

This came in needing the barrels tightened to the receiver. There was a slight rattle or click when closed.
One lock was not working. Both of the firing pins needed rebound springs. The stock and forend were refinished showing a bone insert at the tip. The barrels and chamber were polished out. Barrels were polished and blued.

Before

After

A Gun; for when seconds count, and police are minutes away

2009-03-14T17:08:00.001-04:00

A Gun; for when seconds count, and police are minutes away

First is to carry a gun. The second choice is what kind of gun. The right tool for the job is very important. If a lesser caliber than 38 Special will not stop a man. Than those should only be used for target practice. I know people that have been in gun fights with a 9mm and expelled 4 rounds and more. The man did not go down and stay down. They jumped up to a 45. These are men that faced death all the time. But if you are ever in that situation. A weak gun could be fatal.

Gun services for teens London-Corbin Ky

2009-03-08T16:56:00.002-04:00

I am offering a Pre Turkey gun clean oil and safety check for the rest of March for adults. Priced at a big discount,
But I am offering teenage or young shooters a Free gun clean, oil and safety check anytime. I feel that we need to invest in our kids.

Gun Man on the Radio London Ky

2009-02-24T07:45:00.004-05:00

I have been sponsoring a local Radio station Swap Shop , SAM 103.9 WWEL, 96.7 WANV, 1400 WFTG♠ Out of London Ky. This past Monday I was in the studio with Adam, the D.J. or Host. We were talking gun issues and taking calls. I was talking about what I do and some of the problems that I get in the shop. We are going to continue this. I am going to in the studio on Mondays from 8-9 with Adam reaching out to people. Sharing my experience and helping them solve their problems. People can call in and ask question, and I will try and help them. Also in the spirit of family values. I mentioned that I am a drop off point for "Cellphones for Soldiers" a non profit that provides free cell phone calling cards for military deployed. I talked about my thought on that issue.

Thank You Coal Miners

2009-02-17T18:25:00.000-05:00

Thank You Coal Miners
Living in southeastern Kentucky I am right in the heart of coal mining country. I want to take a moment and thank all those involved in deep mining. It is a world in its own. I work on guns in my shop and use electricity for my equipment. Coal is used to make that electricity. I use coal in my blacksmith shop to form and shape iron. I takes a special person to go deep and work. Some of those mines are very low.
The American Coal Foundation lists 27 states that have mines. I have talked with some of you in my shop and told you my hat is off to you. Without you, I could not do what I do to make a living.

Very Old Fashioned Gun Bluing

2009-02-13T06:26:00.002-05:00

I have been hot bluing for years. It is not easy, a combination of chemistry , metallurgy and heat. The cost of the mixture has gone through the roof. A 5 gal pail bought 3-5 years ago has now tripled. So to avoid raising my cost way up there, I am mixing my own. Very challenging process, but after all is done I don't have to raise costs. Looking at my recent work, it is equal to or better than work done with the premix.

Fixing a Gun With Pencil and Paper

2009-02-05T07:56:00.003-05:00

Fixing a Gun With Pencil and Paper
As funny as the idea is, that is what I am doing more and more these days. I get guns in with wild problems. If I would draw out the gun on paper. Look at the problem area, and then take an eraser and rub out the problem and draw in the correction. That is what I am doing in steel these days.
Many time a part is worn out, missing, the wrong shape, broken.. That would be like some one took an eraser to the picture and changed something. So I take my pencil, or in reality I take steel and my tools. My tools consist of Blacksmithing Forge, torches, hammers, saws, files, lathe, milling machine, drill press and many more. I then do in steel what I could do with the pencil. I change and rebuild.
I rebuild triggers, sears, hammers, bolts, operating handles on bolts, various parts in actions, extractors. I got in a Mossberg .410 single barrel shotgun. Missing the bolt. The initial search found no bolt at the usual parts houses. And the gun model was only made for two years. I found the last bolt anywhere after a hard search, but the model and fit was in question. The client wants the gun to shoot so I ordered the bolt.
The bolt was for a different gun and would not even go in the receiver. So I machined the receiver to allow access. My first eraser and pencil job. Upon getting the bolt into position I find that there is a large gap into the steel at a critical place. I draw into place what needs to be done to the steel , my second pencil job
Now I have to take my talents and shop and make it happen in real time, and make it as pretty as possible.
It will take hours and multiple operation to do what the pencil did in seconds.
A second illustration, I got in a Marlin 1893 lever action chambered in 30-30. For unknown reasons the chamber is too large and the shell moves all around in it. I draw a slightly larger chamber than is already there. Now I strip down the barrel and put it in my lathe and machine out the chamber slightly oversized. I fit a sleeve into that hole,
Now I redraw a perfect chamber into the barrel that will fit the bolt. I take a chamber reamer and re size the chamber back to original and headspace to bolt. All the pencil and eraser work took seconds. Them machining took hours.

A Trigger Could Make or Break A Hunt

2009-02-04T11:08:00.001-05:00

A Trigger Could Make or Break A Hunt . You might feel that you can't hit the target, can't get that shot.. That trigger is so hard that nothing is workng. The gun is jerking. Your not having fun.
In any gun you are using, the trigger and related components can make or break that perfect shot. If the gun was delivered to you with a hard trigger, that means anything above 4-6 pounds. Depending on the particular gun and trigger, sear, and hammer configuration. Depending on your preference and hunting style. If you have to pull that hard you could easily pull off target and miss that shot in the last fraction of a second.. There are multiple reasons why that trigger maybe be too hard and two guns side by side could have different causes. The trigger should be light, smooth, crisp and with very little travel. This way your hand and wrist does not move you off target. Bolt action rifles, semi autos , single shot, lever actions, over and unders, side by side, hammerless, and hammer rabbit ear. black powder inlines, side locks guns all have different actions . But in most cases they can be fine tuned. All of this should be able to be done without compromising safety.

16 ga. 50 Cherokee

2009-01-29T14:43:00.006-05:00

16 ga. 50 Cherokee 1901 patent

This gun came in with, a mangled forend takedown screw, the barrel was too far from the receiver face, the lock down was too lose, the take down lever was loose on the shaft, the firing pin was not working and it was missing the rebound spring. Also the mainspring receiver mount broken. Front sight needing replaced, Shell extractor too weak.

I rebuilt the mainspring mounting on receiver, also the top lever square hole for the turning hub had to be restored.

note the broken mount above

metal was brazed to replace the piece

Now the gun is back together

Custom Gunstocks and Forends Made, Fitted and Finished

2009-01-29T12:41:00.003-05:00

Custom Gunstocks and Forends Made, Fitted and Finished

We are now associated with Sid Justice of Justice Gunstocks. We can restock your gun with a custom stock with hand rubbed oil finish.. You can have your original butt plate put back on, or a new one of your choice. Butt pads of your choice can also be fitted to the stock.

This is how it works. I take the stock off the gun and do what ever repairs might be needed. Gouges are repaired and sanded, broken areas will be repaired. Sid will copy that restored stock in choice of wood. It will be made to close fit of the steel, and after that, I will do the final fit. The stock is then final sanded and finished in hand rubbed oil. Multiple coats are rubbed in until the desired finish is attained.

This can be done for current production, as well as obsolete ,vintage and antique guns. Some of the guns we work on are SKB, Marlin, Winchester, Ithica, Remington, Krieghoff, Rossi, L.C Smith, Parkers, 1100's , 12's, 94's, 1892's . Also Forends without sample, half stock muzzeloaders and more.
Sid can be reached at 217-948-5936 or my shop at 606-864-1170.

Is my old shotgun safe to shoot?

2009-01-24T11:56:00.003-05:00

greg has left a new comment on your post "1913 J Stevens 12 Ga Single Barrel Shotgun": Hello ...i just got my grandfather's j stevens, single shot, 12 guage shotgun and it looks just like this one you have pictured here. My father is guessing that my grandfather bought it about 1930. I know it hasn't been shot in more than 50 years, but it has been kept nice, clean, dry etc. I don't care about the market value of the gun, but I'm curious about how to determine if it is safe to shoot. There isn't a gunsmith within 200 miles of here. The outside of the barrel is nice and straight without any nicks or marks whatsoever. The inside of the barrel is clean and shiny, but I can feel the inside of the site bead near the muzzle and I can just see it if i look down the barrel at a light. I'm wondering if this is normal, or if this is unsafe.

Determining saftey is complex,,but with out seeing it I will say that the threads on the front sight bead should not comes through the barrel steel. They need to be ground down and then polished. The breech needs to meet the receiver flush. The hammer needs to have strong engagement with the sear, but also good release. The breakdown lever need good travel and the barrel needs to smoothly engage the locking lug. So how do I tell you that the gun is safe to shoot without me handleing myslef. I can't. You play the odds I check guns all the time, and I don't release it until I am safisfied. If there is a doubt in my mind I will tell the customer about the question I am concerned about. I am posting this because return e-mail failed

Repairing H K Factory Scope Rings (Rifle-Intergrated)

2009-01-22T16:00:00.005-05:00

A customer sent me a set of H K custom scope rings that were striped out, in one hole. The factory refused to repair them, simply offered to sell him a new pair for $125.00. I increased the size of the screw size, tapped the four holes and put in new cap head screws, Looks great, almost one third the cost. Satisfied customer.

Hewson Blackpowder

2009-01-15T19:00:00.002-05:00

Hewson Blackpowder 1813-1925
This gun came in with a very hard trigger pull. By proof marks indicating Birmingham,made some where in the time shown. I took the lock apart and reworked the sear and tumbler notches to give a better pull. Polished the steel., and reshaped the hammer to correct positioning relative to nipple.

Baker Gun Company Batavia Trader

2008-12-31T11:55:00.004-05:00

Baker Gun Company--Batavia Trader
This 12 ga double barrel came in with a dent in one barrel. For unknown reasons it was shaped like a crescent, almost like someone hit it with a punch. I raised the dent with a dent raiser that I invented and fabricated in my shop. Moving metal on a shotgun barrel is difficult. Hydraulic dent raisers are available, but very expensive and there is the danger of raising metal too far. My dent raiser is designed as two sliding wedges that move by rotating a threaded rod. It is a concept that has been one of the suggested methods of raising massive stone of the Pyramids of Egypt.

My Big Problem with a 9 mm or less

2008-12-26T19:19:00.000-05:00

My Big Problem With a 9 mm or less
I’ve a big problem with a 9 mm or less in a defensive gun. I have talked to a private investigator who was in a gun fight. He shot a man 4 times and he still did not stay down. I spoke to a army vet. From Iraq. He said the same thing. They both moved up to a 45 cal and it gets results.
Now you may not plan to be in a firefight. In the states or in combat. But if you ever have to pull something. It should do the job.

“Junk or Heirloom” You decide We Repair or Restore

2008-12-18T19:14:00.000-05:00

“Junk or Heirloom” You decide We Repair or Restore
What is Grand Pa’s Old gun worth? He might have bought it for $12.00 and carried it in the mountains and hunted with it. It may have history behind it. It might not look like muck right now, but with the right care and attention. I car breath real life back into it. Some will say it is only a $125.00 gun and I will say maybe priceless.

Comment on J Stevens by two teenagers

2008-12-17T14:08:00.002-05:00

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "1913 J Stevens 12 Ga Single Barrel Shotgun": Hi, We are are two 13 and 14 year old kids and found this gun in the attic. We think its a little older then this one. its from before the 1900's. We want to trade it in and get some money for a thompson and really want to know how much it would be worth.any help is appreciated thank you Posted by Anonymous to Budd's Shop Talk at December 14, 2008 2:12 PM

I would say about $300.00 but that is without seeing it. But I love old guns. But you can say it is worth what ever you want for it, there are not many of those out there. Budd

Winchester 1906 Slide Action Pump 22 cal

2008-12-10T14:03:00.001-05:00

Winchester 1906 Slide Action 22 cal.
This gun also known as a Gallery gun. Tube mag fed chambered, we think in 22 cal short or long.. Came in with a crusty action. As well as entire gun rusted. I re ground the chamber to 22 long rifle and machined the lifter to accept 22 long rifle. Mag tube outer tube needed major rework.

U .S Army M-1917 Colt D.A. 45

2008-11-19T16:33:00.004-05:00

1917 Colt D.A. 45 this U.S. Army contract pistol.
This 1917 Colt came in rusted solid. Could not get it apart. Side plate screws also frozen/rusted, had to be machined out. Re drilled and tapped. Cylinder release was internally bent and had to be corrected. Cylinder yoke sprung out of alignment to the frame and had to be corrected At the end the mainspring was too weak to function. No mainsprings are available, so I forged and machined a spring close,. Machined the frame to take the modified spring, final fit the mainspring.

Hard Trigger Pull and Trigger Travel

2008-11-17T19:27:00.002-05:00

Hard trigger pull is caused by rough metal surfaces on hammer and or sear notches. Also too positive engagement will cause hard pull. I have addressed this on many guns. Handguns, rifles and shotguns. Travel can sometimes be corected, depending on how the fire control system is designed.

Ruger Target Ranch customer response

2008-11-13T16:51:00.003-05:00

john2a has left a new comment on your post "Ruger Target Ranch .223 Trigger Job": This is my mini-14 target rifle that supposedly already had a trigger job done on it by another gunsmith in my area. Needless to say that if it arrived at Bidd's at over 8 lbs., makes one think what did he do and charge me for the service? After talking to Bubb, I shipped my rifle to him and a couple of days later, as he had promised, he called me and explained everything he found wrong and want he did to achieve the 3.8 lb pull. His price was very reasonable and he even advised me not to spend any more. We need more people like Budd in the gunsmith buiness, who do what they say and you can trust their work at a fair price. I will continue to use Budd in the furture and send him all the business I can. Budd's the real deal, and walks the talk.

the above was sent in and although john mis spelled my name two times, it is accurate

Hard Trigger Pull

2008-11-12T16:13:00.003-05:00

Guns come in often with hard trigger pull, and I have a theory on why. I think that guns are sent out of the manufacturing plant to comply with the lawers and insurance companies. They want to be sure they are safe. I feel that the safte operation of a gun is controlled in the mind. It is only machined steel. A 8-12 pound trigger pull is unreal for hunting or target shooting. But it might make some people feel safe. I understand this But a reckless driver in a moving car or truck can do more damage, and the responsibility is still with the operator. Many serious gun people I talk with want and use 4-6 pounds very well. There are some guns that I cannot get down that far mainly because of engenering.

Ruger Target Ranch .223 Trigger Job

2008-11-12T15:57:00.002-05:00

Ruger Target Ranch .223
This gun came in with a very hard pull and with travel. The trigger sear engagement on primary and secondary sear was difficult. I reworked the trigger return spring, I changed the jump off on secondary sear to last sear and took out a lot of travel. I lowered the pull from 8 plus pounds down to 3.8 pounds with little travel.

The Real World

2008-10-31T08:23:00.003-04:00

Military Vets, I've got your back. A tight 360, Shakar Zulu ( King of Zulu Nation) said "Never Leave An Enemy Standing". Most Combat Vets understand these concepts. If you have a question on a firearm or a problem I want to talk with you. I lived through Viet Nam, 11 months 27 days. We both understand the situation.

Making Tools

2008-09-16T08:43:00.003-04:00

Today I am a blacksmith and tool maker. I bought an air file to help in my work. It came with a set of files to match the size of the chuck. The black air file and it's file are to the right. My gunsmith micro file would not fit the chuck. I machined and forged two inserts for the chuck so I can use the micro files. Pictured far right.

1905 Smith and Wesson Revolver in 44 Special

2008-09-10T14:34:00.004-04:00

1905 Smith and Wesson Revolver in 44 Special
This Black Powder Cartridge Revolver came in very rough. No front site or back sight. No grips. I forged a front site and machined to fit. Got a modern S & W site and machined the frame to accept the site. Blued the gun and put on the beautiful Rosewood grips on.

Rossi-Interarms .357 mag

2008-09-09T20:46:00.003-04:00

Rossi-Interarms .357 mag
This revolver came in with the front site missing, plastic broke off. The rear site blade, also plastic also missing. No parts are available.
I machined the front barrel for a site blade and then machined a site blade to fit. I got a S&W rear site and machined the site to fit the gun and polished off as much bluing as possible to match.

U.S.Arms Co Double Barrel Shotgun

2008-09-07T14:23:00.003-04:00

U.S.Arms Co Double Barrel Shotgun
This double barrel shotgun came in in parts as you can see. It has Damascus barrels with proof marks that indicate 1855-1877 made in Belgium. The locks are missing mainsprings, the screw threads are mangled, receiver screw to trigger group is missing and the threads for thr trigger ground out. The stock has to go from starting shape through all forming and inletting and final shaping to finishing. Barrels polished and blued and all other parts polished. Interesting start for a 140 year old gun.

Winchester 1892 Octagon barrel

2008-09-01T10:50:00.008-04:00

Winchester 1892 Octagon barrel
This gun came is with the dovetail cut in the barrel damaged leaving a air gap and maybe someone just jammed or hammered in the mag tube guide. I had to heat the barrel and forge repair the dovetail moving back steel into place. The barrel has to be draw filed to regain the flats and take out gouges. The receiver has Pitts that need removed. Stock has dings that need back filled and finished.

before refinshing...

stripped, polished, filed, ready for bluing..

blued, stock repaired, refinished, reassembled...

Some of the Odd guns I have worked on

2008-08-31T14:07:00.004-04:00

Some of the Odd guns I have worked on
Many guns have no parts or drawings available

Remington model 51 semi auto 380
This gun patent 1915 and produced 1919-27 has a concealed hammer and full length grip safety, regular thumb safety and mag safety.

Dreyse Model 1907
Designed by Louis Schmeisser made from 1907-15 by Rheinische Metallwaaren and Maschinenfabrik, Sommerda. Germany 32 acp

Sterling Arms Model PPL .380
This is a gun made from 1978-86 made by a machine shop called E & R Inc, Gasport,NY

Gun Bluing, Refinishing

2008-08-07T17:03:00.001-04:00

Gun Bluing ,Refinishing
Gun bluing is a chemical process. It is the controlled handling of oxidation of steel. Oxidation is rust. Bluing is the end result of a controlled process of iron oxidation of steel. The condition of the steel, the temperature and the chemicals involved all have to be under control. Most double barrels and over and under shotguns have to be done very different from single barrels. Nickel steel is also different. Depending on how the steel is treated will determine if it is matt or gloss.

Final Results of The Shotgun That Beat the Snake to Death

2008-08-06T13:37:00.002-04:00

Final Results of The Shotgun That Beat the Snake to Death
Most of the work I did you cannot see. But it is all the work that allows what you see to happen. This is a Winchester 370 20 ga.

The Right Ammunition and Gunsmith Work

2008-08-05T17:11:00.000-04:00

The Right Ammunition and Gunsmith Work
Some times in the course of a repair, ammunition drives me crazy. I keep ammo fir the guns I work on, and if a gun comes in that I don’t have ammo for I will get a box for function and test firing. I have used Seller and Ballot and Rio brands, both imports with problems in shotguns. I have had problems with domestic name brands also. He way I handle it is forget that box and get a new box of some other brand if possible.
The correct cartridge makes a big difference in semi auto pistols of feed and blow back function.
I had a Marlin 45 cal rifle in and was test firing it and one factory load failed to leave the barrel. I did not know that and the next round split the barrel at the muzzle, blowing off the sight. I sent the gun into Marlin factory and they gave me a difficult time. I then sent the remaining box of ammo back to Remington
and they tested it. They finally agreed to pay for a new barrel to be put on by Marlin.
Black Hills Ammo has a different policy. As far as I am aware of they are the only company that states that if their ammo damages your gun, they will take care of the damages.
Black Hills is the supplier of the U.S. Military Branches. Check out their web.
I do not think that I should have had to fight with Marlin or Remington to get my customers gun fixed. I would rather pay more for Black Hills if that would be the case, than buy cheaper ammo and have all those problems.
Black Hills does not make shotgun ammo so I am looking somewhere else on that issue.

When Gun Manufactures Use Plastic

2008-08-02T13:46:00.001-04:00

When Gun Manufactures Use Plastic
I realize that gun companies don’t ask my advise when they design guns. But if they did, I would tell them to give the customer value for the dollar spent.
Plastic trigger assemblies that New England Firearms NEF H& R use really bother me. They often come in here broken or shattered. Yet the older guns have metal assemblies. The forend pivot block was steel and now so many are plastic. Sights on so many guns are plastic variation of steel, but can break off too easily.
Some shotguns have a plastic magazine follower that with use can wear out.
I got a call the other day from the local gun retainer looking for a plastic part for a semi auto pistol.
Many of the Jennings and J Bryco and similar use a aluminum slide lock and firing pin spring retention stop. One man told men that he had one shear and was hit below his eye.

Guns "Extreme Make Over"

2008-08-01T18:54:00.003-04:00

Guns Exreme Make Over. Often customers bring or send me guns that appear Dead On Arrival. They might be rusted solid, broken, missing vital parts. Some have not worked in a generation. Some would say that these are impossible jobs, some would not even talk with the potential customers. Some of the projects that come here have been in the family for generations, and have stories and emotions attached. Many have been forgotten for unknown reasons. Many are being given that special attetion so that they can be handed down to grand children.
We talk with everyone. We coined the phrase “Junk or Heirloom? You Decide, We Repair. I heard years ago “The Difficult We Do Immediately, The Impossible Takes a Little Longer”. One of my Blacksmith books talks of a man’s concept of “you have to be more stubborn than the iron”.
Many of the jobs that come here wind up more complicated than thought of at first. There is a lot of satisfaction in bringing a dead gun back to life.

Winchester 1892 Made in 1906

2008-07-31T19:20:00.001-04:00

Winchester 1892 Made in 1906
This 102 year old lever action has presented some challenges already. The cross bold the hold the hammer in the receiver was so bad that direct heat did not help at all. I put the gun on my Bridgeport and milled a hole through the bolt. Then drilled it out to get the hammer out. The loading gate screw is the same problem. Stock and forend will be ordered and fit to the receiver. Steel butt plate and barrel bands and screws. I have 1905 catalogue sent by Cornell Publications to give me real period information and drawings.

Winchester Model 1892

2008-07-30T14:57:00.004-04:00

Winchester Model 1892
This just acquired lever action patent date on barrel Oct 14,1884 is in rough shape. I will be a interesting journey. Missing parts, forend and stock.

Family Heirlooms Restored

2008-07-28T18:01:00.001-04:00

Family Heirlooms Restored
As I look back at this month alone, I am seeing many family heirlooms that I have worked on. I feel that I have rendered a valuable service. I have restored something that has enormous family sentiment and history attached to it. The owner of the 1848 now thinks that it came here well before 1848 on a ship from Europe. There are no real defining marks except for the border line engraving. I am going to check a book with pictures. The other owners also have stories.

160 Year Old Double Barrel Finished. No more Rusty Crusty

2008-07-28T11:15:00.004-04:00

160 Year Old Double Barrel Finished
Here is the end result. Period appropriate bluing on the barrels, locks, and other iron. With sling and ramrod.

Safest Gun In The World

2008-07-26T19:38:00.000-04:00

Safest gun in the world
I put accountability and responsibility on the shoulders of people. I am not looking for lawyers and insurance companies to solve my problems.
I say that the safest gun in the world is a loaded working gun in the hands of one that knows how to use it. The safety is in the mind. A non-working gun is like a club. A big powerful truck in the hands of the wrong person is more dangerous than a gun. People make decisions and are responsible for their behavior. Young kids have walked the lands, and mountains for years and hunted. Schoolboys would regularly leave a 22 cal rifle in the corner of the schoolroom for a hunt on the way home.

Lock, Stock and Barrel

2008-07-26T12:48:00.001-04:00

Lock, Stock and Barrel
When I got out of the military I worked as a Locksmith for years. Many times I would take a blank bit key blank. A skeleton key. A bench vise and set of hand files and fit a key blank to the lock. That process really honed my three dimensional thinking and skills.
I use that thinking and skill when working on obsolete guns a lot. I just got a Revelation 22 cal rifle mod 160 that was missing parts. The two largest gun parts houses do not even list the gun, and the cross reference does not have it either.
I found that the Savage 6A was close looking at the exploded view, so I ordered the parts.
Both of the parts houses have the statement that” parts may need final fit” in their catalogue. That little phrase can chew up a lot of time to get the job right.
So with no parts for the Revelation I get the Savage parts in and one is wrong, will not fit or function. I have to take it out and machine it to fit and work.
In the past I had gotten a part for a shotgun in and it was the wrong shape. The parts house told me that what was sent was all they had. I cut the piece apart and forged to the correct shape, filed and final fit to the gun.
This happens to us on a frequent basis, with a lot of older guns coming in. The older the gun, the more likely that it will be the case.

Gunsmith~ Machinist~ Blacksmith

2008-07-25T19:57:00.003-04:00

Gunsmith~ Machinist~ Blacksmith
I am a gunsmith, machinist, blacksmith, fabricator, artist.I have read Steve Ackers book ,"Gunsmith Machinist" as well as Alexander G Weygers, "The Complete Modern Blacksmith" and Richardson's book,"Practical Blacksmithing". . And much more , our book shelves are overflowing. I try and read as many creative books as possible. I work on people guns that are their dreams. We coined the phrase” Junk or Heirloom? You Decide, We repair“. We are problem solvers. Peoples treasures come in with all sorts of problems, and we talk with them. We try very hard to make the broken dream whole again and come true. Guns come in with all different stories of the history on the gun. The smile on the clients face shows me that we made the dream come true. That is very satisfying.