Episode-1235- Fun, Cheap and Easy Gun Projects and Tricks
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Build Your Own M1 Dummy Mag for the 10/22
Okay guys and gals, October has kicked my butt. First 10 days in Colorado, then the seminar at my homestead, then the earthworks course in Louisiana. I need a fun and easy show and I bet with all the crap going on with the government, the economy and other things many of you do too.
Today I am going to discuss some cool gun projects you can do and exactly how to do them. None require any advanced gunsmithing knowledge or master wood working skills to do.
We will also discuss some cool and easy to install accessories and where to get them and why they are actually worth having. A little bit on reloading, including my special 44 Mag “quiet load” and even a tiny bit of airsoft shooting.
This should be a fun show, it won’t be a 100% how to show but it will give you a ton of fun projects, let you know what is possible and get you thinking. It may also give you a few projects for those long winter nights when many of us get a bit of cabin fever in January and February. It sounds crazy but those days are just around the corner.
Join Me Today As We Discuss…
- The easiest money saver, rehabbing old break action shotguns
- The “rubber washer trick” with the NEF/H&R break action rifle
- Conversion of the NEF to 357 max or “k-hornet”
- Getting started reloading with the “lee loader” it fits in a shirt pocket
- The 22 LR “flat point” jig
- Restoration of Military Surplus Arms (without ruining them)
- Turning a mosin nagant into a “scout rifle”
- Creating in stock survival kits
- Starting a fire with a rifle
- Cut shells for the shot gun (slugs on demand)
- Convert a 10/22 to an M1 Carbine Clone
- Build a black powder rifle from a kit
- Build a “survival sling” from leather or paracord
- Loads so quite you don’t need a suppressor
- Build simple “airsoft” reactive targets for cheap or suburban practice
Resources for today’s show…
- The Year 1235
- Join Our Forum
- 13Skills.com
- Join Our Forum
- Walking To Freedom
- Shop for TSP Silver
- TSP Gear
- PermaEthos.com
- Back Yard Food Production – (sponsor of the day)
- Fortress Defense Consultants – (sponsor of the day)
- Making the NEF Rifle Better – Includes Rubber Washer Mod
- NEF Rifle List on Yahoo
- NEF Barrel Accessory Program
- Lee Loader Rifle
- Lee Loader Pistol
- Great thread on an 10/22 to M1 Conversion Project
- Stock for the 10/22 M1 Conversion
- Tech Site Set for the 10/22
- 30 Carbine Dummy Mags for the 10/22
- SurplusRifle.com
- Load Data for the 44 Special Load I Mentioned
Remember to comment, chime in and tell us your thoughts, this podcast is one man’s opinion, not a lecture or sermon. Also please enter our listener appreciation contest and help spread the word about our show. Also remember you can call in your questions and comments to 866-65-THINK (866-658-4465) and you might hear yourself on the air.
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Our Expert Council is Made Up of…
- Kerry Davis – Dark Angel Medical – Emergency Medicine and Life Saving Care
- Bryan Black – ITS Tactical – All Things Tactical, E&E, Lock Picking, etc.
- Frank Sharp Jr. – Fortress Defense Consultants – Weapons, Tactics and Security
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WRT: Lee Perfect Powder Measure
While I’m still a novice reloading, I felt further qualification on how this item can suck was warranted.
If you look at any smokeless powder load data, the charge is stated in weight (grains). However powder is most always dispensed by volume (exceptions are the integrated scale/dispensers Jack mentioned).
I still have and use the Lee Anniversary kit which included this powder measure. It *can* work consistently, when used with some types of powders. Specifically, avoid extruded (stick shaped) powders. Also, larger (less dense) granules meter better through this.
For example: With my .38spl powder puff loads I use IMR TrailBoss, which looks like miniature cheerios. The powder is “fluffy” and it’s almost impossible to leak out the side of the “perfect” powder measure.
On the other hand. Hodgdon H110 which I use for “full house” magnum loads, is very fine, and looks like tiny salt-like cubes. It leaks out the sides and gets into the works. You can feel like as if there was sand in gears when you crank.
For precision work I may use a hand dipper, but frankly that is SO much slower, that I can’t tolerate it for high volume work. Until I can afford a better dispenser, I actually choose powder based on it’s metering characteristics.
Wow Jack great show today loved it. I always thought the “start a fire with a gun” trick only worked between the pages of a survival manual. Les Stroud tried it 10+ times on his television show and was unable to start a fire. as I recall he did not know to put cotton in the cartridge I think The US Army survival book doesn’t mention the cotton either which is what I think Les was using for reference.
You need a vacation.
MSB members will understand.
Gotta watch your health and as you know, too much time in airplanes is not conducive to staying healthy.
If I may make a suggestion, it would be to announce you are going to turn off the phone and the computer and spend a week at home regrouping. Your wife might appreciate that. And your animals. Stop and smell the roses.
jack take time off the urban gorilla league up here in Wyoming with do a weekend podcast for you we could do a four hour podcast for you covering some topics we would love to do it if you need a break check you guys take a break brother sometimes those use our heads work harder than those that use our backs work hard work smart do it yourself thats the motto take care jack
The best option for getting a Mosin to really sporterize is to start with one that has already had the stock chopped. You don’t destroy an intact gun, and you can generally find them cheaper to start with (because the collectors’ value is already hosed). If you’re going to hack up an intact one, do at least check to make sure it’s not a particularly valuable variant (yes, there are rare and valuable Mosins).
IMO, a Mosin is best used as-is. If you want a decent scoped rifle, a brand new Savage Axis at Walmart will be pretty price-competitive with a Mosin that you have to buy a stock, scope, mount, etc for (and the Savage will be more ergonomic and more accurate too).
Great show Jack. I’m going to send this link to a buddy who loves guns and shooting but is not “awake” yet. I hope this will get him listening on a regular basis.
Not sure if this will work on wood gun stocks,
but, an old cabinet makers trick to get rid if dings and dents in “unfinished” wood is to wet a clean washcloth, lay it over the dent, press a hot iron on top of the washcloth over the dent area.
The steam will expand the compressed wood fibers and may make it disappear…at least most of it, and should make it easier to sand out.
A lot depends on the severity of the damage, time frame, hardness etc.
Practice on a scrap piece of wood of the same material, to “iron” out the technique before steaming your dented stock.
Also, if you’re going to do this, don’t steam out the stock markings! I’ve seen more than a few stocks that used to have important markings stamped in them that were “repaired” out of existence by over-exuberant use of this technique.
I steamed out some dents in a Marlin. Before:
http://s1227.photobucket.com/user/mjzraz/media/2013-07-21220843Medium_zps0cff1889.jpg.html
http://s1227.photobucket.com/user/mjzraz/media/2013-07-21220858Medium_zps81b24ac9.jpg.html
After:
http://s1227.photobucket.com/user/mjzraz/media/2013-08-05005428Medium_zps9d1f0ebe.jpg.html
http://s1227.photobucket.com/user/mjzraz/media/2013-08-05005535Medium_zps273b0086.jpg.html
one trick I found was to steam for a while and then let the wood rest and dry overnight. Then try again the next day.
I’m going to have to listen to this episode again as my experience with owning guns is very limited, as in none. I’ve shot a fair amount with my cousins and their guns, but I always shot what they had. I’m looking mainly for something fun to shoot for target practice and affordable. If I could buy .22 ammo I would do that, but I want to have another option. Can someone give me some options for a gun to shoot the quite loads Jack talked about? I understand I would have to learn how to re-load, but I’m sure I can figure that out.
I’ve listened to the TSP shows on guns and think I understand shotguns, but rifles still confuse me. I understand .22lr but that is it. Can someone help me out with another option? I’ll be shooting on 10 wooded acres, mostly targets but want the option for vermin. I’m looking for something with a low cost per shot.
I’d recommend a pistol caliber for the following reasons:
Easier to learn reloading (straight wall cases, not tapered necks like rifles)
When fired from a rifle, pistol cartridges can be very quiet.
Something like a marlin 1894c chambered in .357mag, or the mentioned Handi-rifle in similar calibers might meet your needs.
Retail, .357mag is expensive, but if you shoot cast lead and handload, you can easily get your per round cost to $0.15 with some smart component sourcing.
Jack this is my new pocket armory.
How prepared will you be when ammo runs scarce? Your gun is only useful for as long as your ammunition supply lasts. specially designed ammo adapters turn one 12 ga shotgun into a 10-gun arsenal at a fraction of the cost. you can shoot any of the following ten calibers from your 12 ga shotgun: 12ga, 20ga, 410 bore, 45 Colt, 44 Mag, 45 ACP, 38 Special, 357 Mag, 9mm and 22 LR. It is the perfect solution for firepower versatility.
http://www.gaugemate.com/
Jack,
Is this the sights you were talking about for the 10/22?
http://www.eabco.com/store/ruger-10/22-accessories/techsights-200-sight-set-for-ruger-10/22/
Yep crap left that out of the resources links. Good catch, adding it now.
I think this episode has really twisted my arm into buying a handi-rifle. I want one in 30-30. I def want one in 357 mag now! I was looking at them just a few weeks ago and I thought “now why would anyone want A hand I rifle in 357 mag?” Lol the 357 max re bore is just awesome.
This was a great show with information I had not heard anywhere else. It was entertaining for novices and experts alike. How about doing the same kind of show about fishing? I know nothing about fishing skills beyond hook, line and bobber. Help me, Obiwan.
Hey Jack,
Great show. A topic suggestion: Fire Craft. The bit about the rifle cartridge was great, I did not know that. You could talk about everything from fire pistons to bow drills as well as how to properly bank a fire and cook on one. I know there are other resources on the web for that stuff but I think the audience would like to hear your spin and experiences with fire. I did a search on the website and did not find an episode dedicated to fire craft.
Thanks,
Patrick
For 22 lr bullet mods – http://pacotools.com/tool_discriptions
Great show brother!! Absolutely love the Lee reloaders. I will be investing in those time now. I’m also regretting buying the Remington 597 instead of the 10/22, but at the same time I did buy it during the middle of the latest gun craze.
You were mentioning how to accurize and make killer .22LR rounds, Pacotools (http://www.pacotools.com) makes some neat tools for that, including the original acu’rzr and now has some new models and even what’s called the ATS which cuts a flat tip on .22 rounds. I have used the original tool and it’s great. He does really poor marketing and can only order my sending in snail mail, but they are a work of art!
What I was talking about had zero to do with accuracy. It is about making the round better able to anchor small game with out blowing it up.
Oh I see now, they have tools that do exactly what I was talking about, thanks for that, going to reach out to them.
What is the Lee shotgun reloading kit that you mentioned? I only see the rifle and pistol ones that you mentioned.
http://leeprecision.com/shot-shell-reloading/shot-shell-reloading-press/
I’d love to hear more “Tips and Tricks” sort of episodes! This was a very informative and entertaining episode, and while I enjoy listening to all your shows, this was a nice change. I’m a regular listener, and I can’t recall hearing this sort of show since you did the one on how to cook game meats (another good show!). Keep up the great job!
I love the Tech Sights on my 10/22. Another good mod, especially if you have kids, is the Tapco Adjustable Stock. Yeah I know, Tapco=Crapco to some people, but I like it on the little Ruger. Turns it into something my son and I can both use.
Great show Jack. You’re spot on about the Slug On-demand and also the Quiet Load method, I’ve done both and they work extremely well. Would love to hear more tips & tricks on ammo & weapons modifications.
Jack how bout the info for the 357 maximum conversion did i miss it i didnt see it in the nef stuff. Awesome show thanks
There is no “info” you buy a reamer and you do it. If you want general info on the the 357 max, https://www.google.com/search?q=357+maximum
I much enjoyed this episode. One area where I really feel Jack’s personal experience shines is in the nuances of being a practical firearms enthusiast… This is like the “calibers” and “all about shotguns” show a while back; lots of great info and fun discussion.
Varied and fun.
A nice break from the permaculture and politics (that I also enjoy)!
David
It’s that time of the year. Can you do a beyond the basics deer cleaning/processing episode. Been hunting forever, but curious what others do beyond the quarters and tenderloins.
Wow. Incredible show note links! I really love the 10/22 to M1 carbine replica links. Too cool. And how handy would a 12ga conversion to whatever your best stockpile of pistol/rifle ammo be?! Great ideas all around.
Thanks for the response love the show have a good one.
I really liked this show -it had the feel of just sitting around drinking a beer and talking about guns.
My only question is where are the decent gun shows where you might still get a $50 shotgun? I am in MD and all out shows are crap. Overpriced mostly. Are there any States on the east coast or a days drive that are decent when it comes to finding deals? Some PA shows like York and harrisburg have been decent. I haven’t tried to make it to any VA shows yet. Carolina’s? Kentucky? Midwest?
Looking at the Lee Loader, I noticed the Breech Lock Hand Press: http://leeprecision.com/breech-lock-hand-press-kit.html It seems a useful step up from the Loader without the expense of a full press. Anyone with thoughts on it or experience with it?
http://www.bulkammo.com/bulk-22-lr-ammo-22lr36tcsbviperrem-500 Here is the factory version of the .22lr you are making. Nice flat nose. Also, if you flip the rounds upside down in the plastic 50 rnd case and use the insert to hold the ammo you can smooth 50 at a time. If they don’t stick up enough cut and place cardboard or anthing else as a shim under the bottom.
I heard the bit about fire starting with a rifle. The way I was taught was to use an empty shell of the same caliber to rock the bullet out of the new cartridge. No need to beat up a rifle barrel, just keep a spare brass, or shoot one round to make one.
Brass is soft, very soft. Most modern cartridges actually have the bullet GLUED to the cartridge. Likely you won’t be able to pull the bullet with a empty cartridge.
Now your rifle barrel, is DESIGNED to accept a bullet going down it at 2800 FPS powered by multiple FPS of energy. Do you really think you are going to “beat up a rifle barrel” with the bullet powered by a human hand?
Don’t know. I always figured that the leverage would be bad for the crowning. Never really gave it much thought. Either way, I’ve pulled a variety of bullets with spare brass including ones with lacquer necks. If you have a rifle cartridge you don’t think it would work on, I’ll take that challenge. 😉
Well if you say brass works fine I buy that. Still say you ain’t going to hurt steel with copper.