I've read about AR 15 build classes as well as week long 1911 build classes but i've not found any bolt rifle build classes...wondering if anyone offers a class to build your own precision rifle?
thanks
thanks
Gunsmithing Precision Rifle Build Class.....does anyone offer one?
- Thread starter want2learn
- Start date
Assemble = easy. Screw barrel onto action with barrel vise and action wrench, pin trigger onto action, assemble into chassis or stock, done. It's tinker toy simple and easier than an AR. You don't need a class, just glance at a few youtube videos. I bet if I completely disassembled my rifle and gave you the parts/tools with no instructions you could put it together properly in 15 minutes.
Build = hard. The main work is chambering/threading a barrel on a lathe which is complex machining and a skilled trade that takes a long time to learn. The only other thing might be be bedding an action into a stock, but that's also something that's fairly straightforward and there are lots of youtube video walk throughs.
Build = hard. The main work is chambering/threading a barrel on a lathe which is complex machining and a skilled trade that takes a long time to learn. The only other thing might be be bedding an action into a stock, but that's also something that's fairly straightforward and there are lots of youtube video walk throughs.
I'm not sure if i understood the Gordy's Gunsmith description....if i'm correct, it doesn't sound like you get to build your own rifle at that class. Not that the eduction wouldn't be wonderful but i'd sure like to be able to build one along with the educational content.
yes, that's what i was hoping for. I've seen classes like that for the 1911 for example. I'll keep searching
I'd reach out to Robert Gradous then. I'm not sure what the specifics are, but you may be able to arrange building your own rifle alongside him at his shop. Would be an amazing experience if he's still doing it.
I don't offer a class on gun building anymore but Stewart Rifles does
Give Gordy a call and talk to him. His classes are well done, and I know at one time he would also do one on one work. It would not surprise me if you could work something out with him. He’s a great guy.
It would be tough to let someone with no training on my equipment to chamber their first barrel or true up their action. Actually it wouldn't happen. Now on my Haas I'll let you change tools and push the green button.
I understand...was just hoping to learn and participate in a build. I will see if i can find some information on classes by Stewart Rifles. Appreciate everyone's help
Get the phone number from his website: http://www.stewartrifles.com/
Call and ask for Matt. He used to be one of the rifle builders for Surgeon when they first started making complete rifles.
He knows what's shakin.
./
I'm late to the party here, but Matt Stewart does ALL my gunsmithing. He's a real gentleman and a great American.
God bless America
God bless America
I looked for something like this for a while. A rifle building class is difficult and moreso to afford once you find someone willing to do it.
1911's can be built with hand tools. In those classes they are. Measure, file, repeat. It's lots of small steps to get to a pistol that functions. I haven't seen one of those classes where there are students on a milling machine taking the rails down to spec.
Rifles really need big tools with lots of power and many opportunities to hurt the machine OR the user. A lathe big enough to cut a barrel will remove your finger just as easily. And if the machine gets crashed, it's a lot of money to repair. Tooling is the big expense on a machine and a decent chuck will run into the several hundreds of dollars. If you screw the pooch and damage a part of the machine it gets very bad, very quickly as well.
Additionally, if you have 10-15 folks filing away on a 1911, it's at the cost of 10-15 files. If you have 5 folks trying to chamber a rifle, you'll most likely want 5 lathes with all the tooling... See how this all works.
Best bet is to try to contact any local smith and see if they'll let you watch them work. None by me did. So, by virtue of YouTube and a relatively understanding wife, I now have a 14-40 lathe in my garage and 2 rifles under my belt. YMMV.
1911's can be built with hand tools. In those classes they are. Measure, file, repeat. It's lots of small steps to get to a pistol that functions. I haven't seen one of those classes where there are students on a milling machine taking the rails down to spec.
Rifles really need big tools with lots of power and many opportunities to hurt the machine OR the user. A lathe big enough to cut a barrel will remove your finger just as easily. And if the machine gets crashed, it's a lot of money to repair. Tooling is the big expense on a machine and a decent chuck will run into the several hundreds of dollars. If you screw the pooch and damage a part of the machine it gets very bad, very quickly as well.
Additionally, if you have 10-15 folks filing away on a 1911, it's at the cost of 10-15 files. If you have 5 folks trying to chamber a rifle, you'll most likely want 5 lathes with all the tooling... See how this all works.
Best bet is to try to contact any local smith and see if they'll let you watch them work. None by me did. So, by virtue of YouTube and a relatively understanding wife, I now have a 14-40 lathe in my garage and 2 rifles under my belt. YMMV.
Thats not a real building class, its just him trying to drum up interest in his little special two part barrel gimmick thing. Notice the "classes" are always empty...
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