Nice little trail gun made even more versatile
In a pinch most .32 ACP will run if you remember to point up to extract. .32 Short and Long are no problem. Sometimes finding .32 H&R OR .327 can be spotty. Nice to have all options open.
Fred’s tools must have pet names ($220 deposit if broken) so I do exactly as he schooled. Never broke one, never want to. Keep clean, lubricated, no heat. I’m cautious and take my time, blowing chips 3x per hole. Plus it’s only a finisher to lengthen and re-angle the chamber mouth.
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I got it done. 4th or 5th time I’ve played this same game. Ruger stainless can be a wild card, so can old nickel plate!
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I wish it was a newer model but it has clean lines and will do nicely. I’m teaching myself stuff.
Not to imply I’m ‘smithing without a Federal license…
I’m working on our own stuff and studying firearms. These are some mods I’ve wanted to do for some time. No one around here to tackle it.
Years ago I had a FFL class I license (27 yrs.), ammunition manufacturing license, and an actual gunsmithing license through our regional ATF. It was too much, the 11% excise tax on any bullets or ammunition I “made”, and the logbook required for actual gunsmithing. It was not worth it to me and the liability too much. After the three years I dropped the other licenses. Later I dropped the FFL when Obama won a second term. We got an overzealous lady director in our area and I threw the towel in. Just what they were hoping for. I remember there was a huge drop in FFLs nationwide. Little mom and pop stores, gas stations, drug stores, hardware etc. all pressured out.
It’s ok and rewarding to do your own tinkering, not worry about anyone else.
That's been going on for decades now...
back in the mid-80's I knew a LOT of folks who had an FFL much like folks have C&R FFL's now, for their own use and to occasionally help a friend out. The feds have been doing their best to weed 'em out, and being quite successful at it, more's the pity. My own outlook is, the less I've to do with the feds, the better.
I never was much competition for the big guys
in town, they are my friends. I sent lots of folks their way. But it was not profitable to me and the risk of a true legal hassle was real and looming as it is today. I'd rather fade into the crowd, be the gray man, as I read.
But I still have lots of fun, maybe more. If only my energy level was matching.
I have this too tight headspace AKM to try to fix today, for myself. A guy put it together and we bought it at a gun show from an FFL. The guy lied to us as it won't chamber on available ammo. All you can get is that awful steel case stuff. Brass could be forced, but not steel. I need just a couple thousandths deeper on the shoulder to let the bolt lugs kick over and lock. If I can only get this tool in and in a working position. Removing the barrel is not a favorable option for what I need done. I'm thinking a bunch for just a little work.
The expensive and exotic 5.45x39 finish reamer. It's borrowed so I mustn't break it!
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