Freestate Training Academy

The brand of firearm I have chosen to discuss this week is Glock. The quality controls Glock manufacturing uses would be hard to beat. Where some companies cut costs by using inferior metals for things like their slides, Glock only uses high quality steel that is inspected by their metallurgical department. An example of a company who cut costs and used an inferior metal is Walther. The P22 model firearm has a recuring issue of having the slide crack so we did some digging. B

The ERGO MAST® System Modular Armorer Stand  is a firearm support block that: Secures a pistol by the magazine well  for stable maintenance (often used like a vise tool). Mounts to a workbench, vise, or stand  for hands-free work. Uses interchangeable modules  that lock into the gun’s ambidextrous mag release. Is made from reinforced polymer  designed to resist impacts and solvents. This is not a “vise tool” in the classic metal punch/block sense — but it serves the same purp

1. What is the intended purpose of the firearm (i.e. target applications, combat, home defense, hunting, etc.)? Include details; for example, if it’s a hunting firearm, what type of terrain or hunting style does the shooter expect to use the firearm?

The Wheeler Upper Receiver Vise Tool  (a.k.a. Wheeler Delta Series AR Upper/Pic Rail Vise Block) is a bench accessory designed to hold AR upper receivers firmly in place  while you perform work such as barrel nut installation/removal, gas block work, handguard installation, gas tube alignment, cleaning, and other gunsmithing tasks. It mounts in a standard bench vise  (6″ or larger) and includes surfaces that engage either the takedown lugs  (AR-15/AR-10) or clamp onto Picatin

1. Summarize the procedure you followed to mount, align, and lap the scope rings. At the end of your summary, explain whether or not you “over-lapped” the rings. If you did, what will you do in the future to avoid doing so?

The Real Avid Gun Boss Pro Precision Cleaning Tool  is a compact precision gun-cleaning kit  that supplements your existing cleaning setup. It focuses on detailed carbon and fouling removal  in small parts, actions, and crevices that ordinary brushes and rods can’t easily reach. Kit typically includes: Multiple brushes (nylon/bronze) Straight and 90° brass scrapers Straight and hooked picks Punch-style tools for debris removal Extension rods and ergonomic handle Organized cas

1. When is a 50 mm objective lens preferable to a smaller lens? When is it not? Why?

A digital micrometer  is a precision measurement tool that uses a calibrated screw mechanism to measure small distances — often outside diameters and thicknesses — with readings displayed digitally . Unlike dial or analog micrometers, digital models show easy-to-read results  (in inches or millimeters) on an LCD screen without scale interpretation. Typical use cases: Verifying part dimensions in machining Checking barrel or component diameters Measuring reloading components (

1. What is the make and model of the drill press, and what documentation (owner's manual, spec sheet, etc.) were you able to find. Include links to any websites you reference.

A “lapping tool” for an AR-15 upper receiver is designed to square and true the front face of the upper receiver  so that the barrel extension seats fully and evenly . This can help with: Consistent barrel nut torque Proper gas tube alignment Better mating surfaces for the barrel extension Potential accuracy and assembly consistency gains It’s used with a drill and included lapping compound to remove tiny high-spots from the receiver face before barrel installation. What’s in

Now that I understand the importance of lapping and the difference it can make when mounting an optic, I will definitely complete this process on more of my own in the future. As a matter of fact, the AR-15 I used to complete this project was one of my own so I guess you can say I have already started doing this to some of my firearms. Now regarding my position on offering this service at the facility where I currently work, I do see the added value and would consider offerin

The Real Avid Modern Handgun Cleaning Kit  (aka Gun Boss  or Gun Boss Pro – Handgun Cleaning Kit ) is an all-in-one handgun cleaning system  designed to simplify regular maintenance of pistols from .22 up through .45 caliber . The basic idea is to replace a jumble of rods and brushes with a compact, organized, purpose-built kit  that’s easy to tote to the range, clean at the bench, or store in a gun safe. Typical components include: Multi-section brass cleaning rods  (screws

So a customer walks into the shop and has a Remington 700 with a stainless steel barrel. They have a specific muzzle break they would like installed and have requested that we cut the threads for the muzzle break and install the part. To achieve this, you will need to Locate the threads, center the lathe and make your cuts. Tools needed for this may include Calipers, rulers, squares, protractors, scribes and layout dye. Also, I think it goes without saying that this is best d

An empty chamber flag  (also called a safety flag ) is a brightly colored device , usually orange or yellow, that is inserted into the chamber of a firearm  to: Physically block the chamber Visually indicate the firearm is unloaded Prevent a round from being chambered They’re most commonly used on rifles, pistols, and shotguns  during transport, storage, training, and range use. Why Empty Chamber Flags Are Important Immediate Visual Confirmation of Safety A chamber flag provi

To start, we will discuss what barrel contour is. You may have noticed that barrels range in shape, size, weight and profile. This can be for many reasons but one of the most common reasons you may see a contoured barrel is to cut the weight of a rifle down. A good example of this can be found on a variety of AR-15 rifles. Some states require that it come with a heavy barrel that keeps the same profile from bore to muzzle but these often weigh a lot more. Other states don’t h

Husky hand file kits  are sets of manual files and rasps  used to shape, smooth, and finish  materials like wood, metal, plastic, and more. They’re sold in small kits (e.g., 3-piece, 6-piece, or 10-piece sets) and often include a variety of file shapes such as flat, round, half-round, and needle files  with handles and sometimes a storage case. These kits are intended for DIYers, homeowners, hobbyists, and light-duty workshop tasks  — not heavy industrial machining. Common Hu

Let’s say a customer brings you a Remington 700 with a Vortex Viper HS LR Scope mounted on it and wants you to make it more accurate. The customer mentions that they have had little success hitting targets beyond 100 yards but wants to go on a hunt where they will need to hit 200 plus yards. How would someone go about doing this? Well, one of the first things I would like to do is get this person on a rifle I already know is capable of achieving this task. My purpose for this

The Wheeler Delta Series AR-15 Delta Ring Tool  is a specialized gunsmithing tool  designed to compress the delta ring  on traditional AR-15/M16 rifles so you can remove or install the two-piece handguards  quickly and without struggling. It hooks into the magazine well and uses leverage to push the delta ring rearward so the handguard halves can slide off. Key design elements: Welded steel frame for strength Vinyl coating to protect firearm finishes Custom-formed wire that g

1. First, describe the lathe you reviewed. Discuss it’s capabilities, set up, and cost. The metal lathe I chose to review this week is the Eastwood Benchtop Mini Metal Lathe - 7 Inch x 12 Inch. As it mentions, this is a benchtop lathe capable of cutting different metals and has a 7inch x 12inch working area. This unit cost about $1,018.99 and has many features and some amazing reviews. To start it is a manageable size to fit most home workshops. It also comes with both insid

As a firearms instructor at a live fire facility I carry every day. I almost never carry concealed because I live in Texas and they allow open carry. Also, on the off chance I need to use it I don't want to have to clear clothing to draw it. Almost all of the holsters I use are made with Kydex and are BlackHawk brand with level II retention. This works well for me but I preach to my students that just because I like it does not mean that they will. To those who are just getti