Freestate Training Academy

Should you choose maple as your wood when preparing your own wood stock? I believe this comes down to your comfort and experience when working with different types of wood. As I am fairly new to custom woodworking, I would probably use maple as my wood of choice. This is simply because it is easier to work with than other wood types. Having said this, it is still important to check the piece I am starting with because a good wood for gunstocks needs to meet certain criteria t

Knowing the critical measurements when custom making a gun stock is critical to the fitment of the gun to its user and to the overall success of your build. Things like pitch, drop at heel, length of trigger pull and the drop at comb will all make or break your sale when it comes to custom work. So, let us begin at the length of pull. The reading mentions that most American firearms have approximately a 14-inch measurement because this feels good to the average sized male, bu

Seeing as I am just getting started building a new rifle stock and I have a very limited budget and skill level, I may need to think of a few things I can do to save money but still get decent results. The first thing I would hope most people would consider when just starting off is the amount of time and attention to detail necessary to complete this task right. Putting tools and costs aside for the moment, this type of work will take some time and if not done correctly then

To start my hypothetical gunstock project, I need to select a type of wood that is durable and strong but one that still has a tight good-looking grain to it. So, I think I may go with the popular choice of many and use a walnut. I have chosen this because walnut is known for its strength, stability, and attractive grain patterns and there are many types to choose from so this choice still allows me to shop around a bit. Also, walnut can be relatively easy to work with, allow

For the purposes of this conversation, a customer brings in a J.C. Higgins Model 20-gauge shotgun in poor condition with a split in the stock by the grip. This is no good as this is one of the places that needs to be the toughest, especially considering it is a shotgun. My options are to either repair it or replace it and I think we know what option is easier. However, I always leave the choosing to the client so they cannot say I chose the more expensive option so I could ma

Wood Preparation can be the key to a successful project and can mean the difference

Checkering may have different purposes depending on who you are asking. For

Obviously, the preferred material used when making a rifles buttplate can be a matter of opinion. While the maker of the buttplate may like one material because it is easier to use and work with, the other person making a rifles buttplate may like another material because even though it may be harder to work with, they believe it produces a better product. Personally, I like a metal buttplate because of its durability and ease of cleaning but, as I stated before, this can be

For this project I did not create a cradle for the stock for one reason. I am working with a raw piece of wood and not an already shaped stock. Tossing a finished stock into a regular vice can damage the wood and is not recommended. However, because I really do not see myself turning this hunk of wood into a finished product, I am not too worried if the vice leaves a few marks. If I decide to continue practicing hand checkering, then I would absolutely make or purchase a crad

I believe one factor that is contributing to the declining popularity of hand checkering is simply technology. Back when people first started doing this type of work things like laser engravers did not exist. Checkering by hand is subject to mistakes because we are human, and a slip of the wrist can spell disaster while the use of a laser engraver can be as simple as inputting the design and hitting start.

To be 100% honest, I have always thought the shaping and finishing of a stock was

Both pistols are modern concealed-carry guns, but they have different design philosophies, features, capacities, and user-experience characteristics. 1. Core Design & Purpose Smith & Wesson Equalizer Type:  Micro-compact 9 mm semi-automatic pistol. Action:  Internal hammer-fired single action (SA) with grip safety. Intended Role:  Everyday concealed carry with easy manipulation  and high capacity in a small package. Designed to be easy to rack  and soft-shooting , especially

Most gunsmiths in the United States apply for a Federal Firearms License (FFL) under Category 01, which is commonly known as a "Dealer in Firearms." This category, also referred to as the "Dealer FFL," is the most suitable choice for gunsmiths due to several reasons.

The Real Avid Smart-Fit AR-15 Vise Block  is a workbench support tool  designed to securely hold your AR-15 lower receiver  in a bench vise during cleaning, maintenance, assembly/disassembly, and upgrades. Its standout feature is an adjustable expandable design  that eliminates the common issue of wobbly, generic vise blocks. Key Features Adjustable Fit: A threaded adjustment mechanism expands the block to custom-fit nearly any MIL-SPEC AR-15 magwell , offering a snug, wobble

The United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) has established a clear definition of a "prohibited person" concerning firearms possession. This designation refers to individuals who are disqualified from owning, purchasing, or possessing firearms under federal law due to specific circumstances. In this article, we will explore the ATF's definition of a prohibited person and the various reasons why someone may fall into this category.

The Walther PPK in 380 Auto is a popular and iconic handgun known for its sleek design, compact size, and reliability. Here's some information about the Walther PPK: 1. Design and Features: The Walther PPK (Polizeipistole Kriminalmodell) is a semi-automatic pistol that features a double-action/single-action (DA/SA) trigger mechanism. It has a traditional blowback operation and comes with a fixed barrel. The PPK is made with a steel frame and slide, giving it a solid and dura

The Taurus G3 TORO edition handgun is a highly sought-after firearm that offers exceptional performance, reliability, and versatility. This striker-fired pistol is designed with the utmost attention to detail, making it an excellent choice for both self-defense and competition shooting. In this article, we will explore the features, specifications, and benefits of the Taurus G3 TORO edition handgun. One of the key features that set the Taurus G3 TORO edition apart from its co

FX 9mm Simunition provides a highly effective training solution for law enforcement and military personnel. Simunition rounds are designed to mimic the look, feel, and recoil of live ammunition, while incorporating key safety features to facilitate realistic and immersive training scenarios. In this article, we will explore the features, benefits, and training applications of FX 9mm Simunition. One of the key advantages of using FX 9mm Simunition is the realism it brings to t

Bushmaster Firearms is a renowned American firearms manufacturer known for producing versatile and reliable firearms since its inception in 1973. The company's commitment to innovative designs, quality craftsmanship, and functionality has earned them a strong presence in the firearms industry. This article explores the history, notable models, technological advancements, and enduring appeal of Bushmaster Firearms.

The Glock 23 is a compact and versatile semi-automatic pistol produced by Glock, a renowned firearms manufacturer known for their reliable and innovative designs. Designed for a wide range of applications, the Glock 23 offers a balance between compact size, firepower, and versatility. Let's delve into the features and benefits of the Glock 23! The Glock 23 is chambered in .40 S&W, a popular and widely available caliber known for its balance of stopping power and manageable re