gunsmith Archives - The Truth About Guns

Things That Don’t Suck: Otis Pro+ AR-15 Lock Block Upper Receiver Vise Block

March 5, 2025November 5, 2023 by Tim Stetzer

I’ve done a fair bit of AR builds and mods over the years culminating with a flurry of them this summer. I’ve used an old plastic clam shell upper receiver block, and for the most part it’s been fine. I’ve occasionally run into an upper profile that doesn’t fit the block though, and more recently … Read more

Firearm Maintenance: A Few Thoughts From the Armorer’s Bench

June 12, 2019 by Hank the Gun Dealer

Memorial Day weekend was upon us not too long ago and like many of us, I took the time to grill and chill. One thing that was bugging me, though, was that I had noticed that I neglected to clean and lube my BBQ gun after my most recent range outing. That got me to … Read more

Budget to Booyah: Top 5 AR-15 Lower Receivers

November 14, 2018 by Kat Ainsworth Stevens

Building an AR-15 might seem like a daunting task at first but in reality it’s a simple process – as long as you follow the steps and use the right tools. Tools are a definite issue; channel locks and a finishing nail are not what you need for the job (yes, I’m looking at you). … Read more

Waffle House Shooter Not Guilty, Free Guns for Women, and a Donation-Bin Ruger: TTAG Daily Digest

September 6, 2018 by Kat Ainsworth Stevens

Victims of Gun Violence Aren’t Necessarily Experts At least someone said it… Two things bother me when we hear about more gun control: The first is the very worn out cliche, “common sense gun law.” To me that can be defined as the term used by politicians who want to eliminate firearms from the civilian … Read more

Book Review: The AR-15 Complete Assembly Guide (Vol. 2)

May 7, 2018 by Conner W.

I didn’t realize how much I missed instructional books until last month when a copy of The AR-15 Complete Assembly Guide (Vol.2) by Walt Kuleck and Clint McKee arrived at my doorstep with the inaugural parts of my latest project, the FAR-15 rifle. I’m not ashamed to admit that I’ve become quite accustomed to digital dialogue … Read more

Gear Review: Warne TW1 25 in/lbs. T-15 Torque Wrench

March 7, 2018 by Conner W.

For many shooters the simple mention of “T-15” brings fond recollections of self-installed scopes successfully on their favorite tack driver they’ve used out in the field or at the range. To others, the thought brings back nightmares of stripped rings and receivers, slipping scopes, crushed tubes, and other avoidable installation incidents. More often than not, … Read more

Gear Review: Warne TW65 Torque Wrench (1/4″ Drive, 65-in/lbs)

February 24, 2018 by Conner W.

Warne produces some mighty fine optics mounts. Like many other quality-seeking shooters, I’ve trusted their products for years and have their MSR and tactical mount 1/2-inch hex nut torque specification engrained in my brain – 65-inch/pounds. Adjusting a torque wrench to 65-inch/pounds isn’t typically a tiresome task; however, many wrenches like the Vortex Torque Wrench … Read more

Gun(smith) Review: Wild West Guns “Marlin 1894C Rescue Project”

July 15, 2011 by ttag

The much-troubled Marlin 1894C has been my project gun since early May, when the backordered and pricey ‘diamond in the rough’ arrived at my FFL guy’s door. With a misfit stock, mangled screw heads and the world’s worst trigger pull, it was a big disappointment. About the only things ‘right’ about it were its quick handling, beautiful blue finish and surprising accuracy potential. Potential I was determined to explore . . .

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