They may be familiar to some, but not every gunsmith knows the ins and outs of drill bits. Here are the basics.

The graceful, light, and distinctive L.C. Smith Hammerless Double sidelock is a favorite of American shotgunners. Here’s how to fix its most common problems. If you own a Smith and want to make it suitable to shoot again, or if you are presented a Smith to repair, here’s what you need to know about the shotgun.

In June 2010, Kahr Arms purchased Minnesota-based firearms manufacturer, Magnum Research, Inc., maker of the Desert Eagle Pistol and BFR Revolvers in .44 Magnum, .45 LC/.410 or .45/70. Kahr Arms offers a selection of other niche-type firearms, such as the “Tommy Gun” and Auto-Ordnance line of M1 .30 caliber carbines. In this video, Gun Tests Contributing Editor Roger Eckstine shows off two of the company’s big-hole BFR wheelguns.

Beretta USA introduced the BU-9 Nano as its entry into the pocket 9mm pistol category last September. Initial shipments of the American-made pistol left the Accokeek, Maryland factory beginning in November 2011, with a suggested retail price of $475. In this video, Gun Tests’ Contributing Editor Roger Eckstine gets a detailed explanation of how easy the Nano is to break down for maintenance. The Nano's modularity provides for simple disassembly and easy cleaning. Safely disassemble the pistol by first engaging the striker deactivator, a patent pending safety mechanism that eliminates the need to pull the trigger prior to disassembly.

Gun Reports - News

ATK Wins $5.8 Million Contract to Supply Ammunition to the Crane Division of the Naval Surface Warfare Center

MINNEAPOLIS -- Alliant Techsystems (NYSE: ATK) has received a $5.8 million contract for ammunition from the Crane Division of the Naval Surface Warfare Center. The contract is for the production of Mk318 5.56mm and Mk319 7.62mm caliber cartridges. The ammunition will be manufactured in Anoka, Minn.

The 5.56mm and 7.62mm products chosen by Crane were optimized under a development contract to complement gun maker Fabrique Nationale Herstal's (FNH) newly released Special Operations Combat Assault Rifle (SCAR) weapon system. The SCAR emerged from U.S Special Operations Command (USSOCOM)'s Special Operations Forces Combat Assault Rifle program and is highly modular for easy adaptability to future upgrades and enhanced ammunition designs.

The contract ammunition is also compatible with existing 5.56mm and 7.62mm weapons systems and utilizes ATK's unique barrier defeat projectile. This feature ensures proper functioning through barriers commonly encountered during warfare. ATK led the cartridge development contract for the Mk318 and Mk319.

"ATK's ammunition will play a significant role in ensuring the Crane Division of the Naval Surface Weapons Center can perform its duties," said Mark DeYoung, ATK Senior Vice President and President Armament Systems. "This successful development effort demonstrates the design and production engineering strengths within our business to achieve our goal of meeting customer requirements. This is a clear example of how well our company works with emerging technologies to design programs that fit with market needs."

The Crane Division is a shore command of the United States Navy under the Naval Sea Systems Command headquartered in Washington D.C. It's located in Crane, Ind.

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