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

California Assembly Member Lori Saldaña (D-San Diego)

California Lawmaker Would Outlaw 'Open Carry'

(GunReports.com)—A California lawmaker has stepped into a growing gun rights debate by introducing legislation that would essentially outlaw what's called the "open carry" of unloaded weapons on public property, the Christian Science Monitor reports.

Gun owners have been meeting in coffee shops, parks, and restaurants wearing holstered weapons. California Assembly Member Lori Saldaña says 'open carry' of guns can create ‘potentially dangerous situations.’

The measure, which was first introduced last month but is not expected to have its first hearing until April, is meant to address the growing “open carry” movement, in which some gun owners have taken to meeting in coffee shops, parks, and restaurants while wearing holstered weapons to raise awareness about gun rights.

“People should be free from the fear and the potential for violence firearms represent,” said Democrat Saldaña of San Diego, in a statement. “These displays of firearms can create potentially dangerous situations.”

Saldaña said she was compelled to introduce the bill to limit the open carry law in California, which is one of at least 38 states that allows the display of unconcealed weapons, following a gathering of some 60 armed open carry advocates at a southern California beach.

To read the entire story, click here.

Reader Comments

I'm sorry but someone help me out here. What good is carrying an UNLOADED side arm? What, are you going to ask the Bad Guy to hold on while you load and charge your weapon. Please give me a break. You would be better off carrying a collapsible baton (if they were legal in the People's Republic of Kalifornia) or at least an assisted open knife with a 4" blade. But an unloaded sidearm? My suggestion to all the Open Carry supporters...MOVE TO A STATE THAT ALLOWS OPEN CARRY OF A LOADED SIDEARM.

Comment by: ajwrangler | March 11, 2010

California Assembly Member Lori Saldaña (D-San Diego) obviously knows what the root of the problem is: THE PEOPLE HAVE TOO MUCH FREEDOM.

Good observation, Comrade Saldana.

Comment by: RackEmPunk | March 11, 2010

What bothers me are the statements "..potential for violence firearms represent." and "These displays of firearms can create potentially dangerous situations." Huh? I have been carrying concealed & open for 20 years, and not ONCE has the presence of a gun on my hip somehow magically make me want to hurt people.And for the second statement, name ONE situation where a person carrying open (a law abiding person doing so legally of course) has created or instigated a dangerous situation. It's simple people...Don't be fooled by politicians using "key" words to make their nonsense sentence sound scary. Criminals prey on the weak (or those who appear to be)and burglarize EASY targets (again, what LOOKS easy)No criminal (except those with a death wish or out of their mind)is going to pick a residence where they know it's protected by an armed owner. Just as bullies wouldn't target or harass someone they see is armed. What I'm trying to say, is use your common sense. Firearms don't magically create irresponsibility or aggression..Thanks & have a great day.

Comment by: PathinAZ | March 11, 2010

The emotional response to insecurity....

Comment by: P V B | March 11, 2010

Like animals in the wild, criminals operate off "Prey Instinct". The difference is that raising your hands in the air to make yourself look big, and backing away slowly is not as effective in the urban environment.

Comment by: Jeff W | March 12, 2010

Here is proof again of a so called Law Maker being one that has been raised in a so called safe inviorment (the Nice City of OZ) and has absolutly no idea of what the real world is like. But she thinks and wants the real world to be like her fanacy would. The law about carry open is bad enough but at least I can put on my Old West regalea for certan times like parades and some shows and NRA eventswithout being hasseled so I wonder what Hollyweird is going to do if that stupid law passes, I beleive in open carry I have seen it really stop some bad things from happening. The Republic of Commiforia needs to change opencarry to Locked and Loaded. God Bless Ameica and Our Troops Past, Present and Future. Keeping to My Oath Locked Loaded and Keeping My Powder Dry.

Comment by: bear1 | March 13, 2010

Thank God I live in California, where some two- bit politician always knows how to live my life better than I do. Now if they will just hand me some psych meds, maybe this would make sense. Oh, right. These are the same politicians that have but us billions in the hole. But they still know what is best.

I have a modest proposal. California will be subject to a reverse secession. That's right, kick the state out of the United States. It can be a haven for people like Ms. Saldana. It would have unarmed police, who, if they caught a (no doubt unarmed) criminal, would embrace them and sing Kumbayah together. People of a similar mindset could move there, and those of us without that set of beliefs would move out. Then a big, deep fence running from Oregon down to Arizona would be constructed along the border.

Comment by: Visigoth52 | March 13, 2010

I think we should sell it to Mexico, or perhaps the highest bidder. I can't imagine the fight that would ensue over who gets to play with the money though.

Comment by: P V B | March 13, 2010

I've live in an open carry state (and yes the firearm can be locked and loaded) and I had an obvious Obama gun hater backer ask me on the street I was working on (I'm a land surveyor) "Are you paranoid? "Is that why you carry (get this) a dangerous weapon that could kill me and all my children?" I answered “NO miss, I am not paranoid! Why should I be? I carry a gun.” Well…there were a few people within earshot of this little conversation and the laughter brought the poor little gun hater to tears and walk , rather quickly I might add, back into her home. Well…what can we do to show folks that we don’t carry guns to kill innocent women and children! My Lord!!!

Kindest Regards...

In God We Trust.....

Comment by: Geometric1 | March 14, 2010

That, unfortunately, is the emotion behind our fight. No logic at all - if you have a gun, you must be evil.

Don't look now, but John Timoney is raising his ugly ant-gun head again; this time, it's because the guns used in the Vegas courthouse and Pentagon shootings came from a Tennessee police department.

Comment by: P V B | March 14, 2010