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

Ammunition Ban in National Parks

Senators Inquire About Traditional Ammunition Ban in National Parks

WASHINGTON -- Thirteen U.S. senators have begun asking Department of the Interior Secretary Ken Salazar about actions by the National Park Service (NPS) to ban the use of traditional ammunition in parks that allow hunting.

In a letter to Secretary Salazar, 13 senators detailed their concerns about the impact a ban on traditional ammunition would have on hunters, the economy and wildlife populations.

"At this time, the motives behind NPS actions addressing lead issues are very unclear. Especially in these difficult economic times, this action will discourage people from hunting and fishing and decrease revenue into the Pittman-Robertson fund that funds state conservation efforts," read the letter.

"The NPS continues to pursue a ban on traditional ammunition that it announced earlier in the year would apply to park personnel involved with culling sick and wounded animals, and indicated it would consider widening the ban to all hunters. The firearms industry, sportsmen's groups and multiple conservation organizations criticized the ban in a press release, calling it "arbitrary, over-reactive and not based on science."

In concluding their letter to Secretary Salazar, the senators wrote: "We request that NPS cease all actions to prohibit the use of lead products on NPS lands by private citizens and NPS personnel."

Signatories on the letter include:

• Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY)
• Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK)
• Sen. James E. Risch(R-ID)
• Sen. Jim Bunning (R-KY)
• Sen. Roger F. Wicker (R-MS)
• Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC)
• Sen. Michael B. Enzi (R-WY)
• Sen. Robert F. Bennett(R-UT)
• Sen. Jim DeMint (R-SC)
• Sen. Mike Johanns (R-NE)
• Sen. Tom Coburn (R-OK)
• Sen. David Vitter (R-LA)

"The move by members of the United States Senate to step in and raise concerns about the NPS making any unilateral actions concerning traditional ammunition is welcomed by conservation and sportsmen's groups throughout the country and the entire firearms industry," said NSSF Senior Vice President and General Counsel Lawrence G. Keane. The National Shooting Sports Foundation is the trade association for the firearms industry.

Reader Comments

It's clear that by going after ammunition in some way, shape, or form is the current strategy of the anti-gunners. I think the current administration may leave gun laws alone for awhile so they don't have a repeat of the 1994 elections because of the assault weapons ban. I do think they will back door the fight by going after ammo.

Comment by: Robert J | September 30, 2009

IIRC, there have been seven state legislatures so far which have introduced legislation to either ban lead ammo, serialize ammo, microstamp ammo, tax each round of ammo, or simply ban all "military and police" caliber ammo. So, it seems that you're right, Robert. If it ain't there now, the gun-banners are pushing it hard.

Gaviota

Comment by: Lee W | September 30, 2009

It's just another way to control guns. No matter what legislators say in campaigns, you have to watch how they vote...then vote them out!

Comment by: dgray64 | October 1, 2009

I agree with those folks who have pegged these ammunition restrictions as "back door" approaches to gun control. In reality, the amount of lead that gets deposited in any one area due to hunting, just is not that significant in terms of adverse environmental effects. So, here we see the left wingers are at it again. The left wing anti-Second Amendment types are forming alliances with the left wing environmentalists. All of these leftists bear serious watching. They are a constant threat to our liberties, and they are not going to go away anytime soon.

Comment by: canovack | October 1, 2009

They have been trying to back door this crap in and through Commifornia for long time now, and are even working harder now, even though the crap will have more businesses and people moving out of the state. Nothing like a bunch off leftest morons making stupid laws and can't inforce them or afford them. God Bless America and Our Troops past, Present and Future Keeping to My Oath, Locked, Loaded, and Keeping My Powder Dry

Comment by: bear1 | October 7, 2009