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

Oklahoma State Senator Randy Brodgon (R-Owasso)

Federal Gun Laws Are Baloney, OK Rep Says

(GunReports.com)--According to a Tulsa World story, Oklahoma could be headed for a showdown with the federal government over firearms regulation and the scope of interstate commerce.

The newspaper reported that a bill that passed the state Senate last week asserts exemption from federal regulation for guns and ammunition manufactured, sold and used in Oklahoma. It is similar to one adopted by Montana last year.

"Hopefully, it will do two things," said the bill's author, Sen. Randy Brogdon, R-Owasso. "It will help secure our Second Amendment rights and it will be a boon to economic development."

Oklahoma has no civilian arms industry to speak of, but Brogdon said gun and ammo makers might move to the state if his bill is adopted. For Brogdon and others, though, the larger issue is the federal government's role in controlling the manufacture and sale of firearms.

Brogdon, a Republican candidate for governor, says it should be zero. "I just don't accept the idea that the federal government has any right to regulate firearms," he said. "If we did not have the right to bear arms, we would have no country." In theory, the proposed law would apply only to guns manufactured, sold and used in Oklahoma.

Except for a "Made in Oklahoma" stamp, though, the measure makes little attempt to enforce that provision, and Brogdon expects it will be routinely violated. "That's the thing that goes to the heart of what I believe," he said. "The law won't need to be enforced. The idea that the federal government needs to be involved at all is baloney."

Read more from this Tulsa World article at www.TulsaWorld.com.

Reader Comments

I agree 100% We don't need the federal government to have more power over us. The present administration has all ready violated our rights and the constitution. Its time to take back America and exercise our rights. M H.

Comment by: Mel_B | March 11, 2010

To all my compadres in the forums here: PLEASE don't forget that the federal government is dead set on running EVERYTHING! From school lunch programs , welfare, regulating telephone bandwidths, Registration of Day Care Centers, and everywhere you look. The Socialist leftists even want to run the auto industry, airlines, railroads, and cruise ships. I commend Oklahoma and wish the State good luck with their lesson in futility. I can't wait to see how it works out for them. Semper Fi

Comment by: Sharps | March 11, 2010

Its about time someone stands up to the feds. I have asked the people in Louisiana to due the same, but they seem to be afraid. No guts.

Comment by: SAPW504 | March 11, 2010

This is also the same type of bill as the one passed in Virginia. Great legislation in my opinion. Although since Oklahoma has "no civilian arms industry to speak of" it will be some time before this is anything more than thumbing the nose at the federal government.

Hopefully every state will enact similar legislation to skirt the "Interstate Commerce" clause which is how most Federal Gun Bills get their jurisdiction.

Comment by: August | March 11, 2010

"Its about time someone stands up to the feds" Well, when politicians/Goverment threaten to withold earmarks or federal transportation dollars, it is easy to coerce people to support/oppose legislation.

The majority of politicians don't oppose bills because it is the right thing to do, they do it because they didn't get enough pork or earmarks.

Comment by: August | March 11, 2010

August - great point that money talks.

I suspect that many opportunistic politicians may see the current RTKBA environemt and are using it as a platform to "[thumb their noses] at the federal government" in a venue where they can get popular support. Right now, it is great for us, but what is there real endgame?

Comment by: P V B | March 11, 2010

The endgame is to get all the States in the same position, then drop the Fed money ticket in their laps. The Gov't would have our States believe they are autonomous on the issue of gun control, right up to the time they actually ARE! Rainbow's and Wishes guys. Semper Fi

Comment by: Sharps | March 11, 2010

Until we can get Lobbyists out of Washington, our politicians will continue to be corrupt. Money controls Washington. Money bought the last election. Maybe this move will bring the arms industry to these states and away from places like California. Maybe this is a bold move to recruit business rather than defend the rights of gun owners.

Comment by: Robert J | March 12, 2010

It appears there are approximately 95 arms manufacturers in the US, with this in mind, there are plenty manufacturers for distribution throughout America. The problem is that arms manufacturers strategically place their facilities where manufacturing costs are low and sales are high. I’m not sure how attractive Oklahoma is when it has to compete with other states for their business.

Comment by: Jeff W | March 12, 2010

I for one am glad OK is dong the same as other states, maybe gun manufacture's will move into each and every state that goes the way of montana and ok and others are going, I just wish the rebulic of commifornia would get some cojones and do some changes for the good than for the bad, alot of us keep tryin to get them too and ain't goin to stop, at least until we can get the jell out of here.

On another note can anyone give me an idea of a good 40s&w that a person on a fixed income can aford not a Glock.

God Bless America and Our Troops Past, Present and Future Keeping to My Oath Locked Loaded and Keeping My Powder Dry

Comment by: bear1 | March 14, 2010

I love my H&K's, however not the weapon for a fixed budget. I don't have one however, I have heard and read nothing but good things about Springfields XD and XDM series. I think they are in the same price range as the Glock. The .40 cal. is a great round for self defense in my opinion. I heard the S&W M&P are good also, I think Govita has one. Good luck bear1.

Comment by: Robert J | March 15, 2010

I've got an XD-40SC, and it is great. It shoots anything you put in it and is easy to clean. There is a lot of flip because it it small, although that would be better in a bigger size. I've also shot some 9mm XD's and XDm's, and like them a lot.

I'm normally not a fan of S&W autos; however, I've recently had the opportunity to try the M&P's out in 9mm full and compact, and .357 Sig. Very, very impressive! I would probably want a little trigger work, but they're awfully good right out of the box. One of the proud owners told me he used to have a bunch of handguns, and now has a few M&P's in various calibers.

Make sure it fits your hand.

Comment by: P V B | March 15, 2010

Juat wanted to say thanks Robert J and PVB for your help. This Ol Bear found a S&W 40 at a good price and fits my hand real well, today. I am hopping that it will work out like I hope it will. Thanks again for your imput. God Bless America and Our Troops Past Present and Future. Keeping to My Oath Locked Loaded and Keeping My Powder Dry

Comment by: bear1 | March 16, 2010

You're gonna love it bear! It's definitely become my favorite caliber (other than .45 ACP of course).

Comment by: P V B | March 17, 2010

It seems the only problem I will have is getting used to it not haveing a hammer like on all the rest that I have. I sure like my good old 357 mag. and my 45 acp so I think I should like this round. Thanks again.

God Bless America and Our Troops Past Present and Future.

Keeping to My Oath Locked Loaded Keeping My Powder Dry

Comment by: bear1 | March 17, 2010

Way to go bear1, congrats on the new gun! S&W is one of my favorite companies. I have 3, all revolvers though.

Comment by: Robert J | March 17, 2010

I still haven't found a polymer handgun that feels good in my hand. I don't like the unbalanced feeling when the magazine is empty. I think part of the problem for me, is that I started my collection with Sig stainless steel in various calibers. The weight difference when empty or full is minimal. I didn't like the polymers that FNH, Springfield, Ruger or Smith & Wesson offered. If I purchase polymer, it will go around my ankle where it is susceptible to moisture while hiking.

Comment by: Jeff W | March 23, 2010

Jeff - polymers (as you probably know from picking them up) are usually pretty fat. I'm not sure I would like them on my ankle, though that doesn't mean you won't. My pick would be a stainless 1911, maybe an EMP, because they are a little flatter than the polys. Gun Tests had an article about that very issue in September focusing on .40 S&W's.

Comment by: P V B | March 23, 2010

PVB, thanks for the information. I haven't been home in months so my hard copies are sitting at the post office. I'll check out the digital version of Gun Tests September Issue so I can get up to speed.

Comment by: Jeff W | March 24, 2010

Good luck either way - hopefully you get home soon and fill that ankle holster!

I gotta warn ya though, if you like 1911's at all, the September article might give you EMP fever. The .40 is kind of heavy, so recoil feels no worse than a .45....

;)

Comment by: P V B | March 24, 2010