Chris Mace

One particular firearm I recommend to newer builders, particularly those without metalworking experience, for “the next build” is the FN-FAL rifle. I recommend the FAL because while it is definitely more difficult to build than an AR is; it’s not that much more so.

If you’d like to learn gunsmithing (or add some additional skills to your repertoire), take a look at the NRA Summer Series Classes at Trinidad State. You won’t be disappointed.

Cheap, minimal equipment, and simple are three terms that homebuilders like to hear. Express Rust Bluing offers hobbyists a way to finish firearms that all three terms apply to.

The BM59 is a unique and interesting battle rifle. Building one is a challenging and rewarding project. It is not exactly a beginner’s project. But it is quite doable for someone with the right tools and the knowledge to use them.

Chances are if you own a firearm in a military caliber you have looked at surplus ammunition. In this article, I’m going to hopefully shed some light on what’s what when it comes to military surplus ammo.

In part 2, I installed the barrel, components, and pinned them in place. I’ll begin this part by drilling the gas port.

In part 1, I discussed the parts for the build, the legal issues, and converted the bolt carrier semi-auto. In this part, I will continue the RPD build with the barrel installation and head spacing the bolt.

This article is not a 100% step-by-step guide to building a semi-auto RPD. It’s an overview of the process intended to give you an idea of what is required to build one.

It is quite possible to build an AK from an 80% receiver without a lot of equipment. It does not require a whole lot of special skills to do either. Hopefully, this will inspire some of you would-be AK builders to give it a shot.