DIY

The GST-9 is a modular frame that accepts two different grip extensions. One is shorter, resulting in a grip the same length as a Glock 19. The other is longer, configuring the grip to the same length as a Glock 17. Naturally, magazine compatibility changes when you swap these grips out. When in Glock 19 configuration, you can run Glock 19 magazines and larger. Ditto for the Glock 17 configuration of course.

Once you have completed assembling and test firing your first homebuild, you’re often left with a little bit of a dilemma. With a lot of builds, you’re left with the whole firearm with exposed bare steel or at least bare in places.

A few years ago, I began searching for a property that would accommodate constructing my own shooting range. To help get you started in the right direction, below are a few tips from my journey that I hope will help you construct your own backyard range.

The Phantom Jig really makes it possible for the “garage builder” or “kitchen table gunsmith” to build a 1911. You need a drill press, a sturdy vise, and some elbow grease.

My affinity for scary black rifles began eons ago, back in 2003, as an honorary member of the Tarleton State High Power Rifle Team. From there, my interests morphed into local 3-gun competitions where I took my DCM rifle and changed out parts to make the gun more viable for match shooting—something of a Franken-gun, really, but it ran well, and it was a tack driver.

The latest in the aftermarket revolution comes from Magpul. No stranger to the firearm accessories scene, the high-tech polymer company recently released a version of their Hunter stock tailored for the Ruger American rifle.

Knowing that AR parts are interchangeable and having the confidence to swap them are very different things — especially when you’re talking about making adjustments to the barrel. Let me show you how simple it actually is to change the handguard and the tools you’ll need to do it.

It’s technically a Glock 19 but it only has a few Glock factory parts. The range performance is impressive!

Building an AK is a very fun and satisfying experience. It is often the only way to obtain an example of a particular model. I encountered a lot of interesting variants of Kalashnikov in my time overseas. I have really enjoyed cloning different models that I encountered.