[Luggernut]

Just curious to see if anyone had tried some stuff on their own and what their experiences are. I have a M&P40 and would like to try some things(trigger job)- I'd have all parts as spares (sear assembly, etc) and this would only be for range use- not SD. How did you get started and what did you use to get going?

[Bwana John]

As 14 year old I bubbaed a M-1917.
The tools of choise were a old bench mounted grinder and a hacksaw.
Im sooo ashamed:uhoh: :uhoh: :uhoh: :uhoh: :uhoh:

Lately Ive been bringing FAL's back to life.

[Firehand]

Didn't start working on things beyond cleaning until I bought a Turk Mauser to turn into a sporter. Shortened the barrel, crowned(hacksaw, disc sander and bolt/grinding compound), reworked/refinished the stock, recoil pad, trigger job and so on. Reading for 'how-to' info and collecting bits & pieces, tools and materials for that got me started.

I like working on things. Big factor- ESPECIALLY on anything affecting the firing mechanism- is 'slow': take your time to make damn sure it's right, and test it carefully. Never stone a sear or hammer notch just 'by eye', make or buy a jig to keep everything aligned so no angles change, etc.

[ZeSpectre]

I'm a "shadetree" gunsmith for sure but I also know when to stop before I get outside my capabilities :D

I've done what KTOG would call a "fluff n' buff" (or a "slick job" for cowboy action shooters) on a number of makes and models of pistols and rifles at this point. Did a gentle trigger job on an SKS that turned it into a beaut of a shooter. Removed that thrice-cursed magazine interlock from my Ruger MK III and have done a ton of other low-level tweaks n' tunes.

[Luggernut]

What tools do you use to polish and enhance trigger items- like sears, etc? I can't imagine a 8" polishing wheel is what you'd need. lol

[ZeSpectre]

Dremel, felt wheels and cones, various grades of jewelers rouge.
I also have a set of diamond files (very small jewelers files) but you have to be EXTREMELY gentle with them.
Arkansas white sharpening stone and oil for "stoning".

[Firehand]

Spyderco makes a set of ceramic stones in four shapes that are very nice. Very fine cut, they both cut fast and leave a very nice finish. Excellent for some things.

Remember, generally you do NOT want to remove a lot of material; just polish the high points where pieces actually bear against each other.