Shipping, parts and a good screw

When beginning work on a handgun the first thing you must do is protect the finish. Gun shops and home workshops are rooms with sharp metal laying around, grinding dust in the air and concrete floors. (Get a rubber mat ...). Place tape on all exterior surfaces to protect the delicate finish. The best tape I have found is a blue 3M Scotch Brand vinyl "#371" sold in paint stores or your local Home Depot. It's strong, thick, oil-resistant, does not cut easily and will last through the entire job. You can also use the same tape to cover you vise jaws.

Shipping Tips: Ask the pistolsmith if he wants you to ship the gun in a padded plastic or hard factory box. Some store customer guns in drawer units or safes with limited space, and another container can get lost. The best way to ship a gun is in a plastic bag wrapped with bubble wrap and placed in a strong cardboard box. Handguns must be shipped "Overnight with Adult Signature Required." When shipping UPS, always ask to ship Next Day Air Saver instead of Next Day Air. It will save you a few bucks.

Speaking of sending things, when you send a pistol to a pistolsmith, especially if you are having a function problem, always enclose at least one magazine you were using. The magazine is an integral part of feeding, and paying the price for a high quality magazine is always a wise move. Most modern magazines work just fine, but I like to use Metalform and Wilson.

COPYRIGHT 2005 Publishers' Development Corporation
COPYRIGHT 2005 Gale Group