Brownells Gunsmith Tech Corner - September 2009

by Brownells Gun Tech Services

Each month we bring you some of the wide variety of Questions and Answers our professional Gun Tech’s receive. And, if you have a specific question you want answered, be sure to email us at WebBench@Brownells.com. This month’s questions:

Question: I am thinking of re-barrelling my Ruger M77 (older model) 270 Winchester. I was wondering if any of the barrels you carry will permit me to do this? Also is a Mauser action similar to the Ruger action?

Answer: While we do not stock any pre-fit barrels to fit your Ruger, any barrel blank in the appropriate bore and twist can be used by lathe-cutting threads and chambering it. Ruger and Mauser actions are similar in that they both use two front locking lugs and a long claw extractor, but there is no parts interchangeability.


Question: I own a Lee Enfield No4 MK2 rifle and I want to put a scope on it, but to get the proper sight picture I think I will have to raise the comb of the butt. Any ideas or product which can help, please.

Answer: There are many products designed to raise the comb of a stock, consider the following products: the Graco Adjustable Comb Hardware, Scope Eze , or the Leather Lace-on Cheekpiece.


Question: I want to convert a Browning A-5 to a youth model the size of a Remington 1100 youth model? What will I need as a barrel, stock and the best recoil reducer?

Answer: You may want to consider getting a Remington 1100, as there is going to be a great amount of work involved in that conversion. You will have to shorten the stock, install a recoil reducer ($60), shorten the barrel, and re-thread for choke tubes. It will require Thin Tube tooling (probably $150 plus). The Browning is not going to be supported in the way of spare parts by the factory after next year. You may seriously want to look for a used youth Remington, which is current and supported.