Brownells Gunsmith Tech Corner - November 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 know of two Norinco 1911 .45's, including mine, that the firing pin stop has fallen out of. Do you know the cause and the remedy?
Answer: There could be a few causes for this condition.
1. Firing pin stop not fit correctly.
2. Firing pin binding in the forward position and allowing stop to drop out.
3. Metal fatigue causing incorrect tolerances.
The remedy would be to trouble shoot which of the most common causes are present and correct by replacing the parts.
Jon Wittwer
Technical Support Gunsmith
Brownells Incorporated
Question: I have a Ballister Molina 1911, and I'm looking to get some night sights put on it, but not only to see at night, but something that would also help with accuracy at the range. I have also considered a mounted light or even a light/laser combo.
What products would you suggest and what are their stock numbers for ordering?
Also, I am looking to find rubber wrap around finger groove grips or just rubber wrap around grips that will fit the Ballester Molina. Do you guys carry anything or know of a place that carries these?
Answer: The Ballister pistols are actually quite different from a standard 1911 and most parts do not interchange, including grips. Currently no one makes rubber grips or any other accessories for them that we know of. Standard 1911 sights may fit but a gunsmith would have to measure the sight cuts to see what can be done. If you want a gun to customize I suggest you acquire a standard 1911 of some kind. The Ballister Molina simply does not lend itself well to modification. Thanks for writing.
Steve Ostrem
Brownells Technical Support
Question: I am considering purchasing a new .308 rifle, either a Remington or a Winchester. A friend of mine had one when we were growing up and it could chamber and fire .308, .30-06 and 7.62 ammunition. Are there any additional kinds of ammo I can use in this rifle?
Answer: A rifle chambered in 308 Winchester will chamber and fire only ammunition designed specifically for that chambering. A 30-06 will neither chamber or fire due to the fact it is too long and the bolt would not close.It would chamber and fire 7.62 NATO designated ammunition due to the fact they are both based on the same cartridge and share chamber dimensions.
Mark A. Hudson
Gun Tech
Brownells Inc.