Bob Dunlap teaches this course on the Russian designed, and German StG 44 inspired, SKS semi automatic carbine. Designed in conjunction with its 7.62x39 ammunition, also inspired by the Germans’ 7.92x33 (8mm Kurtz or “Short”) cartridge, the SKS was the first Russian “Assault Rifle”. Produced by the millions and still in service in many parts of the world, this gun saw extensive use in both the Russian and Chinese versions in Vietnam. A cut-away gun is used so that you can actually see the operation and relationship of the internal parts. If you want the “quick” course on how to get the venerable Simonov carbine apart, back together, and operating as intended, then this course is for you (if you want the “long course”, look into our basic 108 hour Professional Gunsmith course).

Design & Function

• The gas system is shown, and its well thought out parts discussed
• Why having the gas port farther than normal from the chamber, and the large diameter system, are a good idea
• Why the guns work well with wide variations in strength and quality of ammo
• The gun was designed to work well with poor quality steel as well as varying levels of quality in manufacture, Why?
• The gun’s unique locking system shown and demonstrated. Where are the locking lugs?  
• How the carrier tail serves as a hammer block if the disconnect has disengaged and the bolt is not locked
• How the tip of the magazine follower activates the bolt stop
• The robust extractor and the “soldier proof” ejector are displayed, and their direct ancestry of those in the later AK-47 are obvious
• The clever way the extractor is forced inward on bolt opening is shown
• The fire control system is displayed and explained
• See the multiple disconnect devices designed into the gun, and how they work
• Stone axe simple safety and its operation shown, required clearances shown, and corrections if necessary
• Design and operation of the magazine shown
• Why the bolt MUST be back before the magazine is removed, and the consequences if it is not
• Why SKS and AK mags are curved

Disassembly

• Extensive disassembly, parts not removed have removal described (or the reasons not to), including barrel, gas block, front and rear sights, receiver cover pin, and the bolt stop pin
• Why the flat tipped firing pin can cause problems, and its solution
• Why the firing pin has cut outs
• Why the springs have multiple strands
• How to correct a negative hammer/sear engagement (and what that is)
• How to adjust the disconnector to get properly aligned trigger bar, sear engagement
• How to improve the trigger pull, the ubiquitous “Trigger Job”
• If you do a trigger job, why you need to adjust the mag catch engagement

Cleaning & Lubrication

• AGI cleaning & lubrication methods shown, along with the reasons for their use

Reassembly

• Making sure you have no parts “Left over”
• Why it doesn’t hurt to oil the piston
• How to correct a negative angle on the extractor hook
• How to recognize and correct a magazine feeding problem if you damage the lips

Common Problems and Their Correction

•  Feeding and extraction
•  Barrel problems
• Bedding the barrel
• Making the magazine flush with the stock

Accessories

• What’s available
• Magazines available, and removable mag conversions
• Reforming the safety to clear your finger
• What to avoid

If you noticed how often the terms “explanation”, and “demonstration” are used, you may be getting some idea of why this course is a “must have” for any SKS owner, or someone who intends to be.

If you own or work on any of these extremely popular new guns, this is the course for you. AGI’s Senior Instructor and Master Gunsmith Robert “Bob” Dunlap, guides you through the intricacies of the new S&W M&P semi-auto handgun. This gun is not only becoming the gun of choice for many Police and Sheriff’s departments, but is the hottest new gun on the IDPA competition circuits.

Bob uses a cut-away gun to show you parts identification, proper cleaning and lubrication, and step-by-step instruction in design and function, including: sights, locking systems, sears, and triggers. Being a new gun, he also tells you potential trouble spots to “keep an eye on.” The cut-away is a standard .40S&W model, but he also uses a new M&P45 with the optional thumb safety, mandated by the military and some law enforcement agencies.

If you want the “quick” course on how to get this hot selling new addition the American Law Enforcement and competition scene apart, back together, and operating as intended, then this course is for you (if you want the “long course”, look into our basic 108 hour Professional Gunsmith course).

Among the items covered are:

History

• Discussion of previous “plastic” guns, beginning with the Glock, and Smith’s first response, the Sigma.
• Some good points of the Sigma
• Origins of the “M&P” name at Smith & Wesson

Design & Function

• Explanation of the “locked breech, cam locking” system and demonstration of its operation in this gun
• Demonstration of its striker firing system, activation of its firing pin blocking safety plunger, and the disconnect operation
• Observation thru left side cut out of the interaction between sear and striker
• Demonstration of trigger safety tab
• Is the thumb safety necessary, ……….or even desirable?
• Showing of “cast in” steel rails and slide stop, and its desirability
• Area of concern regarding feeding issues in high speed reloads when the mag is “Slapped” vigorously into the gun or “limp wristed” during shooting
• Extractor “blow-out stop” shown and its desirability explained
• Good support of case shown
• New slide release tab for disassembly shown. Allows removal of slide without pulling trigger to decock striker
• Internal mechanism of trigger safety tab shown
• Operation of trigger bar shown
• Operation of disconnector shown
• Manipulation of slide releasing lever by magazine catch shown
• Operation of slide hold open shown

Disassembly

• Extensive disassembly, parts not removed have removal described
• How S&W keeps the firing pin from being pneumatically cushioned during its fall á la the Glock
• How the interchangeable grips work
• Why you need to be REALLY careful when you remove the mag catch not to bend its spring

Cleaning & Lubrication

• AGI cleaning & lubrication methods shown, along with the reasons for their use

Reassembly

• You’re going to need a slave pin to get the trigger assembly back together, watch this part first to get the dimensions
• What you need to be careful of when you put the slide back on
• Making sure you have no parts “Left over”

Final Thoughts

• Potential problem areas, and what to watch for
• Strong points
• Would “The Great One” buy this himself???? Take a look and see for yourself

Bob Dunlap works his way with you through the new Springfield XD series of Semi-Auto pistols. He is very favorably impressed with this new Croatian designed pistol, even though those of you familiar with Bob’s often expressed likes and dislikes (You KNOW he’s not shy about expressing those opinions!) will be surprised to learn that he is a Big Fan of this particular “plastic” gun!

As usual, he uses a cut-away gun to explain and demonstrate the design and operation of the gun. He also tells you why he thinks that the designer is a European “Gun Guy”, not an American engineer, and why that’s good. Now take it easy out there you excitable folks, we’re at least as Patriotic as any of you! Take a listen to what he has to say before you call and raise sand.

If you want the “quick” course on how to get this super popular new pistol apart, back together, and operating as intended, then this course is for you (if you want the “long course”, look into our basic 108 hour Professional Gunsmith course).
Among the items covered are:

History

• There is not much history to discuss in the case of the XD because it is so new.
• The term “Short recoil, locked breech” is applied to the gun, and explained.
• Bob happily notes that the gun is very well made, and of equal importance, “The parts that are supposed to be hard really are, and those that need to spring, do.”

Design & Function

• Explanation and demonstration of the action firing cycle with the cut-away gun
• Locking and unlocking mechanisms shown and their operation demonstrated
• Extraction, ejection, and loading cycles shown
• The slide’s recoil stopping component shown and its operation demonstrated, kudos for its excellent design given, and part’s great strength explained and shown
• Clever design that keeps the feeding of the new round from nudging the barrel forward and up
• Demonstration of the clever mechanism that forces the barrel “that last little bit” up into a tight “bind” lock-up in the slide, and why this is important for accuracy
• Slide removal is shown to further demonstrate this final lock-up operation, and Bob has one of his unique gadgets to allow you to see how the operation is accomplished
• Three safeties are displayed and their operation is demonstrated
• Operation of the disconnector is shown
• Operation of the firing pin safety is shown
• Operation of the grip safety is shown
• Positive engagement angle of the sear with the firing pin is shown     
• Ambidextrous operation of the magazine catch shown
• Interaction between the slide stop and the magazine follower shown
• Magazine disassembled and design and operation demonstrated
• Trigger safety (safety #4) operation displayed
• Retention of takedown lever shown
• Locking block insert removed from frame and its operation discussed
• Barrel feed ramp relationship to frame ramp demonstrated and the 1.5 to 1 rule explained. Also covers one area of concern with the design of the gun, and it’s a feeding issue
• Striker assembly design and operation demonstrated
• Well thought out design of the loaded chamber indicator demonstrated

Disassembly

• Extensive disassembly, parts not removed, i.e. sights, will be damaged if removed and are not normally removed unless replacement is required.
• Extractor removal shown, and you ain’t NEVER going to figure it out without this DVD!

Cleaning & Lubrication

• AGI cleaning & lubrication methods shown, along with the reasons for their use

Reassembly

• You are going to need to make 3 “slave pins” to get the sub-assemblies to stay together while you locate them in the frame. Save your old drills (use the shanks), use Brownells music spring wire, or order 3 new pins from Springfield and cut them off with a Dremel cutting disk
• Making sure you have no “Left over” parts
• Function and safety checks

Final Thoughts on the Gun

• Bob’s comments on the gun’s design and execution
• The final word…..he’s going to buy one!

If you noticed how often the terms “explanation”, and “visual demonstration” are used, you may be getting some idea of why this course is a “must have” for any Springfield XD owner, or someone who intends to be.

Sterling Submachine Guns

The 9mm Sterling sub machinegun is the most reliable SMG in the world. Designed and produced in the United Kingdom, it was torture tested in trials of mud, sand and even frozen in ice. In these tests the Sterling out performed the H&K MP-5 and even the robust UZI, making it the king of the SMG’s when it comes to reliability. It was used all around the world in various wars and British territories and was discontinued only because of politics and the high cost of manufacture. In addition to being very reliable it is also extremely controllable and accurate, as you will see as we fire these guns in semi and full auto.

Instructed by Master Armorer John D. Bush, in this course you will learn how to completely disassemble the gun down to its smallest parts, the equally important complete reassembly, along with trouble shooting and repairs. The mechanism of the super reliable roller follower magazine is shown, along with rare factory manuals and accessories.

If you want the “quick” course on how to get the Sterling Submachine Gun apart, back together, and operating as intended, then this course is for you (if you want the “long course”, look into our basic 108 hour Professional Gunsmith course).
Among the items covered are:

• John gives us a complete history of the Sterling submachine gun and shows us several patent drawings that were submitted by the inventor, George W. Patchett
• Through use of various printed manuals, we are shown pictures and illustrations of the firearm, including the original manual from 1943
• British adopted the Sterling as the Mk IV (Mark 4)
• Government and politics brought about the demise of this firearm

• Muzzle end features are explained, including front sight and bayonet lug
• Finger protectors are shown (so you would not shoot your hand or get caught in the bolt)
• The magazine well and controls are discussed
• Folding stock is demonstrated
• Shroud and barrel details are shown
• The magazine and its variations are shown
• Trigger pack and selector are demonstrated
• Back end features, including rear sight, sling swivel and stock release are shown
• Ammunition feeding is demonstrated
• Open bolt operation is demonstrated in full and semi auto
• Spiral ridges on the bolt are shown, which acts as a debris remover and reduces friction
• The ejector is shown
• John demonstrates how the trigger pack can be taken out of the gun with a standard 9 mm round

• John’s description of the function of various parts continues as the firearm is disassembled
• End cap removal is demonstrated
• Bolt is removed from the receiver
• Extractor, plunger and spring are taken out of the bolt
• Ejector and magazine catch removal
• Function of the ejector is demonstrated
• Trigger pack removal and operation explained.
• Extreme close ups of the sear in working position are shown
• Pulling the barrel is demonstrated
• Pistol grip removal is shown
• Front sight disassembly is explained
• Front trunion details are shown and discussed
• Various gun markings are explained
• Trigger pack disassembly is demonstrated and the function of its parts are explained

• AGI cleaning & lubrication methods shown, along with the reasons for their use
• After cleaning, dry with air gun, or in the oven on Warm ~185-200 degrees (metal parts ONLY)
• John lubricates using the “AGI method”

• Before reassembling, we get a unique opportunity to see how to remove a bullet that was stuck in the barrel (caused by a “squib” round)
• Barrel installation is demonstrated
• Bolt is reassembled and installed into the receiver
• Trigger pack is reassembled and its function is demonstrated
• Pistol grip is put back onto the receiver
• Trigger pack is installed into the firearm
• Ejector and the magazine catch are reassembled
• John checks the weapon for safe operation

• Front sight adjusting tool is demonstrated
• Various types of slings are shown and attached to the firearm
• Different types of magazines are shown and discussed
• Spare parts are discussed
• John shows us a closed bolt model of the Sterling and its differences from the open bolt models
• Next we get to see John at the range firing the weapon in semi and full auto modes

• John explains the differences between British, Canadian and Indian made guns
• We are shown a schematic chart of a silenced version of the Sterling Submachine Gun

If you noticed how often the terms “explanation”, and “demonstration” are used, you may be getting some idea of why this course is a “must have” for any Sterling Submachine Gun owner, or someone who intends to be.

Course #2174
Taming Wildcats**; Custom Cartridge Design and Fabrication

Everything That You Ever Wanted or Needed to Know to Design & Build Your Own Custom Cartridge & Reamer!!

AGI’s newest course, taught by custom gunsmith Fred Zeglin, renowned cartridge designer and builder of the well known Hawk series of cartridges, will get you on the road to a thorough understanding of Wildcats and Wildcatting. It will also explain and SHOW to you everything you need to know to do it yourself.

This course not only drives you smoothly from the dreamin’ up through the actual shooting stages, if you can run a lathe, you will be able to make your own reamers!! Having access to a mill will speed things up, but isn’t really necessary. You don’t have to be a master machinist or tool & die maker to be able to turn out the blank resizing/forming/chamber reamers on the lathe, and you don’t need a tool post grinder. A bench grinder with a good fine grinding wheel and some practice will, with Fred’s expert and easy to follow guidance, enable you to turn out reamers that will equal anything that you can buy, and for a WHOLE lot less!!! Oh yeah, and he shows you how to sharpen them and heat treat them as well!

What’s in There:

Introduction – What is wildcatting, what is a wildcat? Fred takes you through the history of wildcats and wildcatting. He talks about the early wildcatters and the most famous of all, P. O. Ackley. Fred also talks about why you might want to design and build a wildcat cartridge, and what you will need in the way of skills and prior knowledge to be successful.

The 5 Design Steps:

Coming up with your Idea – What do you want to build and what do you want your new cartridge to do better that what’s on the market?

Doing the Research – Has it been built before? Don’t reinvent the 7mm-08. Is there anything already in existence that is close and can form the basis for your new cartridge? What case will you base it on?

Creating a Drawing – Using readily available, user (novice) friendly, computer programs to make the initial drawings and determine the approximate dimensions.

Comparing – Is there another cartridge in existence that closely approximates yours and will do much the same thing you want yours to do?

Deciding – Is there still a good reason to go ahead with this project. Maybe the only reason that counts in the end is that you WANT to do it! After all, you are the designer and King of your own design house!

Canon Reamers – What are they, and why do you cars?

Resizing Die Reamers – What are the dimensions for your sizing die reamer?

Making a Reamer – The nitty gritty on how you can make your own reamer…That really works!!

Heat Treating Your Reamer – How you go about making your creation hard enough to hold an edge. You won’t need a heat treating oven.

Relief Grinding – How to make your reamer actually cut metal

Sharpening Your Reamer - How to make your reamer actually cut metal CLEANLY and leave a good finish.

Forming the Brass – You’ve got the base brass, you’ve got the sizer, this is how you form the brass into YOUR new cartridge.

Making a Chamber Reamer – What are the body, throat, and neck dimensions supposed to be for the actual chamber?

Using the Reamer – Where the rubber meets the road! How do I actually use my new reamer to cut a good chamber with a good finish?

Final Thoughts – Goes over what you’ve been taught, adds some final thoughts, and reminds you that you are THE KING when it comes to your own design.

Added Good Stuff – You’ll need a computer and printer but here are pages of info on resource material, tools, lubes, etc. Stuff to make your wildcatting life easier.

**A wildcat cartridge is a cartridge that is not commercially loaded by a major ammunition manufacturer. It may be loaded by a specialty or contract reloader.

This is a pre-Order product!!

Bob Dunlap leads you through the design, function, and repair of these now high quality Brazilian Smith & Wesson look-a-likes. See how they are similar, and more importantly, see where they differ. If you want the “quick” course on how to get these popular revolvers apart, back together, and operating as intended, then this course is for you.

Among the items covered are:

History

• Taurus’ early association with S&W and the quality of the guns with Smith as a partner
• What happened to the quality after Smith left the partnership
• Union of Taurus and Rossi, and the unlikely result
• Various newer frame sizes and unusual chamberings
• Why the .218 Bee is a better high performance .22 caliber revolver chambering than S&W’s earlier .22 Jet
• Hammer blocking lock and included tool kit
• Improvements over the S&W
• Solid front ejector rod, no rod end cylinder lock
• Why rod run-out does not matter with this system
• Spring loaded detent front yoke lock on small and mid-size frames
• Why the short rear cylinder pin lock does NOT unlock under recoil
• Positive thumb operated front lock for “Raging Bull”
• No cylinder movement blocking frame stud, how they get around its lack
• Super smooth chambers and bores

Design & Function

• Trigger Stop and hammer Spring adjustments of the Target Model shown and demonstrated
• How the Iver Mossberg designed transfer bar replaces the S&W style rebound slide and hammer block
• Explanation and demonstration of the double action and single action firing cycles with the sideplate off of the cut-away
• Bob shows the answer to the question; “Why  the Taurus hand design makes for smoother rotation of the cylinder than the S&W design?”
• Explanation and demonstration of the operation of the primary and secondary sears and the hammer cycle
• How the hand operates
• How the hand is timed and correction if it is mis-timed
• Cylinder latch function and correct operation
• How the yoke barrel locates and the absence of the S&W “Dutchman”
• What is “Range”? How do you check it, and how do you adjust it? A $50 course in itself!!

Disassembly

• How the hand and the cylinder latch interact to prevent firing with the cylinder unlocked
• Don’t lose the hand spring & plunger!
• Extensive disassembly, parts not removed have removal described, including rear sight blade, barrel, and front sight
• Taurus unique method of cylinder to yoke retention explained and shown
• Hammer Safety lock operation described and shown

Cleaning & Lubrication

• AGI cleaning & lubrication methods shown, along with the reasons for their use

Reassembly

• Making sure you have no parts “Left over”

Common Problems

• End shake defined, and the cure explained
• What is “Sing”? Do I have it? Do I need it? How do I get it? Why the Fat Lady must do so to get a bang from this show

Accessories

• Taurus makes most aftermarket accessories unnecessary because they offer so many goodies as standard or make them available as options
• What is available

If you noticed how often the terms “explanation”, and “visual demonstration” are used, you may be getting some idea of why this course is a “must have” for any Taurus revolver owner.