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FREESTATE ONLINE TRAINING ACADEMY
Freestate Training Academy
Some questions posed in our Q&A are also asked by SDI curriculum. Though all answers are original responses, you may not copy our work and submit it as your own. If using Freestate Training Academy as a resource, please cite your work correctly. Thanks, and enjoy!
What is the purpose of a test fire?
There may be many reasons for a test fire on a firearm. The first being the customer claims something is not working correctly with their firearm. In this case you may need to test fire to see the actual malfunction they were talking about in order to better understand the issue and find the best way to resolve it. In other cases, a test fire may be part of ensuring a firearm you built yourself actually functions. With an FFL that allows the manufacturing of firearms you can
In a revolver, what are some common methods for clearing the feed source?
The feed source on both single and double action revolvers is the cylinder that locks into the frame. Clearing the double action revolvers usually is as simple as pushing or pulling the cylinder release button and using your other hand push the cylinder out of the frame. After physically and visually inspecting for the presence of ammunition, if ammo is present, keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction, tip the muzzle up and press down on the ejector bar connected to the
Birchwood Stock Finish Product Review
These Videos are made for educational purposes only. GunsmithMD is not liable for the misuse of any product that is reviewed on this website
Reflect on the Importance of Precision Measuring Tools
When building an AR-15 Rifle it is important your barrel is at least 16 inches in length to meet the requirement. This is when using a tape measurer or ruler may be used for the measurement. However, something that long you would not use calipers or micrometers for because these tools are meant to be used on things much smaller. For example, when drifting sights on and off of a handgun you will need to be sure the new sight sits center on the slide to ensure an accurate shot
AR-15 Front Sight Tool Review
These Videos are made for educational purposes only. GunsmithMD is not liable for the misuse of any product that is reviewed on this website
Resources For Glock Handguns
The pistol that I own and have decided to use for the purposes of this discussion is the Glock 17 Gen 5. It is a very popular make and model of firearm and a great choice for those looking to purchase their first firearm. Having worked at one live fire facility or another, I have seen and worked on countless Glock pistols and went as far as to get certified as a Glock Armorer in the process. In the first link listed below I have a YouTube animation type video that covers the
Birchwood Bluing Paste Review
These Videos are made for educational purposes only. GunsmithMD is not liable for the misuse of any product that is reviewed on this website
Customer brings you a Benelli Vinci and explains that it will not feed shells.
1. How would you make this firearm safe to begin working on? Starting with the safety selector being pushed into a safe position and keeping the firearm pointed in a safe direction I would inspect the feeding tube for the presence of ammunition. Then I would use the bolts charging handle and locking it to the rear I would physically and visually inspect the chamber for ammunition. Once I was sure it was free of ammunition I would continue with my work. 2. What procedures or p
Brownells Upper Receiver Vice Block Review
These Videos are made for educational purposes only. GunsmithMD is not liable for the misuse of any product that is reviewed on this website
Select a firearm you own and describe the finish in detail.
The firearm I own and chose to talk about this week is my Taurus Judge. Yes, that's right, I am That Guy! But when I begin to cover the firearms unique aspects you may begin to understand why I chose this one. This firearm actually came as a kit from Taurus and was called the First 24 because it came with a bunch of survival stuff to match. The cylinder, barrel and frame came with a flat dark earth Cerakote finish. I can confidently say that this firearm came from the manufac
Real Avid Smart Driver Review
These Videos are made for educational purposes only. GunsmithMD is not liable for the misuse of any product that is reviewed on this website
Answer several questions to demonstrate knowledge of key principles related to troubleshooting.
1. What is the first thing you must know before attempting to disassemble or inspect a firearm? The first thing I would want to know before attempting to disassemble or inspect a firearm is how to clear it of ammunition. Some firearms like Glocks require the user pull the trigger to remove the slide and being sure the firearm is not loaded is the first and most critical step. 2. In a straight blowback system, when does the bolt/slide begin reacting to the pressure created by
Real Avid 4 in 1 Glock Tool Review
These Videos are made for educational purposes only. GunsmithMD is not liable for the misuse of any product that is reviewed on this website
Customer brings you a Browning Hi Power and explains that it does not fire.
Customer brings you a Browning Hi Power and explains that it does not fire when the hammer falls on a loaded chamber. He states that the hammer does reach full cock when cycling the slide and manually cocking the hammer itself. 1.How would you make this firearm safe to begin working on? Like most 1911 type firearms this browning high power has a safety selector switch that locks into a groove on the slide. Keeping the firearm pointed in a safe direction push the magazine rele
Real Avid Master Cleaning Station Review
These Videos are made for educational purposes only. GunsmithMD is not liable for the misuse of any product that is reviewed on this website
What are the "big picture" conclusions you need to draw about a clients weapon & it's intended use.
We all know that safety is the goal when dealing with any firearm but when someone brings me a firearm (especially the older ones) the conclusion I need to draw is usually, do they want a pretty gun or a functioning one. This tells me up front what my end goal will be and what is going to make the client happiest. This is not to say a firearm cannot be both but often times it comes down to show piece or work tool. Pretty guns have had lots of care with regard to their appeara
Tipton Gun Butler Review
These Videos are made for educational purposes only. GunsmithMD is not liable for the misuse of any product that is reviewed on this website
Can you ever see yourself abandoning conversion or heat-based procedures for spray on, entirely?
If the result desired by the customer is a color then yes, I would agree that spray on finishes are the future. However, a lot of people are getting away from the classic methods of bluing and browning type finishes which leads me to believe that I should invest in the older methods first. Anyone can buy a can of this spray on stuff and give it a shot on their own making the gunsmith obsolete. Sure the average joe wouldn't spend the money for a full Cerakote kit with sprayer
Firearm Cleaners & Oils Review
These Videos are made for educational purposes only. GunsmithMD is not liable for the misuse of any product that is reviewed on this website
Is it reasonable to attempt to troubleshoot a customer’s weapon without being able to fix the parts?
Though I believe it is necessary to be able to fix fasteners and other small parts, I also believe it is reasonable to begin the trouble shooting process even if you are unable to fix the part causing the problem. Step one is always clearing the firearm and if the customer was claiming it wont chamber a round and you find out it was because they were loading them backwards, then problem solved. You did not need the ability to fix small parts to solve this problem. Most of the
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