Hi guys!
I'm new here and looking forward to attending my first Appleseed just as soon as one lines up with a free weekend. ;)
I'm wondering can any of you who are in the DFW area suggest a gunsmith to help me out with my LTR? Installing a new recoil buffer and working on the auto-bolt release mechanism were a big enough challenge for me. So I wanted to find someone who could complete the work on getting the tech sights and the sling studs on my 10/22.
Thanks for any help.
You'll find that installing tech sites is actually really easy - far easier than anything you might do with the internals of your rifle.
How hard it is to install the sling swivel properly depends on what type of stock you have. Sorry, I'm Austin based, so no DFW recommendations...
I agree with metalbot. If you've taken the trigger group apart and put it back together the studs won't be a problem. I personally have only used one gun smith in the area and it was a haul for me over in Ft. Worth and he primarily does AK stuff.
If you don't feel comfortable doing it, I have heard good things about this guy: http://www.docsgunshop.com/ You can also call the Bass Pro range in Grapevine and ask for a recommendation. They used to have a gunsmith on site, but ended up shutting that down.
Ron at Ray's Hardware is a guy I've used and he's been involved with Appleseed. Not sure if he would have to charge you Ray's prices or could do something on the side.
The Tech Sights are relatively easy and the installation instructions are good. I recommend some Uncle Mike's Gun Tite for the screws and a brass punch to remove the factory front site.
Sling mount installation is also straightforward on a wood stock. Drill out a lead hole slightly smaller than the stud screw. I've never tried mounting anything on synthetic stocks, so I don't know what would be involved there.
Called a friend and he had a couple of suggestions (may be expensive):
Andrew McFarland - admgunsmithing.com
Scott Mays - Gunsmith for the Beretta gallery http://www.berettagallery.com
You could also try Ron over at McClelland's Gun Store. He's the only one I trust with my High Standard pistol.
If you decide to have it done by others I recommend the smiths at Elk Castle in Fort Worth. I've been quite pleased with the little things they've done for me & the cost has been quite reasonable.
Elk Castle Shooting Sports
8240 West Freeway
Fort Worth, TX 76108
(817) 246-4622
elkcastle.com
I'm in DFW. PM me and I'll help you get this done. We can do it ourselves.
Not hard at all.
Dave