Gunsmith, Can you fix it?

Hi there…Good morning… hope that everyone is doing well. One of the things that I’m asked is if I can “fix it”.  Sounds like a simple question, and it is for the most part, but… As in life there are always gray areas and gunsmithing is no exception. There is a difference between “parts changers”…

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Post from the Gunsmith

Hi there again…Hope that everyone is healthy, happy and safe. I was asked by a customer (actually a few) what is it we do. Well, we work on pretty much everything. Our local add used to say from flintlock to full auto. We do cleanings, both simple and extensive, rebuilds, restorations. We change out worn…

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Home Ownership, CA vs MN

I have to admit, I was never going to be a homeowner. As a lifelong renter, I could move with 30 days notice if I didn’t like the neighbors, area, whatever. Then we moved to Minnesota and everything changed. We arrived to our new home after a 3 day journey. We were 3 weary drivers,…

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Current Gun Legislations Effect on Gun Owners

Hi there…A number of folks in our new business area have asked me what I think about current laws being passed in Washington. From my perspective, after living and running a firearms business in California with their crazy rules and regulations, we are in trouble. The bills being pushed through right now federally will completely…

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Gun Appraisals or What’s My Gun Worth?

With most folks locked down and everyone’s activities curtailed in some form or other for over a year now, a lot of people have been cleaning up. Garages, storage unit’s, closets, barns, even entire homes are being cleaned up. In the process, many are finding firearms and wondering if they work, if they’re safe and/or…

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Year Around Outdoor Activities Here in MN

In Minnesota, bad weather is normal. Most activities here, would be cancelled due to weather in California. Minnesotans are a hearty bunch, holding Ice Golfing Tournaments out on frozen lakes in February. February is the worst, and coldest, weather month we have. It’s good to keep all clothing and coverings readily available, you could wear…

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How do you like the Minnesota Weather?

California RaisedBeing from California, I had never experienced “real” cold. Where I grew up, even getting down to freezing was a rarity, snow was something we visited when we went to the surrounding mountains to play. On the rare occasions that it did snow, everything closed, because no one knew how to drive in really…

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We Do Stock Modification and Wood Working, too!

Indian Valley GunsmithingPublished by Dean Brackett Hi there again…We are asked quite a bit if we do woodwork. Yes, we do lots of woodwork. From installing recoil pads, glass bedding, repairs, fitting, floating barrels, installing recoil reduction systems, refinishing, touching up old checkering and even making a brand new stock from a big block of…

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Why Did You Move to Minnesota?

It’s the most common question I’m asked when locals find out we’re from California, “Why would you leave CA for here?”. The short answer is to be near family, an answer many accept as a good reason. Younger people give me the “are you crazy?” look, like they believe the hype that CA is a…

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Do It Yourself Gun Repair

One thing I’ve learned about mid-central Minnesotans, they do many tasks their selves. In California, there are so many permits, rules, regulations and laws that it’s actually simpler to hire someone who specializes in that area. Here in MN, you can remodel your whole house with no permits, inspections or anything as long as you…

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