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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…

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…

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…

How can I become a Gunsmith? It’s a question we hear from time to time. The answer is both straight-forward and complicated. First, work on guns, all types of guns. Study guns and how they work, foreign and domestic, old and new. Learn about different types ammunition and its effect on guns. Get training. Gone…

IVG will be open as usual, except Christmas Day; Monday-Friday Phone 9 AM – 6 PM CST Gunsmith Appointments 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM CST Saturday, by Appointment for Pickups and Drop Offs Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to All Our Wonderful Customers!

Hi there… let’s talk more about barrels. Us Old-Timers say, the heart of the gun is it’s action, but the accuracy is in the barrel. I’ve seen beautiful looking barrels shoot horrible and pitted old Mausers and Springfields shoot amazingly well. Accuracy is dependent on how well the barrel was originally made. Most, not all,…

The shortest answer is, a gunsmith troubleshoots, repairs and modifies firearms, gun shops sell firearms, parts and supplies. Some gun shops employ gunsmiths, but as good gunsmith’s become more rare, (literally dying off), it’s harder and harder to find a good one. Some gunsmiths specialize, only working on Colt, Winchester, or revolvers, shotguns, etc. Here…

Deans passion for guns of all shapes and sizes began when he was very young. He used to hunt before and after school during the season. Keeping his guns in good working order, so he could be the very best shot, was important. When Dean completed small arms school in the Navy, he got to…

The Gunsmith gets all sorts of requests for firearm modification and repair, some surprise even him. Rarely, probably due to my lack of knowledge, do they surprise me. The appointments that do are stories worth sharing. The gun that came in with 15 bullets stuck in the barrel was a doozy. I can see 2…

Dear Shooters – Don’t forget barrel care after your hunt. Significant damage incurred to neglected or incorrectly cleaned gun barrels has made me a fair amount of money over the years. Avoid damage and expensive gunsmith bills by caring for, and storing, your guns properly. You can always take them to a qualified gunsmith for…