Slave pins: There are several references in this book to slave pins, and some non-gunsmith readers may not be familiar with the term. A slave pin is simply a short length of rod stock (in some cases, a section of a nail will do) which is used to keep two parts, or a part and a spring, together during reassembly. The slave pin must be very slightly smaller in diameter than the hole in the part, so it will push out easily as the original pin is driven in to retain the part. When making the slave pin, its length should be slightly less than the width of the part in which it is being used, and the ends of the pin should be rounded or beveled.
Sights: Nearly all dovetail-mounted sights are drifted out toward the right, using a nylon, aluminum, or brass drift punch.
1. The tiniest of these fine German instrument screwdrivers from Brownells is too small for most gun work, but you’ll see the rest of them used frequently throughout the book. There are many tight places where these will come in handy.
2. When a larger screwdriver is needed, this set from Brownells covers a wide range of blade sizes and also has Phillips- and Allen-type inserts. The tips are held in place by a strong magnet, yet are easily changed. These tips are very hard. With enough force you might manage to break one, but they’ll never bend.
3. You should have at least one good pair of bent sharp-nosed pliers. These, from Brownells, have a box joint and smooth inner faces to help prevent marring.
4. For heavier gripping, these Bernard parallel-jaw pliers from Brownells have smooth-faced jawpieces of unhardened steel to prevent marring of parts.
5. For situations where a non-marring rap is needed, this hammer from Brownells is ideal. It is shown with nylon faces on the head, but other faces of plastic and brass are also available. All are easily replaceable.
6. For drifting out pins, these small all-metal hammers from B-Square are the best I’ve seen. Two sizes (weights) are available and they’re well worth the modest cost.
7. For situations where reach and accessibility are beyond the capabilities of sharp-nosed pliers, a pair of large sharp-nosed forceps (tweezers) will be invaluable.
8. This universal Colt tool from Brownells will also work on some other autos of similar design, and even has features for some revolver work. Its main function, of course, is for the removal of a tight barrel brushing on Colt autos.
9. One of the most-used tools in my shop is this nylon tipped drift punch, shown with an optional brass tip in place on the handle. It has a steel pin inside the nylon tip for strength. From Brownells, and absolutely essential.
10. A good set of drift punches will prevent a lot of marred pins. These, from Brownells, are made by Mayhew. The tapered punches at the right are for starting pins, the others for pushing them through. Two sizes are available-4 inches or 6 inches.
12. Some of the necessary tools are easily made in the shop. These non-marring drift punches were made from three sizes of welder’s brazing rod.
11. These punches by Mayhew are designed specifically for roll pins and have a projection at the center of the tip to fit the hollow center of a roll pin, driving it out without deformation of the ends. From Brownells.
13. In automatic pistols, the most frequent need for a split-end screwdriver, or two-point wrench, occurs with certain magazine catch buttons. The ones shown were made by cutting away the center of old screwdriver blades, then thinning the points to fit the job. They may be a bit on the crude side but they work!
AMT Back-Up
| Data: | AMT Back-Up |
| Origin: | United States |
| Manufacturer: | AMT, Inc. El Monte, California |
| Cartridge: | 380 ACP |
| Magazine capacity: | 5 rounds |
| Over-all length: | 5 inches |
| Height: | 4 inches |
| Barrel length: |
2 |
| Weight: | 17 ounces |
The “Back-Up” is made entirely of stainless steel, and, as its name implies, it is intended as a “backup” gun for the law officer, for use if his regular sidearm is disabled, empty or lost during a serious social encounter. The little Back-Up is also popular as a self-defense pistol for the private citizen. The excellent and mechanically simple design is the work of John Raymond Wilkinson.
Detail Strip:
1. With the magazine removed and the hammer in the fired position, use a non-marring drift to drive out the breechblock cross-pin toward either side.
2. With a non-marring tool such as a nylon-tipped punch or a wooden dowel, nudge the breechblock upward, working through the magazine well.