Thompson/Center Collectors Association

Thompson Center Collectors Association

Fall of 2020 issue of the “One Good Shot”, association President Art Lamontagne wrote about our services here at 4D.  Art ordered the reamer on his own nickle and we did not know about his affiliation with the organization.

4th Book in the “Gunsmithing Student Handbook Series” is Now in Print!

Being in the gun business for almost 40 years now I have become acutely aware if the lack of basics being taught in schools.  In particular in Occupational Trades institutions. Before you send me a nasty gram defending your favorite school keep in mind I teach at one of these colleges and have friends at… Read more »

4D-reamer-rentals

After Market Pistol Barrels

In 2018 a new condition became obvious to us here at 4D Reamer Rentals LTD. In the past we saw certain reamers receive damage because of aftermarket cylinders out of Russia or China.  They were hardened by the maker to the point that only Carbide tooling could be used on them successfully.  We had clients… Read more »

What is chip welding?

The Chamber reamers that we carry at 4D Reamer Rentals LTD are all High Speed Steel (HSS). When we inspect reamers upon return from rental we look for a few things. Obvious damage of any kind. (dings, chips, modifications, burns, rounded edges to name a few) Dirt/metal chips from the reaming process Oil (in excess)… Read more »

MEASURING FOR SCREW-IN CHOKES (Shotgun)

Before accepting a barrel for machining to accept screw-in chokes, you must measure the outside diameter (O.D.) to determine if there will be sufficient wall thickness after machining. “Mike” the O.D. of the barrel and the O.D. of the tap for the particular gauge. Subtract the O.D. of the tap from that of the barrel,… Read more »

To Laugh or Not to Laugh, That is the Question.

You hear some things on the phone that really make you laugh when you rent tools.  They might not be funny to the average tool user but maybe we need to share them to clear up some misunderstandings? One of my favorites is, “That barrel has been in the lathe forever waiting for the reamer.”… Read more »

P.O. Ackley

Ackley Category Added to the Site

We have seen a ton of demand for Ackley calibers since the publication of Fred Zeglin’s two new books in 2017.  For this reason we have created a category on the 4D web site to separate out all Ackley cartridges making them easier to find.  They still appear in the standard caliber listings as well…. Read more »

Me Me, its all about Me

Why Are There NO Good Gunsmiths Around Here?

Diplock’s Syndrome For those of you who have not read Fred Zeglin’s book on Wildcat Cartridges, here is a little excerpt you might find amusing. “Diplock’s Syndrome,”  a syndrome contracted by gunsmiths.  The cause is close contact with clients or customers who lack patience, and often what we used to call common courtesy.  Custom guns are hand… Read more »

Gunsmithing Student Handbook Series

Fred Zeglin released two titles in his new series of instructional books for anyone who wants to understand how guns work.  Tailored to students of gunsmithing, whether you are a hobbyist or a professional Zeglin bring over 3 decades of gunsmithing and teaching to the table.  These books are clear and concise detailing specific subjects. Lee… Read more »

Over 1100 reamers in inventory!

More Tools, More Service…

As of October 2017  4D Reamer Rentals LTD now has over 1100 reamers to serve your gunsmith rental needs.  It’s pretty exciting how much this company has grown over the dozen years we have owned it.  We plan to continue adding tools and services. Please check out the products we sell on top of the rental… Read more »

Art of the Gun, Tinidad Colorado, 2017

Art of the Gun @ Mitchell Museum in Trinidad Colorado was held the weekend of June 9-10, 2017.  This event was held in conjunction with the 70/40 Anniversary of the TSJC Gunsmithing Program.  70 years ago P.O. Ackley helped start the first gunsmithing program at any college in the U.S. 40 years ago the School joined… Read more »

Fred talks about P.O. Ackley

One of the cool things about writing a book is that during the research for the book you learn a lot about people.  I was able to interview a number of interesting and well known folks in the gun world while researching P.O. Ackley, America’s Gunsmith. If you would like a little more behind the scene… Read more »

Nosler Chamber Reamers & Gauges

Several years ago Nosler took nearly every caliber from 26 to 36 to SAAMI.  As soon as they were approved we bought all the reamers and gauges.  The 26 and 28 Nosler are the only cartridges that share the same headspace gauges in the Nosler factory line-up, all the others have their own specific gauges…. Read more »