SoCal Gunsmith /Gun Store with DIY-availability?

[Plenty_Pack_556]

Are there any gun stores in SoCal that allows you to work on your non-serialized part (like a AR Upper) (as long as parts are purchased from shop)?

Like let the buyer install the handguard purchased at store?

I understand due to liability, answer is most likely no. Or maybe a law preventing it?

But I ask is because lots of these gunsmiths have some of the longest turn-around time for something simple that can be done within minutes on the spot. (Example, Pin and Weld Muzzle Device. Randall of AR15Barrels can do it while you smoke a cigarette in your car, while everyone else that has an actual store can take minimally 1 week, and upto months.)

And many gunowners don't live in a home where gunsmithing is possible or don't have all the tools necessary. The cost of gunsmithing service for as simple as this varies alot, including people getting it done free because "of who they know."

If stuff like this is not illegal, anyone know of a gunstore of which I am asking about?

 

[ocabj]

Can you just ask a friend who has tools to help you?

I actually built a trailer hitch vise mount so I could work on stuff like swap barrels on guns that don't have a quick-change capability (e.g., AI, Terminus) while at the range.

 

[Plenty_Pack_556]

I don't own a vehicle with hitch.
None of my friends are gunowners. No one in my relative are gunowners.
Had a cousin that was, until the retard flagged himself by pulling a knife on a plainclothes officer in a road rage. He works for oc.gov now lol.

 

[RustVendor]

putting an AR together isn't really gunsmithing, especially a hand guard install. the only thing you may need a vise for is barrel install but even that can be done without it. Hand guard just takes a $1 wrench.

 

[abillionbakedbeans]

Just buy the tools. It's not too expensive for a HF vice, bev block & torque wrench.

 

[Plenty_Pack_556]

I just got a upper that requires a bit of vice, something to mount the vice on, and a reaction bar to remove the current barrel nut that's on it. I can get reaction bar, and vice, but something to mount the vice is the problem.

 

[NorCalBusa]

I've seen several such shops for working on cars and motorcycles- they all seem to have come and gone. I see the advantages of having one for gun work, but I'd be concerned enough about DAD's & AD's I doubt I'd go to one (or get close to it).

 

[RustVendor]

I just got a upper that requires a bit of vice, something to mount the vice on, and a reaction bar to remove the current barrel nut that's on it. I can get reaction bar, and vice, but something to mount the vice is the problem.

you can probably just stand on the vice or if you really need use clamps. My vice that I have built about 8 guns on has never been bolted into anything.

 

[AR15barrels]

I just got a upper that requires a bit of vice, something to mount the vice on, and a reaction bar to remove the current barrel nut that's on it. I can get reaction bar, and vice, but something to mount the vice is the problem.

Do NOT use a reaction-rod type tool to remove or install barrel nuts.
Doing this can damage the receiver.
You want to support the receiver (not the barrel) while tightening or loosening barrel nuts.
Reaction rods are only safe for installing muzzle devices.
Reaction rods can damage barrels while removing some very tightly installed muzzle devices so be careful of that too.

 

[CalifEd]

Look in the woodworking world for a table top bench.
They are sturdy and can support a vice for most gun work.

 

[Jimi Jah]

Anyone use a folding "workbench" to mount a vise for gun work or re-loading?

 

[ikeo1]

Anyone use a folding "workbench" to mount a vise for gun work or re-loading?

what does this look like? I've always jimmy-rigged my vice for what I needed or asked a shop if it was just one thing that you needed to do. I think there's quite a few smiths in SoCal.

 

[AR15barrels]

I am in the Los Angeles area and I do all sorts of barrel work including all manner of AR assembly work.

 

[Plenty_Pack_556]

I am in the Los Angeles area and I do all sorts of barrel work including all manner of AR assembly work.

Yea, but if you'd remember your past customers, I was a customer of yours, on 2 separate occasions....

 

[AR15barrels]

Yea, but if you'd remember your past customers, I was a customer of yours, on 2 separate occasions....

I don't keep track of forum handles.

 

[nanoer]

I don't keep track of forum handles.

He is right though,

Good work = a lot of people have been to his shop. I'll be surprised if he remembers me. When he gets your barrel, he focuses on the barrel more than your face.

 

[-D.M.-]

None of my friends are gunowners.

You need better friends....

 

[sonofeugene]

For the cost of renting shop space, insurance, and tool rental, you can likely buy the tools yourself and work on your dining room table.

 

[Plenty_Pack_556]

Yea I bought the 2 most important tools for my Gunsmith toolbox in building an AR. New Wheeler AR Combo Tool with Torque Wrench and Avid AR Pivot Pin Tool at Bass Pro Shop in Irvine during Christmas for a total of $37.

Price match + extra 5% off for BP price beat + extra 10% or 15% (I forget) off for Monday purchases, + 5 or 10% off for BP card (forget which) + 10% off for Veterans.

Brought it down to $37 after taxes. I thought it was worth it.

The tool with torque wrench was out of stock at all BP in CA, but found 1 buried on Sunday, found out about the Monday deal, so I re-buried it so I can buy next day.