As shown in this video, I built a proof-of-concept bullpup chassis for a bolt-action rifle, specifically a Savage model 110 in 7mm magnum. TheIdahoanShowIdaho was one of the last continental US states to be settled and, more so than some parts of the US, the culture of Idaho still retains a frontier spirit of self-reliance. […]

This video documents how I made a functional AR-15 magazine spring from scrap high-carbon steel strapping material. TheIdahoanShowIdaho was one of the last continental US states to be settled and, more so than some parts of the US, the culture of Idaho still retains a frontier spirit of self-reliance.  As host of TheIdahoanShow on YouTube, […]

This video documents my testing of a leaf-spring target. This is just one data point, but so far it looks like leaf springs may actually compare favorably to AR500 for small, general-purpose steel targets. TheIdahoanShowIdaho was one of the last continental US states to be settled and, more so than some parts of the US, […]

This is another video I made about finishing out a beta-pattern muzzleloader, but this time I took a very different approach. Instead of blueing the steel and making a hardwood stock I powder-coated the metal and made a stock out of tubing wrapped with paracord. TheIdahoanShowIdaho was one of the last continental US states to […]

In this video, I demonstrate one method of building a finished muzzleloader using the Beta-pattern “90% kit” from Atomic Rifling and Creative Operations LLC. TheIdahoanShowIdaho was one of the last continental US states to be settled and, more so than some parts of the US, the culture of Idaho still retains a frontier spirit of […]

This is a video I made about my latest homemade gun. TheIdahoanShowIdaho was one of the last continental US states to be settled and, more so than some parts of the US, the culture of Idaho still retains a frontier spirit of self-reliance.  As host of TheIdahoanShow on YouTube, I endeavor to produce videos capturing […]

This video is an overview of how I machined a case trimmer. The design is not much different than most of the conventional case trimmers on the market, but it works. TheIdahoanShowIdaho was one of the last continental US states to be settled and, more so than some parts of the US, the culture of […]

Flat springs are frequently required in gunsmithing and gun-building projects. While this short video doesn’t get into the specific gunsmithing applications, it does provide an overview of one method of making custom flat springs out of readily-available steel strapping. TheIdahoanShowIdaho was one of the last continental US states to be settled and, more so than […]

In this video, I present the two styles of homemade steel targets that I have used, and talk about how I built them and how they worked. TheIdahoanShowIdaho was one of the last continental US states to be settled and, more so than some parts of the US, the culture of Idaho still retains a […]

This video provides a summary of a series of experiments that I conducted in order to gain a better understanding of what kinds of scrap materials might realistically provide some level of ballistic protection. TheIdahoanShowIdaho was one of the last continental US states to be settled and, more so than some parts of the US, […]

Lee New Sizer Die adapter DIY (to use Red catch cans you already own)

This is for my grandson. I want him safe carrying it around, so here is the project nearing completion. I hope everyine realizes that supervision is always the right thing to do with kids with this sort of thing! But it can be fun and a way to learn a new skill too! Sigurd the […]

Shooting the 45 ACP cast with the penta hollow point into Clear Ballistics Gel from my 1911.

Shooting the 45 ACP cast with the round hollow point into Clear Ballistics Gel from my 1911.

Shooting the 45 ACP cast with the penta hollow point into Clear Ballistics Gel from my 1911.

Shooting the 45 ACP cast with the round hollow point into Clear Ballistics Gel from my 1911.

I tested the 10mm 180 grain Hornady XTP shot from a Glock 20 into ballistics gel. These were loaded with 9.5 grains of Hodgdon Longshot powder.

Shooting the 44 Magnum cast with the large round hollow point, 1:16 alloy with a BHN of 10.4 into Clear Ballistics Gel from my S&W 29 with a 6.5" barrel.

Shooting the 44 Magnum cast with the penta hollow point, 1:16 alloy with a BHN of 10.4 into Clear Ballistics Gel from my S&W 29 with a 6.5" barrel.

Shooting the 44 Special cast with the penta hollow point, 1:16 alloy with a BHN of 10.4 into Clear Ballistics Gel from my S&W 29 with a 6.5" barrel.

Shooting the 44 Special cast with the penta hollow point, 1:16 alloy with a BHN of 10.4 into Clear Ballistics Gel from my Charter Arms Bulldog.

Shooting the 44 Magnum loaded with the 200 grain Speer GDHP at about 1035 fps into Clear Ballistics Gel from my S&W 629.

Shooting the 44 Magnum loaded with the 200 grain Speer GDHP at about 1100 fps into Clear Ballistics Gel from my S&W 629.

Shooting the 44 Special cast with the penta hollow point, 1:25 alloy with a BHN of 8.7 into Clear Ballistics Gel from my S&W 29 with a 6.5" barrel.