Working on guns, where to start?
 

There are lots of great gun techs out there, just wondering how do you get started? I'm not really interested in becoming a gun doc, but I'd love to know how to work on my own guns as I feel it would be more rewarding to own a gun you built with your own two hands.

Thanks

Go and watch an experienced gundoc do work.

Best way it to just take it all apart.

Thats how I learned the little that I know so far.

Thank you very much!!

Personally, I started by jumping right into my first airsoft gun's mechbox (AUG, V3 mechbox) And I just learned everything from there... though I am a natural at working with anything mechanical so i do not suggest everyone starts this way. Best way for anybody who wants to learn how to work on guns is to do 2 things, 1: read allot of the gundock section, what solutions for what problems, etc. and 2: watching all the relevant videos on www.mechbox.com for the guns you'll be working on.
And stay within your comfort range, I for one have disassembled my 416 down to the last screw but I rather not touch the inside of an M14's V7 box (was supposed to work on one for a friend but once i saw all the extra springs and screw i simply said... He's not a good enough friend for this headache, also, it had un-expected damage that i was not equipped to repair anyways).


EDIT: Not fair you guys cheated and snuck your replies in while i was typing.

You could probably "apprentice" under a gun doc or something. Order a pizza and pick up a case of beer and I'm sure they'll walk you through the basics over a night.

If you have mechanical aptitude then it shouldn't really be that hard however if you're clueless in regards to electronics/mechanics then I would leave the work to a gun doc.

Like Shrapnal, I have been wondering about the same question.

After a general knowledge of electronics/mechanics
What tools are needed?

I am guessing

-soldering iron or gun
-terminating screwdrivers (small ones)
-pliers of sorts

Mechbox.com has a "list" of tools. At the start of their videos they go through a list of what you'll need.

I would assume you'd probably need a dremel set of sorts too, and a set of Allen/hex keys.

+1

You'll also want proper silicone and grease. If you plan to do electrical have some heat shrink and heat gun around. And find a tool to trigger the anti reverse latch while mech box is closed, use only for this and don't lose. That will help if you do alot of work.

Oh god... Lemme go snap a picture of my basic gundoc tool chest...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...e/DSCF7276.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...e/DSCF7277.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...e/DSCF7279.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...e/DSCF7280.jpg

That's just BASIC tools, That's not counting the drill press, the dremel, and all sorts of other little things...

Then there's Parts:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...e/DSCF7281.jpg

... Doesn't look to be much from the picture... but that entire box is FULL of assorted parts.

Thanks Amos,

Gives me a good idea! I have most of that stuff
around the house...

...missing skill and big boxes of assorted parts.

Now I need to find a more local gun guru to teach
me the ropes.

Jeez Amos, if anyone ever popped over... The things they could think!
hahaha!!
Thanks for sharing though, really cool to see. (Maybe that's just me but I get fascinated by little things like that :S)

Heat shrink is your friend....

as is Princess Auto lol

LOL. Your living room looks like mine....covered in parts.