u/A-Friend-of-Dorothy

For those that saw it last week or so, I discovered a maintenance issue with my Mini-14 Rifle: a cracked recoil buffer. I was offered some excellent, highly useful advice from folks here, and decided to attempt maintenance myself.

I ordered a spare fresh recoil spring, two spare buffer retention pins, and two spare buffers. I also ordered a 6 pack of rubber 1911 buffer cushions, as I learned that they will fit the Mini-14 operating system to further reduce wear on the buffer.

I immediately realized comparing the fresh recoil spring to the old one that this, too would need replaced. For in addition to a cracked buffer, I found that the recoil spring had been overcompressed from normal wear over the past 25 years of this rifle’s life.

This means that the problem was, in actuality, two-fold…the overcompressed recoil spring caused excess additional force to be exerted on the buffer, the buffer then sustained this for a few thousand rounds and eventually gave way, cracking in two to save the receiver.

This caused a “controlled failure,” which thankfully was easily found and maintained by routine repair and parts maintenance. Despite this failure, the rifle continued to shoot 60 rounds without failure nor issue the day I used her last. That is a positive testament to the design of this rifle, and it did impress me.

Sequential repair sequence of photos, from disassembly to installation of buffer, buffer recoil cushion and etc are attached here for those wishing to see the process from an armorer’s perspective.

The photos aren’t perfect; I was using my phone with one hand, maintaining tension on some parts as I went. Apologies for that.

Please feel free to ask questions if you feel I can help educate on the process!

The work was very easy to do; if you can field strip your rifle, you can commit this repair if you ever need it.

Thank you to everyone who offered me morale support, resources and education to assist with this. It means a lot to me personally that this community has such helpful people.

I present to you for your perusal this fine example of a S&W Model 29 revolver in .44 Magnum.

I’m sure it’ll buff right out.

You’re looking at a cracked/broken buffer from my Mini-14.

Taking down tonight for cleaning, it fell out in two pieces. Well, then. Lol.

Unbelievably, she ran 40 rounds of 5.56 M193 with zero unusual hints today at the range. Was plenty accurate, no malfunctions.

Honestly? I’m not even mad. I’m more in sheer disbelief this could happen and the rifle could still function as intended for a short period. I’m even able to reassemble it as shown. I’m accustomed to one thing going wrong and a gun goes down, so this is a pleasant surprise. Funny, even in a way.

After chatting with some folks here, I felt like being handy on my own, so headed over to Numrich and Ebay, ordered a couple spare buffers, a spare buffer retaining pin, a pack of 1911 buffer cushions and a new recoil spring (in case this one is worn down,) for $70 round trip with shipping.

Problem solved. Now to wait for parts to arrive and stick her back in the safe ‘til then. 👍

S&W Model 57, no dash in .41 Rem Mag. Target hammer, target trigger, target grips.

Shipped from S&W in April of 1979, this N Frame revolver would eventually find its way to my shop I work for as of last week.

She had a lot of surface rust and muck. But her action was good, so an hour and a half’s worth of gentle cleaning with liberal amounts of CLP and a nylon bristle brush got us here.

Paid nearly salvage price for her due to the condition at the time; made sure it was okay so nobody at the shop would get mad at me swiping her. I don’t often restore guns, but this time was an exception. Cleaning made all the difference!

A minor crack has formed in the target grip right panel, but nothing that can’t be fixed. She’s also missing the elevation spring from the rear sight, but that’s easily sourced and installed.

Her action is smooth. Shoots excellently. Single action break is right around 2 lbs. double action a bit stronger, but performs great. Bore and chambers in great shape.

Double action bullseyes at 10 yards are no problem, long as I’m patient. So far 100 rounds down range, including some Remington Core-Lokt 210gr JSP’s and some 210gr FMJ’s.

I may not enjoy .41 Mag as much as .44 Mag, but its unusual pedigree has still earned some respect from me. I can see why people enjoy this compromise between .357 mag and .44 mag, though I also see why it just never caught on. It was all too quickly outdone. A shame, really.

But I guess that’s why we call it back in the day, no? Still…a nice old shooting iron from yesteryear.

[ Nerd-chick infodump complete. ]

Couldn’t pass up the chance to own my most infamous PVP rifle from my Red Dead Online days, and my favorite small game hunting rifle in RDR2.

This is a real Winchester 1890, made in the year 1920, a 3rd Model with takedown feature. Refinished, but still functional thanks to it.

Now to find an 1873 Springfield Trapdoor…

By the by, where is this cough coming from? I’m normally never sick. That’ll clear up…right?

AKA, the “Varmint Rifle,” courtesy of Red Dead Redemption II.

I’m Dorothy, and welcome to “This Old Gun:”

Born in 1920, I believe this is a 3rd Model (?) with takedown feature. I have confirmed her serial number is late enough that she’s proofed for full-power .22 LR Smokeless. (The earlier models couldn’t use smokeless powder due to softer steel designed for black powder pressures.)

She has been refinished; but her action is smooth and sound, she feeds and ejects without issue. A gun-wax was used as a preservative, and has successfully kept corrosion at bay. Some of her proof marks were worn off in the prior restoration attempt, however the work was suitable to keep her going.

Her octagonal, 24” barrel is pleasing, but not too heavy. She still points nicely.

Her receiver and barrel assembly numbers are matching, and don’t show signs of “force-matching.”

Her firing pin isn’t worn down and her chamber isn’t distended from dry-fire. Her bore is yet bright and shiny! No pitting whatsoever with strong crisp rifling.

Her stock shows some stress cracks at the wrist, a little slight wiggle side to side from age and her buttplate had a dent shaved down…still, she stands ready to serve. Her action slide is smooth, and her handle isn’t cracked nor fractured. The cracks look to have had a possibly repair done, or they’re minor enough it isn’t a current concern. I’ll keep an eye on those.

No stripped screws. A little surface patina in the screw slots. The front sight has some corrosion but I cleaned it up decently. The elevation sight screw is about where I’d put it, so I don’t feel like fiddling with it right now. The front sight was slightly bent to the left. I got that gently back where it ought to be for a start.

She’s looking pretty good for 106 years old. Gonna take her out for some standard pressure .22 LR later this month. That is, unless there’s a shooting gallery streetside you might suggest? I hear those are frowned upon, these days! 😅👌

I finally finished up my first AR10 and I am so excited to shoot with her! I’ve never had a bench rifle before, so this is a whole new world for me.

- Armalite AR10t B series SuperSASS, .308
- Magpul PRS Stock Gen1
- Leupold VX-2 6-18x40mm (Included with rifle, it works okay so far) Armalite branded scope Mount
- Match barrel
- 2 stage OEM Armalite match trigger
- Harris S-L2-PQD Bipod
- B&T Industries (AL, USA, not Swiss) Accu-Shot Monopod
- Magpul MS3 Sling
- Howie’s gray hockey tape. Looks white due to having to up the brightness, definitely darker IRL

Finally finished my Armalite AR10t SuperSASS match in .308, now she’s finally going into the monthly mix!

So excited!!! This can extend and retract a couple inches to help me keep the rifle higher off the ground or bench while resting between shots. I can also use like a foregrip to tuck into my shoulder to keep still.

B&T Industries from AL, U.S.A. (No, not the Swiss B&T, I was also confused) produces these to serve in place of a shooting bag if not available, or if forgotten. A plastic endcap comes standard but a steel endcap is available.

They are designed to integrate into Magpul PRS or similar stocks that have rear rails, which accessories like bag riders can attach to further stabilize the rifle between shots.

I’ll still be getting a shooting bag, as I know they work much better. Folded up, it can work like a bag rider. But if I forget one like I know I will? This will help in place of no bag at all.

I have evolved into an ever more impressive form! Try to restrain your envy:

Armalite AR10t B series SuperSASS Match in .308 with 6-18x40 optic with Harris bipod (might need it for a shot at 10 feet down the hallway, you never know.)

Whiskey Two Four chest rig, Berserk anime patches like the weeb trash I am sporting incorrectly matched 5.56 caliber Mini-14 nickel magazines that won’t even work in the excessively large, heavy bench rifle.

Mug chambering is Café Du Monde coffee and chicory blend. Wonderful stuff.

Toe tax remains treacherously unpaid. Better send an ammo drop or a meme, if you wanna see these piggies! 😜

Absolute CAG. Get on my level.

Big Mama Mossberg 940 JM Pro in 12 Gauge. OG,

- 9 + 1
- With all the nice upgrades from factory a modern shotgun ought to enjoy… 💅
- No Optic, needs rail 😢

She’s not old, she’s just a non-optic ready model! But…she’ll quietly keep that pamphlet about Botox injections from her Dentist reception counter

Baby Boy Stoeger Coach Gun “Cowboy Special,” in 20 Gauge, featuring:

- Beveled chambers for faster shucking/reloading
- Reduced-strength cocking springs
- Increased-strength hammer springs (for more reliable ignition on the slightly forward set shells and their primers)
- A whopping 2 + as-soon-as-I-reload-you-better-still-be-standing-right-there 😤

I’m told once he hits puberty he gets an extra barrel? I dunno, though…the Crunchy Moms say if I vaccinate he’ll go back to a single barrel and now I’m scared of what to do! 🤷🏻‍♀️

Love you all, hope your week is shaping up nicely. Lol. 😛

This is my new Harris S-L2-QPD Bipod on my Armalite AR10t B Series SuperSASS in .308 Win

I tried a Magpul bipod previously and absolutely hated that I couldn’t lock down the pivoting nor panning mechanisms. It shifted, tilted and went wonky at every turn. It also wasn’t well suited to a larger AR10, they’re really meant for AR15’s.

Harris makes some pretty great stuff, or so I’ve been told for years. So, I bit the bullet and ordered one for myself.

Having borrowed a Caldwell clone of a Harris once years ago, I have to say I’m already liking it much more. It’s everything I could want to get started with better, more stabilized shooting.

I also have an Accu-Shot folding Monopod coming for the rear/aft rail on the Magpul PRS Stock that’ll help a little with not having to raise it to my shoulder as much before taking a shot.

The QD retention rail slot button lets me strip the rail cover off and slide the whole assembly on or off the pic rail. Very convenient! This was selected to mount directly to the 1913 rail I am using (They make models that clip instantly to sling studs, or even Mlok.)

I’m aware the bipod is further back than normal, but there is a reason: with its spring-loaded, self-leveling legs I can “roll,” the rifle side to side using the cant function without leaving my position and adjust my height easily with the twist tension knobs.

I did select it with this use in mind, but if I dislike that or it doesn’t prove useful I can always move it farther forward and scoot up and out from position to adjust/remove.

I’ll still employ a shooting bag likely, but the monopod will be nice in case I forget one (I will, don’t worry. I know myself well enough to assume I’ll forget one, lol.)

I’m looking forward to my first supported bench rest shots and some prone shooting in my future! 🤠

Open to suggestions on further tips. ❤️

My new Harris S-L2-QPD Bipod on my Armalite AR10t B Series SuperSASS in .308 Win

I tried a Magpul bipod previously and absolutely hated that I couldn’t lock down the pivoting nor panning mechanisms. It shifted, tilted and went wonky at every turn. It also wasn’t well suited to a larger AR10, they’re really meant for AR15’s.

Harris makes some pretty great stuff, or so I’ve been told for years. So, I bit the bullet and ordered one for myself.

Having borrowed a Caldwell clone of a Harris once years ago, I have to say I’m already liking it much more. It’s everything I could want to get started with better, more stabilized shooting.

I also have an Accu-Shot folding Monopod coming for the rear/aft rail on the Magpul PRS Stock that’ll help a little with not having to raise it to my shoulder as much before taking a shot.

The QD retention rail slot button lets me strip the rail cover off and slide the whole assembly on or off the pic rail. Very convenient! This was selected to mount directly to the 1913 rail I am using (They make models that clip instantly to sling studs, or even Mlok.)

I’m aware the bipod is further back than normal, but there is a reason: with its spring-loaded, self-leveling legs I can “roll,” the rifle side to side using the cant function without leaving my position and adjust my height easily with the twist tension knobs.

I did select it with this use in mind, but if I dislike that or it doesn’t prove useful I can always move it farther forward and scoot up and out from position to adjust/remove.

I’ll still employ a shooting bag likely, but the monopod will be nice in case I forget one (I will, don’t worry. I know myself well enough to assume I’ll forget one, lol.)

I’m looking forward to my first supported bench rest shots and some prone shooting in my future! 🤠

Open to suggestions on further tips. ❤️

Armalite AR-10T (B series) SuperSASS in .308

Featuring Magpul PRS Stock Gen1

Leupold VX-2 6-18x40mm Optic

These aren’t commonly found these days; they shoot ridiculously well, so far in my experience and by reputation.

Best grouping so far is one of my girls managed 3 shots inside of a quarter at 100 yards unsupported. Looking forward to more, and further out.

After converting Mia (M1A) from her Archangel CQB stock to a regular M1A poly stock, honestly I was much happier. The thinner, lighter and stronger polymer wrist/grip meant I could have more positive control during firing and reloading.

The flip-up shoulder rest and going back to the Triple K brand leather sling allowed me to stabilize and lock her in for more precise shots. With generic 140gr .308, I even stacked two shots atop each other at 50 yards using irons only in the winter, below freezing, mostly unsupported but seated; a new personal best for me with this rifle.

The next plan was an optic and a light to finish her up…

But with all of 9 slots of 1913 on a scout rail and a non-modern chassis? What madness is this? How was I to make this work?

I’m glad you asked!

A generic Truglo 45 Degree Offset rail, a Vortex Triumph 2 MOA Red Dot and a Streamlight TLR-RM1 later…

“It’s free real estate.”

Irons are still very usable for where I have them zeroed, and at the distances I’m counting on for this particular setup.

Mia isn’t perfect; she’s a little odd, a lot outdated, she needs frequent reining in and she’s even a bit heavier than most might appreciate…but she’ll still serve.

A year later, she’s finally complete and I’m finally happy with how handy she is, now!

Now to zero this Red Dot and start having some adventures!

Went shooting with my community group today; just Rimfire .22 LR this time at the combo 25 yard range for a “light,” day. Had such a great time; I love seeing my adopted family and kids.

The Model 41 returned once again for another round! This time, standing unsupported with both hands at 25 yards.

The rear sight was a smidge off, a bit to the left initially (I even shoot to the left, hehe…) Dialed that back to the right and after said corrections, this was today’s best.

Took me a hot minute to realize I stacked 3/9 shots just under that bullseye. I’m not sure how I managed that, but I’m also not complaining.

“Why 9 shots in a 10 round magazine, Dorothy?” Uh. That many fell out of the box when I was loading that magazine. I don’t make the rules, I just do the thing. 😅

I grouped better with this pistol than my Henry Lever .22 LR! What madness is this!?

Next stop: Rifle Basics, and then Rifle Instructor Certification!

I think that’s all I have resources and time for this year and next. I secured a greatly discounted rate as a returning student for the Rifle Basics course, and will be offered the same for Rifle Instructor.

Patronus Training has handled my courses, thus far; their staff are incredibly kind and accepting.

The last day was a long one. Between commute there and back, as well as class it was a 15 hour day. I don’t have words for how exhausted I was. But I did it! Staff support and encouragement was very high.

Why I chose the NRA, a historical enemy of progress: I don’t have love for the NRA and I know they are a problematic organization, but this is a progression path for me that is accessible and affordable in my area, for now…and it is not the end of my journey. Please try to understand that training from a questionable source is better than no training. Affordable certifications that can allow me to teach and educate more effectively are better than achieving no growth as a volunteer instructor.

We talk about training a lot in this sub. We harp on it. “Get training,” is the most common comment on any post for a new gun owner, but rarely ever does that comment suggest where, who from and how. This is what I could find and afford for now…please don’t hold that against me.

It can be very difficult to find courses taught by people I can actually trust who are “safe,” for queer trans women, much less their student body. It is even harder and more rare to find those courses taught by women. This course was exclusively taught by very accepting women, which is a literal unicorn occurrence.

As a transgender woman, passable or not, it’s a real risk I have to consider when spending time around strangers with loaded guns in any environment if I’m the only person there. Knowing the instructors accepted and affirmed me made a massive difference in my confidence and my ability to perform.

As to whether the NRA progression path is right for you? That’s an individual choice; and I’ll understand if you aren’t keen on the idea…I’m still not. But better is the enemy of good.

I owe myself, my students and my community shooting group better; in fact, I owe them the very best. This can help with that. ❤️

TL;DR I got my pistol instructor certification! Feel free to ask me questions about the process, if you’d like! Please don’t be a jerk to me because I chose the only affordable organization in my area with safe, accepting people that knew and affirmed me.

Here are some of my first shots with my lovely new S&W Model 41!

Sporting a 7” barrel, this pistol is a bit long in the tooth, but shoots so well as a result.

Having gotten her cleaned up before shooting and lubed up with Slip-2000 EWL, the shots and cycling were incredibly smooth; zero malfunctions with Federal Automatch .22 LR. Around 150 rounds used, today.

These shots were taken standing at 10 yards, first with both hands, and second with right-hand-only.

The trigger break is so slight compared to what I normally use, it feels maybe around 2 lbs…a bit challenging for me! I’m accustomed to a bone-stock Ruger Mark IV Target, which I love! But this is something new altogether, in the very best of ways.

What a lovely way to spend a couple hours. The heat wasn’t exactly pleasant, but the experience surely was.

I can’t wait to take her out again. Next time will be benched, taking my sweet time with my shots. I want to challenge myself to tighten up this grouping further!

Easily one of the best, most enjoyable experiences I’ve ever had shooting .22 LR. If you have a chance to grab one of these? Just do it.

Snagged myself a generous deal on a nice new-to-me Rimfire target pistol, a S&W Model 41 in .22 LR with a 7” barrel.

I was surprised to hear they discontinued production of these as of Fall of 2025; I had looked them up now and again over the past decade out of curiosity, as they did seem quite lovely but I also told myself I’d probably never see one in person. They seemed rarely found and harder-won at auction.

Besides, they were astronomically expensive! And if I hadn’t seen one in-person in a decade? It wasn’t going to happen, probably. And that was fine.

I even already had a Ruger Mark IV Target, which is a very nice Rimfire pistol…I didn’t need another!

…Whelp. Y’all know me well enough to know that this is always when Dorothy says, “So anyways, the other day this was in the case at work aaannnddd-“

Birthday Girl got a Holy-Grail Rimfire pistol. Happy 38th to me. 🎂

Cake and CCI Mini-Mags accepted in equal measure.

Got my basic pistol shooting course completed this weekend, a required prerequisite to pursue becoming an NRA Pistol Instructor.

My instructor’s education class and certification course is already scheduled for later this month in a week or two!

I may not have much, if any love for the NRA…but this was the most accessible way for me to secure the accreditation I need to continue to serve my community in a way that is recognizable, with enough resources to help me succeed.

What led me to the NRA: I’d previously tried working with Operation Blazing Sword as a volunteer, but ultimately had very little interest shown over a year’s time; their site also has little to no security/anonymity features; something that as a transgender woman became an increasing concern.

I’ve spent the past year building up and educating/teaching my community shooting group, continuing my education privately as best I could manage along the way. I am reaching the limit of my knowledge base for basic instruction, and so I decided it was time to start soaking up what I’ve missed along the way.

What’s next? After securing pistol instruction I will pursue rifle instruction. I’ll see how I feel, after that and where I’m at versus where I feel I need to be to continue to help my community group and the wonderfully kind people in it.

If you’d like to know what my class experience was like, please ask! I’m happy to give honest feedback on the course material, the culture and the setting of the class.