The Guns & Ammo Network

STANDARD SCREWDRIVER

by Reid Coffield • April 3, 2012 • 2 comments

A sharp-eyed SGN reader spotted this tapered blade screwdriver on Coffield’s bench. He has several very appropriate if unusual uses for it where he wouldn’t use a gunsmith screwdriver.

Question: It seems that every gunsmith who has ever written anything, including you, has warned against using standard tapered blade screwdrivers on gun screws. Recently in a photo in one of your articles I noticed just such a screwdriver on your bench. What gives? If it’s so bad, why are you using it?

Answer: You are a very sharp-eyed reader and you are 100% correct! I do keep one large standard tapered blade screwdriver on my bench. I use it to open paint cans, scrape gunk out of stocks, clean the bottom of my shoes, and just about any other dirty job where I wouldn’t dare use my good Forster or Brownell gunsmith screwdrivers. That ol’ Craftsman screwdriver is used in all sorts of jobs other than removing or installing gun screws. That task is always reserved for gunsmith screwdrivers with precision made parallel blades.

In Ask the Gunsmith • Tagged
  • Roger Woodward

    Mr Reid Coffield I have a Winchester 1897 pump 12 ga.#47545,solid frame.I would like to save the old girl,It has pipe wrench marks on the barrel and much other abuse from neglect and ? Anyway I've dis assembled to the slide hook. I'm unable to accomplish or effect removal from its hook from the side of the bolt?Being unable to disconnect prohibits further dis-assembly to inspect for condition issues,etc. Tried entering from the open ejection port the front ,back, with no results. I fear wear has worn a seat that won't allow for normal release.I have removed parts right down the list ,so I don't know, but think I've removed anything associated that would prohibit release. Can you help me ?I'm wishing to LEARN the proper procedure.Lastly, Mark says Hello.Sincerely Roger Woodward

  • RWHunnicutt

    Dear Mr. Woodward,
    Many thanks for visiting our website. Your situation with the Winchester Model 97 is unique. Normally the removal of the action slide hook screw will allow the removal of the action slide. If you have taken out this screw and still can not release the slide, something is holding the slide hook in place. It could be that, as you suggested, time and use has worn the bolt or slide hook to the point that the slide hook is somehow caught or held in place in the bolt. It might, just might be possible to make up a small hook type tool to reach thru the hole for the slide hook screw. This very small "L" shaped tool could hopefully catch on the edge of the slide hook and "worry it" out of position just enought to allow the removal of the action slide. Admittedly, that's a long shot!

    This is truly one of those one-of-a-kind, strange situations you encounter with older, well used guns from time to time. There is no set procedure or technique that will automatically solve the problem. Often times you just have to make up a special tool, gizzie, or whatever to deal with the problem.

    Please give my best to Mark. Tell him to give me a call. I would love to chat with him.
    Sincerely,
    Reid Coffield