How to Mount Gun Swivels
Unlike pistols, most rifles or shotguns do not have a holster in which you place them. You're usually stuck carrying the gun around all day, which can be very tiring. An easy remedy for this problem is to install a sling so that you can carry your gun draped over your shoulder. When you put a sling on your gun, it is extremely important to install the swivels properly. Properly installing your swivels will prevent damage to your gun during your hunting outings.
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Things You'll Need
- Drill
- Drill bits
- Gun sling swivels
- Rifle or shotgun
- Thread tape
- Padded vise or gun cleaning cradle
- Drill guide
- Tape measure
- Masking tape
Instructions
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Installing the Swivel Studs
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1
Turn your gun upside down and place it in a padded vice or a gun cleaning cradle. Measure 3 1/2 inches from the toe of the gun stock. Mark the spot with a pencil. Install the proper size drill bit in your drill. (The exact size to use should be labeled on the package the swivels came in.)
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2
Place the drill guide over the spot that you marked on the gun stock. Make sure the guide is straight. Tape the drill guide in place. Place the drill bit in the drill guide. Drill a hole 2 inches deep in the stock. Remove the drill. Remove the drill guide and the tape.
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3
Replace the drill bit with a facing cutter bit. (This bit will leave a recessed circle for the swivel stud, so it does not crush the stock when you screw it in.) Drill into the hole with the facing cutter about 1/2 inch down into the wood. Remove the drill and set aside.
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4
Place the wood tap into the hole and twist it down into the hole. (This will help cut the fibers inside and make it easier to thread the swivel stud.) Remove the wood tap after you reach the bottom of the hole.
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5
Screw the swivel stud into the hole until it is flush with the bottom of the recessed circle.
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6
Turn the gun around in the vice or cradle to work on the forearm under the barrel. Mark a spot 3 inches from the toe end of the forearm.
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7
Remove the gun from the vice or cradle and remove the barrel from the stock. Place the stock piece back in the vice/cradle.
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8
Place the drill guide over the spot you marked. Drill the hole just as you did for the lower swivel, but this time you will bore through and out the other side. Switch drill bits, and use the facing cutter. Cut another recessed circle, 1/4- to 1/2-inch deep.
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9
Turn the stock over in the vice. Find the hole you just bored. Drill another recessed circle, 1/2-inch deep.
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10
Twist the wood tap through the hole. Hold the nut for the stud over the inside hole. Place the stud into the hold and twist it through until it threads through the nut on the other side. Tighten the stud until it is firmly held in place by the nut.
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11
Remove the stock from the vice. Replace the barrel into the stock. Latch the swivel/straps end onto the swivel studs.
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1
References
Resources
- Photo Credit boy with rifle image by Joyce Wilkes from Fotolia.com
