Rant: I used to fit barrels with a hammer and a block of wood
After a bad scratch on a customer's 1911 slide last year, I bought a proper barrel vise from Brownells for $180. Now I get a clean press fit every time, no marks. Anyone else make a switch like that after a close call?
Oh man, that's so true. It feels like the worst lessons always come from the hardest knocks. I've seen it with friends, family, even just watching the news. People seem to learn best when the mistake really costs them something, which is a tough way to grow. It makes you wonder why we can't just listen to good advice the first time.