LATEST FROM THE BENCH

RMCS Arms Blog

Custom builds, Cerakote, NFA transfers, and shop notes — straight from the bench in Andrews, TX.

Custom Builds

Building a Custom Hunting Rifle for West Texas: Calibers, Barrels, and What Actually Matters Out Here

Caliber, barrel length, stock choice, and finish — what actually matters when you're building a West Texas hunting rifle. Permian Basin perspective, no fluff.

June 15, 2026 · 1 min read
Shop News

Gunsmith vs. Parts Swapper: How to Tell Who's Actually Working on Your Firearm

Real diagnostic work vs. parts swapping — what it looks like, red flags to watch for, and why the right FFL matters when someone's working on your firearm.

June 8, 2026 · 1 min read
NFA

Suppressor Transfers in the Permian Basin: What Andrews, Midland, and Odessa Buyers Need to Know

The $200 tax stamp is gone, but the transfer process is still there. Here's what's actually different in 2026 for Permian Basin buyers — and why working with a local SOT-licensed dealer still matters.

June 1, 2026 · 1 min read
NFA

eFile Form 4 in the Permian Basin: What Changed, What's the Wait, and How to Get It Right

The ATF moved Form 4 suppressor transfers to mandatory eFile in 2024. Current wait times, common mistakes that get applications rejected, and what to bring when you drop off at the shop.

May 28, 2026 · 1 min read
Cerakote

How Cerakote Actually Works — and Why Cheap Jobs Peel

If you've looked into getting your firearm refinished, you've heard of Cerakote. It's on probably half the firearms at any gun show. But the name alone doesn't tell you much — and not every "Cerakote" job is the same.

May 26, 2026 · 1 min read