Building Your Gunsmithing Library

Reviews and rates 104 books on various aspects of gunsmithing, followed by a master index keyed to topic and rating.

"New revised edition of the best book ever published on building American longrifles by Peter A. Alexander. First published in 2002, and now updated by the author with some new techniques, this step-by-step manual will help you get started or improve your skills. From basic construction to engraving and carving, this book is a must for all muzzleloading rifle builders."--Back cover.

Build Your Own Semi-Auto Handgun: A Step-by-Step Guide to Assembling an "Off-the-Books" GLOCK-Style P80 Pistol details the process of building a safe and fully functional handgun using the Polymer80 frame kit with GLOCK factory and GLOCK aftermarket components. Each step is detailed and illustrated, showing proper gunsmithing procedures through clear descriptions and high-quality color photography. By utilizing an "80-percent" receiver, this handgun can be built without BATFE registration or a NICS background check. Whether you want to build your own GLOCK-style pistol or you already own a GLOCK handgun and wish to learn the proper assembly procedures and gain a better understanding of how the GLOCK and its Safe Action System works, Build Your Own Semi-Auto Handgun: A Step-by-Step Guide to Assembling an "Off-the-Books" GLOCK-Style P80 Pistol is a must-have manual for your gun library or workbench. TOPICS COVERED INCLUDE - Preparing the P80 Frame - Complete lower assembly - Trigger assembly polishing - Measuring headspace dimension - Sight installation - Function check procedures - Lubrication - Test fire and performance evaluation - Cleaning - Troubleshooting

A National Rifle Association Library Book.

2012 Reprint of 1950 Edition. Full facsimile of the original edition, not reproduced with Optical Recognition Software. Illustrated with over 100 photos and drawings. Roy F. Dunlap's book is self-described as "a manual of firearms design, construction, alteration and remodeling for amateur and professional gunsmiths and users of modern firearms." What makes Dunlap's book important is its specificity. For example, instead of merely bringing up the need for a bench grinder, he cites why a 1/4- o r 1/3-horsepower, double-shaft model, turning at 1,750 rpm with a wire-brush wheel on one side and a medium-coarse wheel on the other is the best choice. He supports his recommendation by explaining why you'll find wider use for a medium coarse than a finer stone. His chapter entitled "Helpful Gunsmith Knowledge," is absolutely crammed with bits of information, and includes tips that he evidently could find no other place for in his book. In the midst of a general discussion on disassembly, for instance, Dunlap digresses to describe in detail a L-shaped tool he made to simplify reassembly of an L.C. Smith double and how to use it. All in all, Dunlap covers soldering and brazing; welding; heat treatment of metals; making and fitting sights and accessories; making, fitting and heat treatment of parts; cartridge information useful to gunsmiths; rifle barrels; chamber and barrel work; rifle-action work; pistol and revolver work; shotgun work; twenty two rim fire arms; browning, blueing and blacking of metal; fitting commercial metallic sights; mounting telescopic sights; wood for gun stocks; design of gun stocks; stock making; checkering; stock repair and alteration; stock finishing; styling the custom rifle; custom metal work; ornamentation of wood and metal; target rifles; the Garand rifle; testing facilities and apparatus; synthetic bedding; cartridge and chamber drawings; and data sheets. A classic work, profusely illustrated.