Personal gunsmith

[Questor]

Hello:

I would like to learn enough about gunsmithing to do my own trigger jobs and minor repairs (like repairing broken screws and makiing new screws).  Are there any books that are particularly good at explaining the needed skills and tools for this kind of work?  What are the most important tools for this kind of work?

Thanks.

[Swamp Fox]

I haven't read this one but it sounds like what you are looking for.

"Gunsmithing At Home" by John Traister

I'm assuming from the tone of your post that you don't have a mechanical background. This may be why no one responded earlier.

Minor repairs aren't rocket science but there are some basic skills that you will need to develope. It's a hands on kind of learning. If I were to make a suggestion it would be to get a couple of cheap beat-up guns and make them better. If you screw up, and we all did(and do), at least it won't be on grandpa's favorite deer rifle.

[gunnut69]

SwampFox is quite correct..  I appologise for the delay in responding but it's been a bit hectic..  We were all where you are now at one time.  We wanted to learn.  There are a great number of books and I would reccomend different books for different subjects.  Patrick Sweeney has an excellant book on stock=making 'Proffessional Stockmaking' and in the same vein is Monty Kennedy's 'Checkering and Carving Gunstocks'.  For general work - 'The Modern Gunsmith' by Howe, 'Pistolsmith' by George Nonte and 'Practical Gunsmithing' by Traister..  There are others and I've a fairly large bookcase full and still buying more.  You will need teardown instructions and parts blowups on guns you will be working on.  The NRA has a really good book on the subject and that brings up another note.  Every gunsmith should be an NRA member.  They are not perfect but stand up for us against those who would eliminate the 2nd amendment...  Catalogs from the gunparts suppliers are mandatory(they usually have the best parts diagrams available also).  And I almost forgot,, come here with any questions..  Just a plug ..  The internet is a valuable resource though...  It can be a daunting task, just remember to take it in small bites...  and never be afraid to ask questions...