Customer Reviews

Practical Gunsmithing

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book contains a wealth of practical information on basic gunsmithing which will be of benefit primarily to hobby gunsmiths, although there are plenty of "tips and tricks" that will also appeal to professionals in this field. A wide variety of topics are covered, including choosing and using basic tools, blueing, trigger jobs, and general maintenance tips for a number of specific firearms. The book production is not of the highest quality, and subsequently the photographs are not as instructive as one might hope. However, the text is straightforward and not weighted down with jargon. Overall, an excellent introduction to an interesting topic.

I found this book to be interesting and helpful in learning how to troubleshoot, disassemble and reassemble, minor repairs and revisions/alterations of a wide variety of guns, from single shot revolvers to pistols, rifles and shotguns. It shows and describes the tools required for gunsmithing, the terminology, comparisons, how to use them and a few "tricks of the trade". I found it relatively easy to follow, even for someone new to guns. I definitely plan on keeping it for my "reference library".

I've been learning gunsmithing in my spare time for a little over a year. I've purchased 7 books (including this one) and a few videos, in addition to a subscription to AGI and hours and hours of YouTube (free obviously). Anyway, I saw Practical Gunsmithing in a book store retailing at $30 or thereabout. I didn't buy it. But just a few months later I could not find this book in any bookstore, and it was selling on Amazon and other online sites for over $100. After searching and searching I found a used copy of the book in good condition and paid around $35. I'm about halfway through it. I'm finding it to be no better and no worse than any of the other books I've purchased. Just like the others there are some unique sections that are helpful, there are some tips and tricks. Each book I have has a little gem of knowledge that the others don't have. But I only paid in the $20-$30 range for those books. This book is not worth $100+ and I don't know what whack jobs are buying it at that price! All in all it's a good book, a helpful resource, and certainly worth buying. Just not worth more than the $35 I paid. In fact I do feel that I paid a little too much.