Gunsmithing with Simple Hand Tools (Stackpole Classic Gun Books) Hardcover – June 13, 2008

This is a loveable little book with a lot of useful information. Like Howe and Dunlap, he tells you what you need to know about setting up your shop. Like Howe and Dunlap he stresses hand tools over machine. The subject matter wanders around a lot. The section on bluing is excellent. He goes through the process nicely, with many interesting tips. He gives a comprehensive list of old time recipies for homeade bluing, but he advises using Brownell's, of course. The section on files and drill bits is comprehensive as well. The sections on replacement fireing pins for old shotguns, and lockparts for old muzzleloaders is great, but stops short of complete. Amazingly, he doesn't own a lathe, except for a low-speed creation made from a variable-speed sewing machine motor. He also does quite a bit of his heat treatment and such using the kitchen stove. He doesn't report any problems with that, but I'm sure most wives would prefer you buy your own if you want to do this. He does a good job explaining the superiority of hand tools over machine, in terms of tools marks, effects on old cartouche's etc. I don't think most people would want to put theinr pwer tools on ebay after reading this, but it doe make you feel less dependent, and more willing to tackle something you wouyldn't have without some pricey gadget to use.

This book has useful information in it, some extremely useful information in fact, but honestly I wasn't at all impressed with it overall (with the content, that is, but VERY impressed with the author's work on the various projects). I have to admit, however, that some of the content went over my head, so someone else might get more out of it than I did; but it was only a small percentage of the book where I was lost; like for example where he explains how he fashioned a small lathe out of an old drill chuck and other scrap lying around his garage/attic. Which brings up another point... it's not really "hand" tools (or "simple") if you're using an electric lathe, whether it's home-built or not, so that was disappointing (although perhaps necessary). Except for those few complaints, however, I'd still recommend this book. As another reviewer has stated, it's a dying art. Everyone ought to be able to extract something out of this book.

I bought this book to learn more on what I already know about gunsmithing. I would recommend this book for anyone interested in trying gunsmithing since all the little "exercises" in this book will help you learn the patience and basic tools you need to get started in a dying art. I already knew many of the things written in this book, but after several years of gunsmithing I did learn a few cool new tricks.

The book is a good overview of gun smithing. The review of basic tools serves as a refresher of material I had not considered sense high school shop class. On the down side the book may be a little dated, and some of the pictures and diagrams are difficult to interpret.

Do you like a large format book with lots of color pictures to show you the work its teaching? Then this is NOT the book for you. However, it does contain a wealth of information to get a beginning gunsmith off the ground and going on their own. I personally find the instructions to be concise and there are enough supporting B&W photos and sketches to clarify points where needed.I keep this one handy and in reach.

this book is out of place with modern tools but the ideas are the same. im glad to have it for reference source but that's about it.

Helpful information for beginners as well as the more advanced gunsmith I found it a good review and a fresh look for another perspective

A good guide for those needing to do some minor gunsmithing using everyday hand tools.

Excellent little book on some interesting basic gunsmithing skills!

very interesting book to read, gives a good insight to the workings and what you can achieve if you have access to a well equippedworkshop. plus the ability.

It is an easy to follow gunsmithing book that is very handy. I just wish they can extend on it to cover more topics and firearm types.

Not too modern or detailed. Thought it would cover more.

Very informative good learning tool