Gunsmithing tools and how-to manuals

[opsec]

http://www.brownells.com/

This place is one stop shopping for all things gun related.

[MountainMeg]

Hey Opsec, any recommendations for a starting gift of gunsmithing tools?  Hubby doesn't want anything for Christmas, so I tend to get him something practical. 

[opsec]

It depends. Those tool kits are specific to the kind of firearm he has.



A good place to start would be a video armorer's course on the specific guns he has. From the video, he can tell what tools he needs for what gun. http://www.americangunsmith.com/index.php?id=9

[MountainMeg]

Thanks Opsec.  I'm waiting for his inventory to settle.  He's been exchanging some for others and getting rid of triplicates.

[opsec]

Meg, I don't widely advertise this, but I do offer a gun disposal service. If he wants to get rid of some of those useless, old triplicates, you can simply send them to me and I will arrange for their orderly disposal.

[karch03]

Any ideas on how to refinish a mossberg 500. The finish on it is pretty banged up. I thought about doing a Duracoat on it but didn't know if I would have to remove (sand?) the old finish off first.

[opsec]

I don't know how to gunsmith, but I recall seeing videos for the Mossberg 500 at the American Gunsmith Institute website.

[karch03]

Thanks opsec! I think I found my answer. I believe it is preferred to sand blast the old finsh prior to using a duracoat or durabake product.

[opsec]

I think you need to use a degreaser to blast every last bit of oil off of the gun too. I think you could get away with using the kind of brake cleaner spray that dries without leaving a residue. That and wear gloves when handling the gun after that otherwise your fingerprints will show up in the final finish.

[oscar615]

Meg.  Get a basic hollow ground screwdriver set.  And a two sets of punches. One steel and one brass.  He will also need a hammer.  Mine has interchangable heads.  Steel, Brass and plastic. RThat would get him started with the most basic gunsmithing tools.  And he could do alot with them.  Swapping parts etc. If he has spare parts for his guns this would be all he would need for repairs.

Then from there get him some kind of Dremel like tool with the extension shaft.  To make parts he will need a drill press, a mill, lathe, table grinder etc.  These can all be table top models for most parts.  This would be more advanced though.

[oscar615]

Oh, and two more basic tools, a set of long thin polishing stones,  and a set of small metal files.