Gunsmithing: A Manual of Firearm Design, Construction, Alteration and Remodeling [Illustrated Edition]

by Roy F. Dunlap

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.

822 pages, Paperback

First published October 15, 2011

About the author

Roy F. Dunlap was an author, expert gunsmith, competitive target shooter and World War II veteran. He was not a prolific writer. His lifelong output consisted of three books and a handful of articles that appeared in various periodicals such as "Gun Digest" . Before World War II he was an active member of the famous Chicago Rifle Club where many well known gun writers would get their start to include John B. George (Shots Fired in Anger: A Rifleman's View of the Battle of Guadalcanal) He served as an armorer (a soldier who repairs and maintains firearms) in the United States Army during World War II seeing service in Egypt, New Guinea, Philippines, and Okinawa. After the war ended he returned to civilian life and moved to Tuscon, Arizona where he started his gunsmith business. He would reside for the rest of his life in the Tuscon area. He passed away in 1997 at the age of 82.