If you could only have one...

[mitch_04]

If you could only have one book related to guns on your bookshelf, what would it be. Whether it's gun specific (1911 build guide, AR 15), general gunsmithing, or specific gunsmithing (engraving, barrel fitting). I've got a few bucks in gift certificates for Brownells, not enough for any of the gun parts I want, but perfect for books!

 

[Forum Boss]

It would either be a nice coffee table picture book showing fine, hand-crafted rifles, OR

Rifle Accuracy Facts by Harold Vaughn

http://astore.amazon.com/accuratescom-20/detail/1931220077

 

[bozo699]

Handloading For Competition, by Glen Zediker
Wayne.

 

[fdshuster]

"The Benchrest Shooting Primer", published by "Precision Shooting".

 

[TRECustom]

The 2 volume set by P.O. Ackley. "Handbook for Shooters & Reloaders". Ackley researched, tested, and experimented to reach conclusions. Almost no "opinion" based conclusions.

I know, it's not one book, but they are inseparable.

Tom

 

[357Mag]

Mithc -

Around 1976, " Guns Digest " ran a lengthy article on internal/external ballistics; authored by Homer Powley.

That one article had it all, and did more for my overall reloading/shooting expereince, than anything else has since.
After reading it, I... who had only been reloading for 2yr; went immediately into making my own wildcat .224" cal cartidge for
varminting & paper shoots.

I bought and used his " Powley Computer " in-association with his article. Ken Waters' case capacity table also appeared around that time.
Ken's data was/is quite usefull.

Homer's stuff is spot-on, and timeless. I used to stay up reading it, until the wee hours.

With regards,
357Mag

 

[Frankr]

The 2 volume set by P.O. Ackley. "Handbook for Shooters & Reloaders". Ackley researched, tested, and experimented to reach conclusions. Almost no "opinion" based conclusions.

I know, it's not one book, but they are inseparable.

Tom

PLus one on the ackley set.

 

[boogershooter]

Mitch, that was a really good question to post!

 

[Nodak7mm]

Not possible!!

Not only am a gun nut, I'm a book worm.

Dang, like saying you can only have vanilla with no toppings for EVER!! When you know there is chocolate, strawberry, maple nut, butter pecan, peppermint bonbon..................

Buy the one one you dont have, cuz you can read em all and refer to em all...

But the one would best meet your criteria, has been mentioned and considering the knowledge you seek, "The Benchrest Primer", by precision shooting... Covers shooting tech, reloading, cartridges, etc..... Listen to Frank!!

Note: reread question, OP is looking for gunsmithing books. Not alot of good ones out there, all general or odd or too specific. Like a said, there is just not "one"... ;D

Rod

 

[mitch_04]

I'm a book nut too, but with my first kid on the way I'm trying to save a little money. I've used books to help get my start as a personal trainer, mechanic, auto body, and about 20 other hobbies that all fight for my budget. I'm just trying to see what people like out there. I've bought a couple books that had less information than a sticky on a forum, usually for specific guns like the Ruger 10/22. With all the AR and 1911 books (2 guns I've been sinking my teeth into lately) I don't want to buy a $20 advertisement for someone who's book was funded by gun accessory business. However I'm looking for ANY gun related book, not necessarily gun specific. Getting some good responses so far, keep them coming!