weapon learning
My name is Jeremy. I am starting to get into a gunsmithing role at my house. I am more interested in older weapons around the WWII era, but I need to learn more about modern weapons.
My question is: which weapons should I be looking into learning the most about? I have been reading that I should be learning about the 1911 and the AR15.
Any suggestions would be a appreciated.
My question is: which weapons should I be looking into learning the most about? I have been reading that I should be learning about the 1911 and the AR15.
Any suggestions would be a appreciated.
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These are just for starters and just off the top of my head.
You should learn about:
Smith and Wesson (S&W) Revolvers
S&W semi-auto handguns
AK-47 & its variants (all pretty similar)
M-16/AR-15 and variants
Colt single and double action revolvers
Colt M1911 & variants
Ruger Single and double action revolvers
Ruger 10/22 rifle
Ruger Mini-14 & variants
Remington pump shotguns
Remington semi-auto shotguns
Winchester Models 1866/1873 rifle
Winchester Models 1892 & 1894 rifles
Winchester Model 70 rifle
Remington Model 700 rifles
Glock semi-auto pistols
CZ semi auto pistols
Makarov-type pistols0 -
You are wise to want to educate yourself before proceeding. What worked for me is approaching it from an engineering aspect since the basic principles are just that you are propelling a metal projectile through a tube toward a fixed point. Anything else (semi-auto, lever, etc.) is just application.
One book I highly recommend is The Handgun by Geoffrey Boothroyd. Read it like a novel. It describes in detail every system used since the matchlock in chronological order allowing you to build on previously learned knowledge and principles.
Gunsmithing is a lot like auto repair, only more simple. You don't just learn to work on a Mercedes braking system, you learn the basic principles to work on them all and specialize later.
There is probably no firearm currently or ever made that I can't work on successfully.0 -
Getting and studying Encyclopedia of Modern Firearms, Parts and Assembly, Volume 1 by F. R. "Bob" Brownell would be a good starting place. A good set of hollow ground gunsmith screwdrivers will be the first tools you need. The book will probably not be cheap and the gunsmith screwdrivers will cost more than what you find a the local auto parts store but will be worth it. 0 -
First of all, not every gun is a "weapon" and if you're going to be a gunsmith, its probably better to be a little more specific about your nomenclature.
Political correctness aside, 1911s and AR-15s are probably the most popular American handguns and centerfire rifles, respectively, so yes, you can't call yourself a gunsmith, until/unless you know these systems backwards and forwards.
In terms of other firearms a gunsmith should be familiar with, the first ones to start with are the ones that are most popular/prevalent, since those are the ones you're probably going to see in your shop most often.
I'd definitely add the following to the Wolf's list above (which I'd say is actually pretty good):
Mauser-pattern rifles.
Mosin-Nagant rifles.
Simonov (SKS) rifles.
Mossberg 500/590 pump shotguns.
M1-Garand/M14 pattern rifles.
All of those are highly popular/prevalent.
On handguns, in addition to the above, Beretta and Springfield XD pistols are fairly popular, though as pretty robust modern designs, I don't know how often they actually end up in the shop for stuff other than sight adjustment/replacement and the like.
Learning about fundamental trigger mechanics and operating principles, plus a lot of experience, will allow you to work on trigger systems of any gun, and that's going to be a good bit of your business, I think.0 -
Thank you all for the great advice. I have received several books from the school I was studying with, pennfoster.
I do own a Mosin Nagant, m1 carbine, 8mm Turkish Masuer, 20ga Mossberg shotgun, and a .45 Cobra Patriot.
I will look into getting the books and tools recommended here.0 -
Go to the last page of the ask the experts section here and start reading everything that catches your interest. Keep going until you get to the most recent stuff. I've learned more than you can imagine that way. And its all free. Dont take anything in the general discussion section too seriously though...[:D] 0 -
butlerj,
You asked a very good question, and there are several good answers, all in their own area's of expertise. Gunsmiths, or at least good ones, are like doctors these days, they are all advanced into their own specific area's.
That said, there is one gentleman on this forum, that had an in depth knowledge of almost everything, and has even transferred on his knowledge at the higher, more advanced levels. He goes by the name of Nononsense on here, and is also one of our fine moderators. Give him a private mail, and he will give you some real good insight.
Best0 -
Rufe snow also fits this description. He is full of useful knowledge and always willing to help. 0 -
There is a major difference between Gun Smithing and some one who has firearms knowledge and can change parts.
I was a department armorer for 8 years for a large department. Training included safety inspection and repair of firearms inventory carried by the agency. Changing out worn parts etc. The technical experience to work on each firearm is vast and should not be attempted by a novice or inexperienced.
Gun Smith schools are highly technical and inclued metalergy, making parts and proper fitting. Even, after going to gun smithing schools, you usually have to work years as an understudy for a master gunsmith to acquire all the skills.
Lastly you have to have an FFL and liability insurance. God forbid that some gets hurt becuase you did not get it right.
Good Luck0 -
p3skyking.
I have taken your advice and purchased a copy of the book "The Handgun" off ebay. I will read this book and learn from it.
beantownshootan.
I will educated myself more in my nomenclature.
Thanks for all the good advice and please keep it coming.0
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