Here’s a book about gunsmithing that you can download as a 40MB PDF file. It’s Advanced Gunsmithing by W. F. Vicery and it was published in 1940.
It’s an old book but I think you may still find it useful and interesting, even if you don’t own a gun, because it describes how to use many of the same machine shop tools and techniques that we’re still using today. I’ve looked at even older books and have been amazed at how little things have changed in the last 100 years, aside from obvious things like the development of carbide cutting tools, EDM and automated (CNC) machines.
3 March 2017: I moved the download link to my Dropbox because the old location has been costing me about $2-3/month for the last seven years. You don’t need a Dropbox account to download it. Just click on the link that says “No Thanks Just Download” or something like that. — Rob
great post, very helpfull *****
Been a machinist for years and just getting more involved in gun smithing.
If this was a book on fishing Otters and Herons would read it!!! ‘Nuff Said
Been an enthusiast and in line in smithy works
Thnaks
Rinpui
Thank you,good book,I looked for such a book a long time!
Great site and one of great interest for beginners
i have a springfield micro compact that shoots 4″ low at 15 yards. to file the front sight enough to bring up, would leave almost no front sight. i have years of craft experience, (construction) and have no problem grinding off(using my fordum)the front sight but am not sure of the best way to piene in the new one.
suggestions?
This is the perfect way to break down this inforimaton.
You have to correct the slide to barrel match. you have two choices, modify the slide or the barrel. Using a Dremel grind out a little material on the top of the barrel hole so the barrel can rise up toward the sights, or grind down the barrel slightly where it meets the slide. Grinding down the barrel should not be a problem because it so close to the muzzle end, and may be less risky than grinding on the slide. A new barrel is much cheaper than a new slide, just in case you go too far. Remember, a small amount makes a big difference. Good luck!
it’s a good book for the machinist
excuse me,.. thanks for the superb book
I have the print version of this book and from an American gunsmith’s perspective, it should be a national treasure! I was so surprised to run across this. Thank you so much for your contribution to the digital world this timeless wisdom from Vickery… although I don’t know how you did the copyright thing…
Just keep the treasures coming!
As far as I know this book is in the public domain now. Google scanned it and you can download it from them if you can find it. – Rob
Brilliant!Very happy to find this book.
I just changed the download link to a new host because I want to close down the web site I was using. You can still use the old link for awhile if you have trouble with the new one. Please let me know if you do.
http://sailontario.com/downloads/AdvancedGunsmithing.pdf
The old host is a “sandbox” web site I sometimes use for testing. I put the PDF there because downloading it directly from here could slow down MachinistBlog a lot because it’s a large file that’s downloaded pretty frequently. I’m using Amazon’s “Cloud” now because it’s a lot cheaper and faster.
very grateful the link is still active. thanks for sharing. great reference book to have
This book is a must have. I am a gunsmith and a machinist. This book written in 1940 gave me many old school tips you can’t find anywhere else.Thanks for the PDF.
I was on the web for hours trying to find a book about gun smithing.. I’m 14 and very interested in this field. Hope that this will be my job one day
this is a treasure, Great Post.
as it is, wery good old school book. Thanks for the pdf.
Cam I buy the book
It is available for purchase from eBay and other places. Do a web search to find places that carry it.
Thank you, downloaded and saved!
Fantastic Read ,This book is a must have. I am a gunsmith and a machinist.Thanks for the pdf.
Steve
Thank you for a wonderful old school book.giddensanthony@hotmail.com
Thanks man, for the post