How to learn gunsmithing

[John Michael]

Are there any good books or videos on gunsmithing? I would like to learn the basics but there are no courses in Brazil.

What is the best course in the US?

Many thanks

[gbw]

Lots of good books and videos available, I'm sure others will have good recommendations also.

One of the best starting books I know of is 'Pistolsmithing' by George Nonte. I'm fairly certain it's available only in English. It's concerned only with handguns, is somewhat dated and long out of publication, but it used to be readily available on Amazon. Really good basics on tool selection and use, common tasks, how various pistols work, repairs, customizing, reliability tuning, accurizing, etc.

For 1911s, read all posts by especially 1911Tuner, also Dave Berryhill and Lubaloy, on this forum, both the stickies and in the tech section.

Once you've started, for 1911s this forum is really invaluable if you get stuck or have questions.

[gfavaron]

You might try the American Gunsmithing Institute at www.americangunsmith.com/. They offer a number of instructional videos at moderate prices.

The least expensive and most genuinely PRACTICAL information though, is often available right here on the forum. Just watch for the posters mentioned by gbw.

[Dave Berryhill]

The NRA sponsors 1 and 2 week classes during the summer at several of the gunsmithing schools around the country. It's a good way to get some hands-on training.

[John Michael]

Many thanks to all of you.

[gbw]

You're welcome...add Robot1911 to the list of Must Read posters, and I'm sure I've left off (forgotten) some others equally skilled - with apologies to them. Aging brain / memory.

[John Michael]

Once again, many thanks.

I read the threads here often. However, to tell the truth, even though I have a somewhat good english, many technical terms are lost. Specially the gun parts.

So, I ordered Nonte's book (which, hopefully, will also help me with that) and the first volume of the DVD on the 1911 by AGI.

So, you will se me here asking basic often.

Many thanks again.

[garrettwc]

I read the threads here often. However, to tell the truth, even though I have a somewhat good english, many technical terms are lost. Specially the gun parts.
John Michael, this might help:
http://www.coltsmfg.com/cmci/modelO_govt.asp

It's a link to an exploded schematic diagram of the M1911 pistol. Each part is numbered and below the picture is an alphabetical list of each part and the corresponding number from the diagram.

[niemi24s]

Hello John Michael: If you don't already have them, I suggest getting copies of the Midway and Brownells catalogs. Both have gunsmithing stuff listed, and Brownells specializes in supplies for gunsmiths. They're available online at www.midwayusa.com and www.brownells.com. Cheers.

[ArmscorBA]

Gunsmithing or Pistol Smithing?????
Ivan

[gbw]

Good luck, keep posting, and let us know what you think of the book - I've recommended it before and hope it helps!