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
February 26, 2010 at 8:10 AM |
great post, very helpfull *****
March 24, 2010 at 6:41 PM |
Been a machinist for years and just getting more involved in gun smithing.
June 13, 2010 at 8:24 AM |
If this was a book on fishing Otters and Herons would read it!!! ‘Nuff Said
June 16, 2010 at 3:21 PM |
Been an enthusiast and in line in smithy works
Thnaks
Rinpui
September 19, 2010 at 8:33 AM |
Thank you,good book,I looked for such a book a long time!
October 7, 2010 at 1:16 AM |
Great site and one of great interest for beginners
December 5, 2010 at 8:24 PM |
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?
July 15, 2011 at 7:21 AM |
This is the perfect way to break down this inforimaton.
August 25, 2019 at 2:41 PM |
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!
March 27, 2011 at 4:40 AM |
it’s a good book for the machinist
March 27, 2011 at 4:41 AM |
excuse me,.. thanks for the superb book
May 30, 2011 at 2:31 PM |
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!
May 30, 2011 at 5:47 PM |
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
June 29, 2011 at 3:00 PM |
Brilliant!Very happy to find this book.
January 13, 2012 at 11:36 AM |
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.
March 2, 2012 at 12:00 PM |
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.
January 4, 2013 at 9:59 PM |
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
July 30, 2013 at 8:28 AM |
this is a treasure, Great Post.
August 24, 2014 at 4:04 PM |
as it is, wery good old school book. Thanks for the pdf.
March 23, 2015 at 8:35 AM |
Cam I buy the book
March 25, 2015 at 7:22 AM |
It is available for purchase from eBay and other places. Do a web search to find places that carry it.
February 19, 2016 at 7:21 PM |
Thank you, downloaded and saved!
March 6, 2017 at 4:24 PM |
Fantastic Read ,This book is a must have. I am a gunsmith and a machinist.Thanks for the pdf.
Steve
January 30, 2018 at 6:23 PM |
Thank you for a wonderful old school book.giddensanthony@hotmail.com