DIY Gunsmithing by Jim Carmichel. This is the 1977 edition not the newer almost useless ones.

reshape a mauser tg
install a shotgun tg
make and install hinged lever release fp
install double set triggers
making installing a skeleton grip cap
fitting curved steel buttplate

Here's a quote.

"The classic Niedner steel plate, for example, sells for less than $5.00 and can be fitted in about a hour's time. The Al Biesen steel buttplate is more expensive but is better made and better looking."

Not related to gunsmithing… but some of my favorite books were written by Stephen Ambrose.

D-Day
Citizen Soldiers
Wild Blue
Undaunted Courage
… and many more.

richj, I have that book. Very informative and entertaining. Brian

quote:

Originally posted by Uncle Grinch:
Not related to gunsmithing… but some of my favorite books were written by Stephen Ambrose.

D-Day
Citizen Soldiers
Wild Blue
Undaunted Courage
… and many more.

Undaunted Courage is superb!

I used to own a copy of that book, Rich, but it has gone where all the best books seem to go. I think the main thing I used from it was how to round off trigger guards, which reminds me of your recent thread in the gunsmithing forum.

Most of what I know came from the projects in Carmichael's book. Used copies are available on Amazon. I did find myself adding my own notes on pages that had poor information [not too many!] One thing he suggested was sanding wood and metal together on the sides of shotgun and single-shot rifle actions---not good technique, as in time the wood always shrinks, leaving the metal proud. If this is attempted, layers of tape on the metal can create a proper amount of proud wood to be left to avoid this happening. Otherwise it is an excellent book for beginner stockmakers and hobby 'smiths.

I also have the Jim Carmichael book and like it as well, but I think my all-time favorite gunsmithing book(s) are "The Modern Gumsmith" set by Howe. You can find it in PDF form on the web quite easily and it is a treasure trove. Just do a search for "Modern Gunsmith Howe Filetypedf" and remember there is a volume 1 and a volume 2.

I have all of Carmichael's books. He is one of the few gun editors that has actually done most of the things he wrote about. His gunsmithing was pretty good for an amateur. He paid for his college by checkering stocks and minor gunsmithing. Not only had a lot of experience hunting but also high power and bench rest rifle competition. I met him at the Dallas Safari club 3 or 4 years ago at a book signing. Sadly he appeared to be in poor health.

quote:

Originally posted by Craftsman:
I have all of Carmichael's books. He is one of the few gun editors that has actually done most of the things he wrote about. His gunsmithing was pretty good for an amateur. He paid for his college by checkering stocks and minor gunsmithing. Not only had a lot of experience hunting but also high power and bench rest rifle competition. I met him at the Dallas Safari club 3 or 4 years ago at a book signing. Sadly he appeared to be in poor health.

I also enjoy Jim's style of writing, I have several of his books.
Jim passed away April 3, 2022 maybe not too long after you seen him.
https://www.legacy.com/us/obit...obituary?id=34038419

Pretty sure the right Jim Carmichael is still alive.

quote:

Originally posted by squeezenhope:
Pretty sure the right Jim Carmichael is still alive.

Yes, I think you are right. I just read the obituary, and it don't match the gun writer. Sorry about that, I should of read the article before posting.

I like his book that recounts his trips to Africa with his 458 WM that he built himself. Using his own handloads he harvested several elephant, cape buffalo, and lions.

i would put that on par with Ackley's handbooks for reloaders --- as they address difference subjects, in reality, but pair nicely -

the best books i have ever had, in terms of practical general use, are the "popular mechanics do-it-yourself encyclopedia "

a zillion DIY projects, accessible to anyone that knows which end of a screwdriver to hold and can use a crosscut saw and still have 10 fingers

quote:

Originally posted by richj:
DIY Gunsmithing by Jim Carmichel. This is the 1977 edition not the newer almost useless ones.

reshape a mauser tg
install a shotgun tg
make and install hinged lever release fp
install double set triggers
making installing a skeleton grip cap
fitting curved steel buttplate

Here's a quote.

"The classic Niedner steel plate, for example, sells for less than $5.00 and can be fitted in about a hour's time. The Al Biesen steel buttplate is more expensive but is better made and better looking."

Jim was an a fantastic man.

I had the pleasure of meeting him many times, and we kept in touch.

He has a great sense of humor too!