What are some must have books for the begining gunsmith? Old and new.

de Haas' Bolt Action Rifles, also his Single Shot Rifles and Actions

Dunlap, Gunsmithing

Ackley, Ackley's Handbook, vols 1 and 2

Vickery, Advanced Gunsmithing

Howe, The Modern Gunsmith, vols 1 and 2

Hughes, Custom Rifles in Black and White

NRA Gunsmithing Guide

NRA Firearms Disassembly Manuals, several

Linden, Stockmaking

Kennedy, Checkering and Carving of Gunstocks

Wesbrook, Professional Stockmaking

Hinnant, Precision Rifle Barrel Fitting

This is merely a beginning, a bare minimum IMO.
Good luck, Joe

DIY Gunsmithing - Jim Carmichel

Gunsmithing Tips & Projects - Wolfe

Is there a book that goes over the "geometry" of the receivers/magazines etc... I would like to learn how to make a specific cartridge function perfectly in all aspects in a certain reciver. I have heard smith talk about this type infotmation. However I have never found in all the limited readings I have done.

IMO Duane Wiebe is by far the best source of info on the subject of bolt rifle feeding and geometry. He has written about it on this forum but I don't think he's actually written a book yet.
Regards, Joe

quote:

Is there a book that goes over the "geometry" of the receivers/magazines etc... I would like to learn how to make a specific cartridge function perfectly in all aspects in a certain reciver. I have heard smith talk about this type infotmation. However I have never found in all the limited readings I have done.

Yes there is. but for the life of me I can not remember who wrote it. Titled simply "Bolt Actions" there was two versions. On the tip of my tounge.......... Think Stuart Olsen?????

I believe Stuart Otteson wrote a 2-volume study of the bolt actions, with data such as striker fall, mainspring tension, action weight, etc. Don't think it had any feeding info however, but it's full of info not available elsewhere.
Regards, Joe