Just got an email offer from the NRA for this book in a nicely bound edition for $30.

I don't have it but have heard of it for years and years and have often been tempted to buy it. Now the temptation is back.

What do folks think of Dunlap's book as a reference?

I'm no expert nor 'smith but I really enjoy thumbing thru that book. For $30, I would definately buy it.

I think I've had my copy goin' on 25 years. An excellent reference, very well worth the $30.

I got the same email. Forwarded it to my daughter with a note that this would be a good Christmas gift for dear old Dad. Looks like quite a resource and also seems to have a neat binding on it.

Great book. I can't believe the number of topics that he covers. General practice and repair info for broad types of guns (e.g. bolt action rifles, shotguns, handguns) as well as model-specific info. He covers firing pin making and repair. Making reloading dies. Torch use. Making and fitting firing pins. The index is great, too. So it's easy to jump to what you need.

Obviously there's nothing specifically addressing late-model guns that've been introduced since its publication, but I think you'll still find it really useful.

Steve

Mine has been highlighted damn near every page with side notes and foot notes everywhere, and has a broken spine...20 year old book. Will have to check out the NRA store, thanks for the heads up!

Have had the Dunlap book for almost 50 years and still like it. Now if they would just redo Vickery. Mine disappeared during an Army PCS.

Jerry Liles

It was a required textbook when I went to TSJC in 1952. An excellant book the way the old time smiths did it 59 years ago. Mine is well thumbed and maybe it's time for a new one for $30.

I bought my copy in 1958 or 1959, about the same time I bought my copy of Taylor's African Rifles and Cartridges. I would say that it has more historical value than practical. There are some very nice photos of custom rifles built by a variety of contemporary gunsmiths.

Roy Dunlap was a rather grouchy, opinionated guy who was capable of very nice work. I have two of his rifles, one a Model 70 target rifle and the other a Model 70 sporter, and they are both well done.

He had a special bolt sleeve which he fitted to Model 70's on request, which blocked escaping gas from hitting the shooter's face. I once had a target rifle he built with that feature, but no longer own it. Here are some photos of the bolt sleeve:

I have the book....it's well worth the asking price

I know or rather knew a lot of gunsmiths of the 50's period and I think grouchy and opinonated probably describes us pretty well. Some were also skilled.

Probably none grouchier and more opinionated than the late, great George Fullmer of Oakland, CA, who built many a match rifle for me and whom I was proud to call my friend.

His articles on gunsmithing in general and barrel fitting in particular in Precision Shooting are priceless.

quote:

Originally posted by Jerry Liles:
Have had the Dunlap book for almost 50 years and still like it. Now if they would just redo Vickery. Mine disappeared during an Army PCS.
Jerry Liles

Jerry, PM me your snail addy and I'll gift you my copy. Just give me a week to reread it since it's been about 20 years since my last re-reading (grin).
Best, Joe

Joe that book is too hard to come by to just accept outright. I will trade though. I have a bunch of Krag cases, .375 H&H, .250-3000, that don't have a rifle to go with. There's always a good bottle of prime Scotch or Irish whisky.

Jerry Liles

quote:

Originally posted by MJines:
I got the same email. Forwarded it to my daughter with a note that this would be a good Christmas gift for dear old Dad.

Great idea, Mike. Based on the unanimous praise of the book in this thread, I have just done the same thing!

Thanks to all for the recommendations.

If that does not get the job done....I can be talked out of my book!....$20 shipped!