Tools of the Trade

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Bryan M

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Hi everyone, I've been lurking here for some time just checking things out. I'm looking for some advice on what tools to look for to get started in gunsmithing. I am mostly a beginning hobbyist but hopeful some day with the right tract, could make it something more. Now I am mostly interested in bulding my own bolt action hunting rifles and will progess to long range type rifles. Any help you guys could send my way would be appreciated.
 
Ok, this could be fun..............

#1 Brownells Catalog
#2 Credit Card
#3 Lathe with a short headstock but a big spindle bore and a ton of tooling
#4 Aloris Tool Post
#5 A bunch of cutters, boring bars, parting tools, etc
#6 6 Jaw Tru-Adjust Chuck
#7 4 Jaw Chuck
#8 A Good (Brownells) Action wrench
#9 A good barrel vise with inserts
#10 Reamers (rent or buy)
#11 Cutting Fluid
#12 Indicator
#13 Indicator base
#14 Calipers
#15 Understanding wife


I'm sure there is a million other things it would be nice to have, but you can build rifles with what I listed here............
 
Thanks Roy, that's a hefty list, sounds like I may need a couple credit cards. I've been looking over all the Brownells supplies and looking into ordering a punch pin set and some of the Waa Arkansas Stones and try a little trigger work on a 700. Not blindly of course, I'm studying as much as I can get my hands on to do a good job. I start GS school this May and looking forward to that as well.

For most of the smaller tools(screwdrivers, punches, etc) do you recommend just going straight to Brownells or shopping around a little? Brownells stuff looks top of the line but I'm pretty new to this. Thanks.
 
Buy a Savage bolt action.

Buy an AR.

Buy the tools to build and take apart each.

Learn to take both apart and put them back together again.

Learn to build each in several different calibers and cartridges.

Once you master both of these rifles then move on to the Remington 700, lathes, mills and such.

Remember most gunsmiths were/are machinists first.
 
"For most of the smaller tools(screwdrivers, punches, etc) do you recommend just going straight to Brownells or shopping around a little? "

Brownells, warranty & customer service is second to none. They're not the type of people to put their name on a POS.
 
Yes, I highly recommend Brownells. The small hand tools you buy today you will still be using 30 years from now. They are an investment in your trade. Don't buy junk...............Good Luck!
 
I think if you check on the NRA Gunsmithing classes give at Lassen community college, they might supply a list of hand tools they recommend for taking their different classes. This list would be a very good guide. As stated by other Brownells would be the source for all the hand tools. Taking a few of these basic classes is highly recommended.
 
Get a C&R license in order to take advantage of pricing for FFL holders at Midway and Brownell's.
 
Brownell's recognizes a business for their discount,
FFL items need a FFL of course.
 
Lots of good info, thanks guys. One of the smartest things I ever did was get a C&R about four years ago, much better pricing for sure. I am enrolled at Lassen but haven't been able to find any info on tool requirements or suggestions. I'm starting with the Pillar/Pressure bedding class followed by stock inletting & bedding. It sounds like I might not need to bring anything for these classes but haven't heard back from the instructor yet to be sure. I did look into some of the tool lists for Trinidad to get an idea of what they recommend for some of the other classes, they listed some good info.

The gentleman who suggested building an AR or Savage, I've heard this suggested before and it sounds like an interesting idea. I have talked to people in the past who have bought prechambered barrels and set head space themselves. They mentioned that it was a pretty easy task with a couple of specialized tools. I may look into this as well with maybe one of the model 112's. I haven't been too crazy about the Savages but do like the BVSS model and most people say they're shooters.

This has been a good thread for me. Any other suggestions or advice? What do you think about the 112 idea? Thanks again.
 
Lassen! Good for you.

Lots of folks out there wanting for someone to put together an AR for them. All you need is special hand tools.

There are also people making money building Savages.

Get a job working in a gun store that sells AR's and Savages. Build them as a sideline.

Get an FFL and open your own store selling these rifles and all the goodies that go with them. You would only need a few hundred square feet of space.

Specialize in precision bedding and triggers. Every factory rifle sold would need your help.

All kinds of ways to make money out of your garage.
 
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