Learning More About Custom Gunmaking
The following resources are for those interested in learning more about custom gunmaking.
Study Resources
Glossary of Firearms Terms
An excellent glossary of technical terms is available from the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute, Inc. at SAAMI.org.
Recommended Reading
- The Modern Gunsmith by James Howe, an older book that covers most of the basics of building custom guns.
- Professional Gunsmithing by Walter Howe is another older book with valuable information on tools and fixtures for working on rifles, shotguns and pistols.
- Stockmaking by Alvin Linden is one of the best books covering stockmaking.
- Professional Stockmaking by Dave Wesbrook is an excellent stockmaking reference.
- Building Your Gunsmithing Library edited by Reid Coffield and Larry Potterfield is an indexed review of gunsmithing books.
Gunsmithing Students
The ACGG Education Foundation provided Grant-in-Aid scholarships in the past for gunsmithing students to attend the Firearms Engravers & Gunmakers Exhibition, the joint event of the Firearms Engravers Guild of America (FEGA) and the American Custom Gunmakers Guild held from 1985-2012. We are currently developing plans for 2013. FEGA will hold its annual convention “Engraving Arts & Firearms Exhibition” January 25-27 in Reno, NV. ACGG members will be displaying inside the Dallas Safari Club Convention on January 3-6. Both events will allow persons interested in learning more about fine quality custom guns to meet makers and view examples of their work.
Courses and Schools
NRA Short-Term Gunsmithing Courses
Seminar type courses offered for several days to several weeks in early spring and summer at various community colleges that offer gunsmithing programs.
Gunsmithing Schools
The ACGG Education Foundation makes no recommendation on any particular gunsmithing program. We recommend prospective students interview instructors and learn what their background is and what their particular specialties are before making a decision.
Colorado School of Trade
1575 Hoyt Street
Lakewood, CO 80215
Phone: 800-234-4594
Harcourt Learning Direct
ICS-Intext
925 Oak Street
Scranton, PA 18515
Phone: 800-233-4191
Lassen Community College
P.O. Box 3000
Susanville, CA 96130
Phone: 530-257-4211
Modern Gun School
80 North Main Street, P.O. Box 846
St. Albans, VT 05478
Phone: 800-493-4114
Montgomery Community College
1011 Page Street
P.O. Box 787
Troy, NC 27371
Phone: 800-839-6222
Murray State College
One Murray Campus
Tishomingo, OK 73460
Phone: 580-371-2371
Pennsylvania Gunsmith School
812 Ohio River Blvd.
Avalon
Pittsburgh, PA 15202
Phone: 412-766-1812
Piedmont Community College
1715 College Drive
P.O. Box 1197
Roxboro, NC 27573
Phone: 336-599-1181
Pine Technical Institute
900 4th Street
Pine City, MN 55063
Phone: 800-521-7463
Trinidad State Jr. College
600 Prospect
Trinidad, CO 81082
Phone: 800-621-8752
Yavapai College
1100 East Sheldon Street
Prescott, AZ 86301
Phone: 520-776-2150
Resources from the American Custom Gunmakers Guild
Client’s Guide to Building a Custom Gun
A 60-page booklet “Realizing Your Dream” with information about the process of building a custom gun including how to work with the gunmaker and forms to use in planning your project.
Introduction to Custom Guns
A videotape of the parts and components involved in building a custom gun with scenes from past exhibition. Narrated by metalsmith Jack Belk.
Both items and additional seminar DVDs can be ordered from the American Custom Gunmakers Guild a nonprofit 501 c 6 trade association of custom gunmakers including stockmakers, metalsmiths, metal finishers, and engravers.
