Help with research on gunsmithing rifles?

[loganlohe]

Hi everyone,

New around here, I don't own a gun but I am an aspiring writer working on his first novel. I registered specifically because I'm researching gunsmithing and custom built rifles. I've been trawling through the web and finding bits of information but wondered if there was anyone able to assist?

My main character is a master gunsmith, runs his own gun store and specialises in custom built (from scratch) hunting and sniper rifles. The story I'm working on is light reading, and not anything like a hardcore military novel. I actually know very little about guns and am still working my way through basics.

Anyway, my guy fine tunes his rifles for his customers - they bring them back to him from time to time, especially after they just bought it and went for some target practice. So based on their feedback he makes adjustments for accuracy, better ease of use and safety. What I'd like to know are:

1. the things that are most likely to go wrong when building rifles

2. the key things buyers are looking for in a custom built rifle that will cost them a small fortune.

3. as my character does his checks and adjustments, what are the types of things he would looking for (and asking the customer) so he can make the neccessary improvements.

4. Can I avoid using any wood on my custom rifle? And what type of material can I use for my high-end rifle, considering I want maximum concealment and durability?

Sorry about the lengthy post. But if you got to this point, then I really appreciate that you took the time to read this far!

Cheers,

LL

 

[geekWithA.45]

My $0.02:

May I suggest you back up a bit, and consider instead, "what is the nature of the relationship between a custom rifle owner, and his gunsmith?"

I would think the relationship intensive during the design and fitting out phase, but at some point, perhaps after as few as one or two sessions, the rifle would reach a state of stable maturity, and the owner wouldn't be bringing it in for tinkering after every range session. Rather, presuming they knew what they were doing, they'd be making their own adjustments to take into account local conditions.

Plain Old Wood isn't necessary or necessarily desirable, as it isn't dimensionally stable under different conditions of humidity and temperature. Fiberglass and laminates can be made for greater stability under a wider range of conditions, in any color you like.

I'd suggest you find the nearest Cabella's, and spend some quality time among the gunracks.

 

[M-Cameron]

1. the things that are most likely to go wrong when building rifles

well theres plenty that can go wrong........really depends on the experience of the gun smith.........for your story, he is supposed to be a master gun smith, they should typically know what they are doing......

a lot of mishaps come from ordering the wrong parts, or having the distributer send the wrong parts

2. the key things buyers are looking for in a custom built rifle that will cost them a small fortune.

overall....quality......quality parts, quality machining, quality fitting.......

secondly, is what the customer asked for, exactly what the customer recieved.

is my gun delivered on time......now custom guns can often take several YEARS to make.......and the clients are aware of such before they order....

if you quote me a 7 month turn around.....and im paying big bucks......i fully expect it on or before 7 months.

and price accuracy, if you quote me $4,000..........i really dont expect it to go too much above that $4,000, unless the additional cost is my choosing.

3. as my character does his checks and adjustments, what are the types of things he would looking for (and asking the customer) so he can make the neccessary improvements.

it would really depend on the type of gun, and what it is planning to be used for.........

4. Can I avoid using any wood on my custom rifle? And what type of material can I use for my high-end rifle, considering I want maximum concealment and durability?

sure, there are plenty of guns with no wood at all.........plenty of match guns have aluminum or steel rifle stocks.......plenty of guns out there with plastic composite stocks.

wood is popular because it is relatively easy to work with....strong.....and has an aesthetic appeal...

but if you are looking for concealability, and durability.....stainless steel or aluminum are great options.

 

[loganlohe]

geekWithA.45 - thanks for taking the time to give me your $0.02
M-Cameron - Many thanks for answering each point!

Both your responses had got me thinking about a few things and highlighted areas of research. In the meantime, I've been able to get through the scene I was working on so the help was much appreciated.

LL