For over sixty years, this has been the home craftsman's go-to reference for caring for, maintaining, and repairing firearms. From setting up your workshop to cleaning, routine upkeep, and restoring older pieces, it brings decades of trusted, practical know-how together in one comprehensive volume — the kind The New York Times called "packed with technical information that will be welcome in many a backyard shop."
The Complete Guide to Gunsmithing: Gun Care and Repair -- Charles Edward Chapel, Paperback
After reading, you will:
- Know how to properly clean, maintain, and care for your firearms so they stay reliable and last for generations
- Set up a practical home workshop with the right tools and approach for doing the job yourself
- Handle routine upkeep and basic repairs with confidence — and save money you'd otherwise spend elsewhere
- Own a time-tested, authoritative reference trusted by enthusiasts and craftsmen for more than sixty years
Physical Copy Made in USA
30-Day Money Back Guarantee
That's how confident we are in your purchase. But if you're not satisfied, simply contact us within 30 days for a full refund.
Joshua L.
I've owned firearms for years and always paid someone else to handle the upkeep. This book changed that. It walks you through cleaning, maintenance, and basic repairs in a way that's clear and practical, even if you've never picked up a tool for it before. I've already used it to set up my own little workbench and properly care for a couple of older pieces I'd let go too long. Wish I'd had this twenty years ago. Genuinely one of the best purchases I've made.
The Reference That Takes You Through Every Part of Gun Care
Other guides cover one piece of the picture. This one covers the whole craft — from your workshop and tools to cleaning, repair, refinishing, and proper storage — assembled into one comprehensive reference that's earned its place on the shelf for over sixty years.
Just keep it within reach — you'll turn to it every time you sit down to clean a firearm, tackle a repair, or restore an older piece to its former condition.
Tools & The Home WorkshopTools & The Home Workshop
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Everything you need to get set up at home — the essential tools, the right workspace, and how to organize a practical bench so you can do the job properly and safely yourself.
Cleaning & Routine Maintenance
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The fundamentals of keeping firearms in reliable working order — proper cleaning methods, routine upkeep, and the care habits that protect your investment and keep everything performing as it should.
Repair Fundamentals
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Practical, time-tested guidance for handling common repairs and upkeep yourself — building the confidence and know-how to maintain your firearms without always relying on a professional.
Refinishing & Restoration
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How to bring older and worn firearms back to life — caring for and restoring stocks, refinishing metal, and the techniques collectors and enthusiasts use to preserve a piece's value and appearance.
Proper Care & Storage
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The right way to store and protect firearms over the long term — guarding against wear, moisture, and time so your collection stays in excellent condition for generations.
THIS BOOK HELPS WITH
- Cleaning & Maintenance
- Home Workshop Setup
- Routine Repairs
- Proper Care & Storage
- Caring for Your Collection
WHAT YOU'LL DISCOVER INSIDE THIS GUIDE
Discover the qualities that make this the home-workshop reference enthusiasts have trusted above all others for more than sixty years.
WHAT YOU'LL DISCOVER INSIDE THIS GUIDE
Discover the qualities that make this the home-workshop reference enthusiasts have trusted above all others for more than sixty years.
A Complete Reference, All in One Place
From your workshop and tools to cleaning, repair, refinishing, and storage, it covers the full craft of caring for firearms in a single comprehensive volume — so you have everything you need on one shelf instead of scattered across a dozen sources.
Practical Enough for the Backyard Shop
This isn't dense theory. It's clear, hands-on guidance written for real owners working at a home bench, the kind The New York Times called "packed with technical information that will be welcome in many a backyard shop."
Built for Beginners and Veterans Alike
Whether you've never picked up a tool for your firearms or you've been maintaining them for decades, the guidance meets you where you are and helps you do the job properly and with confidence.
A Trusted Authority Since 1962
More than six decades in print, Charles Edward Chapel's classic has earned its reputation as a foundational reference passed down among hobbyists, collectors, and craftsmen — the dependable manual owners keep coming back to.S
More Than Just A Book It's the Time-Honored Companion for Every Hands-On Owner
RISK-FREE Guarantee
We're so confident you'll love this guide that we back it with a full 30-day money-back guarantee. If you're not completely satisfied with your purchase — return it for a complete refund. No questions asked.
get yours today!
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RISK-FREE Guarantee
We're so confident you'll love this guide that we back it with a full 30-day money-back guarantee. If you're not completely satisfied with your purchase — return it for a complete refund. No questions asked.
get yours today!
100% Satisfaction
Fast Shipping
Easy Returns
what readers are saying
Real feedback from hobbyists, collectors, and hands-on owners who found a trusted reference in every chapter.
Daniel,
41
Verified Buyer
I've owned firearms for years and always handed off the upkeep to someone else. This book finally gave me the confidence to do it myself. It walks you through cleaning, maintenance, and basic repairs in plain language — no guesswork. I've gone through it twice and keep it right on my bench now. Worth every penny.
Amanda,
41
Verified Buyer
I bought this for my husband and he hasn't put it down. He came to me afterward saying it was the most useful reference he'd ever owned — that never happens. The way it covers everything from setting up a workshop to restoring older pieces is so practical. One of the best gifts I've ever given him.
Reese,
38
Verified Buyer
I usually give up on reference books pretty quickly, but this one kept me hooked cover to cover. The guidance is clear and genuinely actionable — I've already cleaned and maintained my whole collection using it. It feels like a complete, time-tested manual for anyone who wants to take care of their own firearms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this book actually about?
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It's a complete home reference for the care, maintenance, and repair of firearms. Written by Charles Edward Chapel, it covers setting up a workshop, cleaning and routine upkeep, basic repairs, refinishing and restoration, and proper storage — everything a hands-on owner needs to look after their firearms themselves.
What topics are covered inside?
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The guide spans the full craft: tools and the home workshop, cleaning and maintenance, repair fundamentals, refinishing stocks and metal, restoration of older pieces, and long-term care and storage. It's a comprehensive, all-in-one reference rather than a narrow how-to.
Will this help me even if I'm a complete beginner?
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Absolutely. The guidance is written in clear, practical language for real owners working at a home bench. Whether you've never picked up a tool for your firearms or you've maintained them for years, it meets you at your level and builds your confidence.
What type of owner is this suitable for?
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It's ideal for gun owners, shooting-sports hobbyists, collectors restoring older firearms, hunters, and anyone who wants to handle their own upkeep instead of paying a gunsmith. It also makes a thoughtful gift for the hands-on enthusiast in your life.
Can I buy multiple copies as a gift?
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Of course. Many customers buy more than one — one for themselves and others for a friend, family member, or fellow enthusiast. It's a practical, lasting gift that any hands-on gun owner will appreciate.
What if I'm not satisfied with my purchase?
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We offer a full 30-day money-back guarantee. If you're not completely satisfied for any reason, simply contact us within 30 days for a complete refund — no questions asked.
What topics are covered inside?
+
The guide spans the full craft: tools and the home workshop, cleaning and maintenance, repair fundamentals, refinishing stocks and metal, restoration of older pieces, and long-term care and storage. It's a comprehensive, all-in-one reference rather than a narrow how-to.
What type of owner is this suitable for?
+
It's ideal for gun owners, shooting-sports hobbyists, collectors restoring older firearms, hunters, and anyone who wants to handle their own upkeep instead of paying a gunsmith. It also makes a thoughtful gift for the hands-on enthusiast in your life.
What if I'm not satisfied with my purchase?
+
We offer a full 30-day money-back guarantee. If you're not completely satisfied for any reason, simply contact us within 30 days for a complete refund — no questions asked.