Bookshelf: Gunsmithing Modern Firearms

by
posted on August 14, 2019
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
gunsmithingmodernfirearms-towsley_lead.jpg

Renowned for his literary contributions to the firearm industry, including authoring countless articles for American Hunter magazine, and with nearly four decades of firearm experience under his belt, Bryce M. Towsley knows a thing or two about making good guns even better. A gun-guy through and through, there’s perhaps no gun-writer alive today with as much experience and enthusiasm from which to learn the art of gunsmithing.

Towsley’s second book on the topic of gunsmithing, Gunsmithing Modern Firearms, is broken down into two parts, “Primary Projects” and “Advanced Projects.” The former covers everything from simple AR-15 builds to the application of protective coatings on firearms. The advanced section focuses on machining and the building of firearms from scratch, rather than piecing one together from pre-made parts.

Towsley includes almost 1,000 color images, complete with captions, to provide further details regarding each project.

Regardless of your skill level, if you enjoy tinkering with your firearms, this “gun guy’s guide to making good guns even better” is one of the best reference resources available. Pick up a copy and try your hand at one of the most fun yet educational aspects of firearm ownership.

• MSRP: $24.99
• Pages: 289
• Availability: Hardcover; brycetowsley.com

Latest

Hunter With Mulie And Suppressor
Hunter With Mulie And Suppressor

Suppressor Ownership Records Shattered, 30% used for Hunting

On Jan. 1, 2026, the price of a National Firearm Act tax stamp to take ownership of a suppressor dropped from $200 to $0. A flood of eForm applications struck at the stroke of midnight, setting a record estimated at 150,000 that day alone, many of them submitted by hunters.

Pre-Season Spring Gobbler Scouting Tips

The investment made in the weeks leading up to spring gobbler season can make the season fruitful and result in a punched tag. Get afield now, scratch that itch to hunt and get ready to bag a gobbler!

New for 2026: Command Pro Cellular Feeder Control Module

Command, home to the cellular trail camera app for Stealth Cam and Muddy-branded trail cameras, has announced the launch of a new universal feeder-control module that brings real-time oversight and remote scheduling to virtually any feeder.

#SundayGunday: Leupold VX-6 HD Gen 2

This week on #SundayGunday, we’re talking optics—specifically riflescopes—from a company that has defined it’s longstanding American Made reputation by building some of the industry’s best: Leupold. Starting last year, the Oregon based manufacturer began revamping its optics lines, and great news for hunters, they started with the second generation of the incredibly versatile VX-6 HD line, culminating in the VX-6 HD Gen. 2.

Michigan Mayor Looks Down on Guns and Dogs

“If you’ve got a gun, you should be ashamed of yourself,” said Grand Rapids Mayor David LaGrand. NRA-ILA also noted that in his response to a police K-9 chasing down a suspect, LaGrand said: “It is time that we ask, ‘What are dogs good for?’ Like, if you need a dog to find someone in the woods, get a hound dog. If you need to chase somebody in a backyard, why couldn’t you do that with a drone? If my dog did what I saw in that video, I’d put my dog down.”

A 9-Year-Old Girl’s Effort to Make Hunting the Official Sport of Idaho

While reading her history textbook, Betty Grandy, a 9-year-old fourth-grade student from Twin Falls, Idaho, noticed that Idaho lacked an official state sport. So, she did what any 9-year-old fourth-grade student would do: She ran a poll in a neighborhood newspaper.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.