Firearms Homemade : Books, Videos

Build your own 9mm, blowback, selective-fire submachine gun that's as powerful as an Uzi or HK MP5 but has fewer parts and is more durable. Simply follow the step-by-step instructions and machinist's drawings in this book. For academic study only.
Warning: Actual construction of the firearms described in these books and videos may be illegal under federal law. The BATF actively pursues and prosecutes anybody who violates firearm statutes.
$20.00
Softcover 978-0-87364-840-0 134 pages 8.5" x 11" photos, illust.

Many people today call themselves gunmakers, but very few have actually made a gun. Most buy parts wherever available and simply assemble them. During the past 50 years Bill Holmes has built from scratch countless rifles, shotguns and pistols of amazing artistry, ranging in caliber from .17 to .50. He has mastered the art of custom-making all the component parts himself and earned the right to call himself a gunmaker. In this book the esteemed gunmaker shows you step-by-step how to make (or modify) a custom bolt-action rifle in an inexpensive small shop. By following the simple instructions and mechanic's drawings, you will discover how to select the design, materials and tools; manufacture the bolt, trigger, safety and sights; fit, chamber, shape and finish the barrel; ensure that your heat-treating is done properly; design, checker and finish the stock; and everything else you need to know to be able to call yourself a gunmaker.
Warning: Actual construction of the firearms described in these books and videos may be illegal under federal law. The BATF actively pursues and prosecutes anybody who violates firearm statutes.

Bill Holmes is one of the last remaining links to a bygone era. He first learned about gunsmithing more than 50 years ago from a guy who took his "fix-it" wagon all around doing odd jobs. Since then, Bill has designed and constructed innumerable firearms, written seven books and been featured in two videos for Paladin and become one of the country's best-known and most highly respected authorities on home-workshop weapons and firearms laws.
$25.00
Softcover 978-1-58160-420-7 152 pages 8.5" x 11" photos, illust.

The author provides clear, step-by-step instructions for an expedient 9mm submachine gun. It is easily constructed from readily available materials, primarily steel tubing; it does not require a lathe and milling machine and it can be built by just about anyone in about a week. For academic study only.
Warning: Actual construction of the firearms described in these books and videos may be illegal under federal law. The BATF actively pursues and prosecutes anybody who violates firearm statutes.
$20.00
Softcover 978-0-87364-983-4 90 pages 11" x 8.5" photos, illust.

Learn how to modify the rifle's trigger assembly with simple hand tools, safely test the weapon for proper function and enjoy recreational full-auto fire. For academic study only.
Warning: Actual construction of the firearms described in these books and videos may be illegal under federal law. The BATF actively pursues and prosecutes anybody who violates firearm statutes.
$15.00
Softcover 978-0-87364-785-4 80 pages 5.5" x 8.5" photos, illust.

There may come a time when government restrictions severely limit not only access to firearms but the tools and means to repair and maintain them, or you may someday find yourself in the boondocks with a busted weapon. That's where the guerrilla gunsmith comes in. Ragnar Benson has had experience fixing "junk" guns in some tough places around the world, and here he shares some innovative ways to patch up, cobble together and otherwise make operational everything from antique rifles still found in remote war zones to modern firearms suffering from appalling abuse. Drawing on lessons and stories from backwoods experts he's worked with under desperate conditions in Africa, the Philippines, Thailand, Pakistan and beyond, Ragnar tells how to employ last-resort but effective techniques to remove hopelessly stuck rounds and other barrel obstructions, straighten bent barrels, replace lost parts, smooth out dented magazines, make repairs to some pretty hopeless stocks, scrounge up workable ammo and more.

These are last-ditch, do-it-yourself methods, but they may be all you'll have to fall back on deep in the bush or with your back to the wall, when the only things between you and the enemy are a rifle and the know-how to make it work.
Warning: Actual construction of the firearms described in these books and videos may be illegal under federal law. The BATF actively pursues and prosecutes anybody who violates firearm statutes.

Ragnar Benson is America's most-esteemed survival expert. He has written more than 20 books for Paladin throughout the years on a variety of topics covering everything from weapons to politics to survival medicine.
$20.00
Softcover 978-1-58160-119-0 160 pages 5.5" x 8.5" photos, illust.

Now the average person can easily make a submachine gun with minimal tools, equipment and material. This nontechnical book walks you through building the receiver, breech block, barrel, trigger assembly, stock, pistol grip, sights and magazine, as well as heat treating and finishing. Must reading for anyone who is concerned about our increasingly restrictive government. For academic study only.
Warning: Actual construction of the firearms described in these books and videos may be illegal under federal law. The BATF actively pursues and prosecutes anybody who violates firearm statutes.

Bill Holmes is one of the last remaining links to a bygone era. He first learned about gunsmithing more than 50 years ago from a guy who took his "fix-it" wagon all around doing odd jobs. Since then, Bill has designed and constructed innumerable firearms, written seven books and been featured in two videos for Paladin and become one of the country's best-known and most highly respected authorities on home-workshop weapons and firearms laws.
$20.00
Softcover 978-0-87364-085-5 148 pages 8.5" x 5.5" photos, illust.

This is a clear and simple guide to building a semi- or full-auto pistol or a single-shot, falling-block handgun from common materials in the privacy of your home workshop. In addition to offering many alternative workshop gunsmithing tips, the author explains how each part and section of the gun is made and discusses thoroughly the subjects of heat-treatment and bluing. For academic study only.
Warning: Actual construction of the firearms described in these books and videos may be illegal under federal law. The BATF actively pursues and prosecutes anybody who violates firearm statutes.

Bill Holmes is one of the last remaining links to a bygone era. He first learned about gunsmithing more than 50 years ago from a guy who took his "fix-it" wagon all around doing odd jobs. Since then, Bill has designed and constructed innumerable firearms, written seven books and been featured in two videos for Paladin and become one of the country's best-known and most highly respected authorities on home-workshop weapons and firearms laws.
$18.00
Softcover 978-0-87364-154-8 144 pages 5.5" x 8.5" photos, diagrams

Detailed illustrations, clear photos, and thorough text show you how to make a sharp, reliable .22 machine pistol from scratch. Covers everything from choosing the right tools and materials to building the gun's major components to final finishing and bluing. For academic study only.
Warning: Actual construction of the firearms described in these books and videos may be illegal under federal law. The BATF actively pursues and prosecutes anybody who violates firearm statutes.

Bill Holmes is one of the last remaining links to a bygone era. He first learned about gunsmithing more than 50 years ago from a guy who took his "fix-it" wagon all around doing odd jobs. Since then, Bill has designed and constructed innumerable firearms, written seven books and been featured in two videos for Paladin and become one of the country's best-known and most highly respected authorities on home-workshop weapons and firearms laws.
$20.00
Softcover 978-0-87364-823-3 78 pages 8.5" x 11" photos, illust.

Master gun maker Bill Holmes takes you through all the steps necessary to make your own closed-bolt or open-bolt 9mm machine pistol. Holmes' full-size traceable machinist's drawings and his expert directions make construction of this popular firearm a snap. For academic study only.
Warning: Actual construction of the firearms described in these books and videos may be illegal under federal law. The BATF actively pursues and prosecutes anybody who violates firearm statutes.

Bill Holmes is one of the last remaining links to a bygone era. He first learned about gunsmithing more than 50 years ago from a guy who took his "fix-it" wagon all around doing odd jobs. Since then, Bill has designed and constructed innumerable firearms, written seven books and been featured in two videos for Paladin and become one of the country's best-known and most highly respected authorities on home-workshop weapons and firearms laws.
$20.00
Softcover 978-0-87364-869-1 96 pages 8.5" x 11" photos, illust.

The latest volume in this popular and timely series offers detailed instructions, complete with photos and machinist's drawings, for making a pistol-caliber AR-15/M16 entirely from raw materials, as either a rifle or pistol, open or closed bolt and in semi or full auto. For academic study only.
Warning: Actual construction of the firearms described in these books and videos may be illegal under federal law. The BATF actively pursues and prosecutes anybody who violates firearm statutes.

Bill Holmes is one of the last remaining links to a bygone era. He first learned about gunsmithing more than 50 years ago from a guy who took his "fix-it" wagon all around doing odd jobs. Since then, Bill has designed and constructed innumerable firearms, written seven books and been featured in two videos for Paladin and become one of the country's best-known and most highly respected authorities on home-workshop weapons and firearms laws.
$25.00
Softcover 978-0-87364-948-3 118 pages 8.5" x 11" photos, illust.

Master gun maker Bill Holmes shares what will and won't work in designing and building rifles and shotguns from raw materials. Includes the fine points of creating everything from actions to sights, as well as tips on tools, materials, assembly, finishing and more. For academic study only.
Warning: Actual construction of the firearms described in these books and videos may be illegal under federal law. The BATF actively pursues and prosecutes anybody who violates firearm statutes.

Bill Holmes is one of the last remaining links to a bygone era. He first learned about gunsmithing more than 50 years ago from a guy who took his "fix-it" wagon all around doing odd jobs. Since then, Bill has designed and constructed innumerable firearms, written seven books and been featured in two videos for Paladin and become one of the country's best-known and most highly respected authorities on home-workshop weapons and firearms laws.
$30.00
Softcover 978-0-87364-792-2 192 pages 8.5" x 11" photos, illust.

Learn the secrets of building home workshop firearms from the acknowledged master of the craft: Bill Holmes. In this video, he takes you step by step through the construction of all the major components of his firearms designs and then test-fires the finished products.
Warning: Actual construction of the firearms described in these books and videos may be illegal under federal law. The BATF actively pursues and prosecutes anybody who violates firearm statutes.

Bill Holmes is one of the last remaining links to a bygone era. He first learned about gunsmithing more than 50 years ago from a guy who took his "fix-it" wagon all around doing odd jobs. Since then, Bill has designed and constructed innumerable firearms, written seven books and been featured in two videos for Paladin and become one of the country's best-known and most highly respected authorities on home-workshop weapons and firearms laws.
$29.95
DVD-R 805966 055732 50 minutes

How many homemade gun books have you read, only to discover that to make the thing work you needed a metal lathe or a milling machine? This book covers it all: legalities, concepts of ballistics, a basic 12 gauge shotgun design from pipe, simple gunpowder recipes, primer material, reloading and much more - including designs for a homemade double barrel, a muzzleloader, pipe sizes for other calibers, and more! This is one book that really delivers what it promises. Even if you have no intention of ever building a firearm, the information in this book is an insurance policy. No matter where you may live in the world or under what regime, the knowledge represented in this book offers you a chance to cope. It offers hope, not in nice wishes and goodwill, but in tangible fact and step-by-step illustrated instructions. For information purposes only
Warning: Actual construction of the firearms described in these books and videos may be illegal under federal law. The BATF actively pursues and prosecutes anybody who violates firearm statutes.
$18.00
Softcover 978-1-89362-611-9 182 pages 5.5" x 8.5" illustrations

You can take your state-of-the-art Glock straight out of the box and start shooting. And that's what you should do if you plan on using it for personal defense. Nothing you can do will make it work any better in that definitive role than it already does. But what if you want something that makes your Glock a little different from everybody else's, a little more suited to your specialized needs? The same design simplicity that makes the Glock easy to manufacture and use also makes it easy to customize.

This mini-"Glocksmithing" course by Glock enthusiasts Robert and Morgan Boatman first explains why you would make a specific modification and what you gain in terms of improved performance – or lose in the trade-off. It then presents step-by-step procedures for altering triggers, extending magazines and slide releases, adding new sights and incorporating other alterations for practical carry and use, as well as providing detailed instructions for basic disassembly and assembly, cleaning and routine maintenance. The workbook format makes the manual simple to follow as you work on your Glock, and high-resolution photos illustrate each part and step precisely.

Make your Glock work even more effectively for you by thinking outside the box. Learn more from Bob's website.
Warning: Actual construction of the firearms described in these books and videos may be illegal under federal law. The BATF actively pursues and prosecutes anybody who violates firearm statutes.

Robert H. Boatman is a native Texan who has carried a gun since he was 14 years old, professionally and otherwise. He is a member of the elite corps of dropouts from St. John's College in Annapolis and has had parallel careers as a national political strategist, VIP bodyguard, creative advertising executive, undercover cop, international publisher and editor, freelance journalist, and crusading newspaperman. He writes extensively for NRA, law enforcement and conservative political publications.
$20.00
Softcover 978-1-58160-482-5 72 pages 8.5" x 11" photos

Learn how to make your own "poor man's MP5" from the popular and affordable Marlin .22. This versatile, ultracompact machine pistol will shoot 1,500+ rpm like the MP5 but is half the size of the German import in weight and length. Construction requires only common tools and materials. For academic study only.
Warning: Actual construction of the firearms described in these books and videos may be illegal under federal law. The BATF actively pursues and prosecutes anybody who violates firearm statutes.
$25.00
Softcover 978-1-58160-017-9 120 pages 8.5" x 11" photos, illust.

Convert your Mini into a full-auto, silenced, SWAT-type weapon that is capable of field-clearing firepower. This conversion process requires no machining or special tools. Once completed, it takes just five minutes to drop in the Automatic Connector (the book's secret!) or remove it as needed. It's that simple! For academic study only.
Warning: Actual construction of the firearms described in these books and videos may be illegal under federal law. The BATF actively pursues and prosecutes anybody who violates firearm statutes.
$20.00
Softcover 978-0-87364-527-0 80 pages 11" x 8.5" photos, template

To the modern shooter, black powder firearms offer not only a fascinating look back into the history of firearms technology but also an enduring symbol of our rights and freedoms. In this original Paladin production, expert black powder shooter Tom Forbes teaches you everything you need to know to shoot muzzleloading firearms safely and effectively. Forbes leads you step-by-step through the loading and firing procedures for a variety of flintlock, percussion and in-line weapons and provides little-known tips on proper powder charges, the use of speed loaders, shooting techniques and misfire procedures. He also demonstrates a variety of special-purpose hunting and self-defense loads, chronographing each to determine its velocity and muzzle energy. This complete course in black-powder shooting is must viewing for every shooter, historian and freedom-loving citizen.

Tom Forbes, an avid outdoorsman, survival expert, and backyard builder, is a member of the South Dakota National Guard.
$19.95
DVD-R 805966 052335 69 minutes

This is the book that do-it-yourselfers anxious to try building their own .50-caliber rifles have been demanding since the best-selling Home Workshop .50-Caliber Sniper Rifle videotape first came out. In this companion book, Bill Holmes uses easy-to-follow foldout drawings and precise dimensions to take you step-by-step through the process of designing and constructing your very own .50-caliber rifle easily and inexpensively. Find out this master gun maker's professional secrets to fashioning the receiver, barrel and accessories, bolt, trigger assembly, buttstock, scope mount, bipod and muzzle brake using commonly acquired materials. Once you have made all the component parts, Bill then instructs you in the right way to assemble and test-fire your new home workshop firearm. With Bill Holmes as your guide, construction is a snap.
Warning: Actual construction of the firearms described in these books and videos may be illegal under federal law. The BATF actively pursues and prosecutes anybody who violates firearm statutes.

Bill Holmes is one of the last remaining links to a bygone era. He first learned about gunsmithing more than 50 years ago from a guy who took his "fix-it" wagon all around doing odd jobs. Since then, Bill has designed and constructed innumerable firearms, written seven books and been featured in two videos for Paladin and become one of the country's best-known and most highly respected authorities on home-workshop weapons and firearms laws.
$25.00
Softcover 978-1-58160-346-0 72 pages 11" x 8.5" 57 photos, 28 illust.

Now the classic AR-7 Exotic Weapons System has been completely rewritten. Follow its simple, step-by-step instructions and machinist's drawings and convert your AR-7 into an advanced selective-fire weapon. The conversion has only three moving parts, needs no machining, and costs under $20.Warning: It is your responsibility to make sure that you have complied with all local, state and federal laws with regard to the manufacture of any firearm. This book is for academic study only.
Warning: Actual construction of the firearms described in these books and videos may be illegal under federal law. The BATF actively pursues and prosecutes anybody who violates firearm statutes.
$18.00
SSoftcover 978-0-87364-563-8 64 pages 12" x 9" machinist's drawings, photos

Learn how to make gunpowder from such items as dead cats, whiskey, your living room ceiling, manure and maple syrup with simple hand tools and techniques that have been used for centuries. This is a practical and safe approach to making the oldest propellant/explosive known. For information purposes only.
Warning: Actual construction of the firearms described in these books and videos may be illegal under federal law. The BATF actively pursues and prosecutes anybody who violates firearm statutes.
$12.00
Softcover 978-0-87364-675-8 80 pages 5.5" x 8.5" illustrations

With a few scraps of metal and some simple hand tools, any Glock can be converted to full automatic. The conversion design detailed in this book allows properly licensed individuals to transform a regular semiauto pistol into a weapon that delivers selective-fire operation without altering the major components of the gun such as the receiver or slide. Step-by-step instructions and technical illustrations of weapon functions in semi and full auto combined with high-quality photos showing the modified factory components and their proper relationships with the full-auto conversion parts allow the reader to clearly see and understand how the whole system works.
Warning: Actual construction of the firearms described in these books and videos may be illegal under federal law. The BATF actively pursues and prosecutes anybody who violates firearm statutes.
$16.00
Softcover 978-1-58160-258-6 64 pages 11" x 8.5" photos, illust.

In this video, Bill Holmes teaches you how to make a .50-caliber bolt-action sniper rifle in your home workshop. Bill takes you step-by-step through the fabrication process and shows you the secrets of transforming a surplus M2 heavy machine gun barrel and some readily available raw materials into an awesome long-range precision rifle. Covers the exact methods of fabricating the upper and lower receivers, trigger group, bolt and bolt locking lugs, firing pin, striker and even the mounts for a telescopic sight. Because the proof is in the shooting, this video also includes dramatic footage of the test-firing of the finished gun. For information purposes only.
Warning: Actual construction of the firearms described in these books and videos may be illegal under federal law. The BATF actively pursues and prosecutes anybody who violates firearm statutes.

Bill Holmes is one of the last remaining links to a bygone era. He first learned about gunsmithing more than 50 years ago from a guy who took his "fix-it" wagon all around doing odd jobs. Since then, Bill has designed and constructed innumerable firearms, written seven books and been featured in two videos for Paladin and become one of the country's best-known and most highly respected authorities on home-workshop weapons and firearms laws.
$34.95
DVD-R 805966 052236 60 minutes

Now you can convert your Ruger 1022 into a selective-fire weapon that can fire over 1,000 rounds per minute. Build the parts that will transform your Ruger 1022 to full auto - without modifying the receiver or trigger housing. Over 60 explicit photos, machinist's drawings and full-scale templates accompany the detailed instructions.Warning: It is your responsibility to make sure that you have complied with all local, state and federal laws with regard to the manufacture of any firearm. This book is for academic study only.
$20.00
Softcover 978-0-87364-514-0 96 pages 12" x 9" photos, illust.

The Ruger 10/22 is one of the most popular .22-caliber rifles of all time. It is relatively inexpensive, exceptionally reliable and accurate, and easy to work on, and parts are widely available. But as good as these versatile little rifles are, they can be made even better with a little work on their triggers, actions and barrels. This work is easy to do, even for people with little or no machining or gunsmithing experience, and it is inexpensive. And after you have customized your 10/22, why not go the extra step and add a legal suppressor so that you can use your rifle for animal control, in survival situations or just to save your hearing? With this book and very little time, effort and money, you can turn your Ruger 10/22 into the ultimate do-anything weapon. For academic study only.
Warning: Actual construction of the firearms described in these books and videos may be illegal under federal law. The BATF actively pursues and prosecutes anybody who violates firearm statutes.
$18.00
Softcover 978-1-58160-074-2 112 pages 8.5" x 11" photos

The AR-15 rifle is one of the most versatile firearms ever made. The basic design of a barreled upper receiver separate from the lower receiver allows the shooter to have one lower receiver and several uppers to suit a variety of needs, essentially creating several rifles from one. Upper receivers are available in calibers ranging from .22 LR all the way to .50 BMG, meaning one AR-15 can be configured into a rifle that can plink tin cans off a fence or hit targets at a thousand yards out. Now home builders have a way to create their own multipurpose AR-15 with common tools at a fraction of the cost of buying each rifle separately. By purchasing a partially completed lower receiver (available commercially from a number of outlets) and following the step-by-step instructions in this book, anyone with a small workshop can make his own AR-15 for target shooting, hunting, collecting or home defense.

Because the resulting rifle is classified as a homebuilt firearm by the BATF, there is no legal requirement to register it with the government, making it the ultimate expression of a free, law-abiding citizen's right to keep and bear arms. The Workbench AR-15 Project contains the easiest, most straightforward method to complete the job as well as a number of improvised techniques, advice on substitute parts and simple ways to fix mistakes as you go. Author D.A. Hänks walks you through the entire process with clear text and detailed photos—staying legal, finishing the lower receiver, assembling all the parts and test-firing your completed rifle. For academic study only.
Warning: Actual construction of the firearms described in these books and videos may be illegal under federal law. The BATF actively pursues and prosecutes anybody who violates firearm statutes.

A part-time chief conservation officer on a redwood reforestation project in North Carolina, D.A. Hänks has had a life-long respect for the outdoors and all that accompanies it, including a love for firearms. Fueled by his interest in creating unique projects, he began experimenting with homebuilt firearms at the age of 14. Hänks is also a general contractor, ordained minister, professional driver and a strong believer in the U.S. Constitution, particularly the First and Second Amendments of the Bill of Rights.
$19.00
Softcover 978-1-58160-453-5 78 pages 8.5" x 11" photos