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Rost Martin R1MF comes to Califnoria

Beginner Gunsmithing Tools

S

Smuggsauce

⚠️ New Member | No Deposits ☢️
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Good morning all. I have an M&P 2.0 9mm and have just received the safety-delete plugs. What tools and by whom should I buy for this little project? I know I will need some sort of platform to hold the pistol, a mallot, punch and probably some other smaller tools. Any help is appreciated as I would love to buy one good set of tools and not get amazon cheapy stuff if I can avoid it. Thank you.
 
Every home "smith" needs one......
images
 
A small brass or plastic faced hammer, a good set of brass and steel punches, bench block and a magnetic parts tray would be a good start. I buy most tools from Brownells.
 

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MidwayUSA "Building Your Gunsmithing Library" Book. A comprehensive review of over 100 books on the topic of gunsmithing, dating from 1883 to present. Unfortunately this is no longer being published but available on the used market.
While not needed for this project, it is extremely helpful for those seeking to build a quality Gunsmiths library.
 
I like Wheeler Engineering punches and bits so far for the little work I've done. I've used them for some delicate non-firearm work as well.

I could probably get the exact tools that I need a little cheaper, but I like the complete sets that they sell, and their straight-ground bits.

Storage cases are a plus.

Another plus is that as my collection has expanded, I have the tools I need already.

I added a trigger gauge recently, but haven't really had the opportunity to use it much, as I have already made most of the modifications to my collection and didn't have it to measure baseline. This is a regret, and if I could go back, I would add a trigger gauge to my firearm toolkit much earlier.

Hammer & Punch | AR Punch Sets | Wheeler

Hammer & Punch | AR Punch Sets
www.wheelertools.com www.wheelertools.com

If you're just planning on making one small mod, you can definitely just get the exact punches you need, and a block & hammer for a much smaller budget. I tend to over-plan.
 

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One bit of friendly advice - Don't purchase any tools, and don't do any work on your weapon until you receive proper instruction on how to do it. Videos can be useful to someone who has mastered the basics, but a newbie (and we've all been newbies at some point) need to be at a bench and with a master.

I was fortunate to have been taught the basics by a Master Chief Gunner's Mate. He had three safety rules for the workbench: 1) No live ammo, 2) No booze, 3) No Dremel tools. Later on, I also had the opportunity to learn more of the 1911 from the owner of the Cylinder and Slide shop and the owner of Rodgers Gunsmithing (both highly regarded pistolsmiths). There are a lot of things you just can't get from a book or a video.
 
After assembling my first lower I realized the right tools would make things easier. The 2nd and third lowers went together so nicely.
 
RickD427 said:
One bit of friendly advice - Don't purchase any tools, and don't do any work on your weapon until you receive proper instruction on how to do it. Videos can be useful to someone who has mastered the basics, but a newbie (and we've all been newbies at some point) need to be at a bench and with a master.
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Yeah, and don’t buy a pan and try to make an omelette until you’ve gone to culinary school.

I’ll give this advice a 2 out of 10. Just more FUD.
 
RickD427 said:
One bit of friendly advice - Don't purchase any tools, and don't do any work on your weapon until you receive proper instruction on how to do it. Videos can be useful to someone who has mastered the basics, but a newbie (and we've all been newbies at some point) need to be at a bench and with a master.

I was fortunate to have been taught the basics by a Master Chief Gunner's Mate. He had three safety rules for the workbench: 1) No live ammo, 2) No booze, 3) No Dremel tools. Later on, I also had the opportunity to learn more of the 1911 from the owner of the Cylinder and Slide shop and the owner of Rodgers Gunsmithing (both highly regarded pistolsmiths). There are a lot of things you just can't get from a book or a video.
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I respectfully but wholeheartedly disagree with your recommendation.

This is the exact same as telling someone not to work on their car until they're trained by a licensed mechanic.

I would love to have been trained by a master smith or a mechanic, but I did not have that luxury.

No thank you, I will repair, modify, and customize as I see fit. And if I make mistakes I will learn from them. (edit: spelling)
 
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Shellbackitup said:
I respectfully but wholeheartedly disagree with your recommendation.

This is the exact same as telling someone not to work on their car until their trained by a licensed mechanic.

I would love to have been trained by a master smith or a mechanic, but I did not have that luxury.

No thank you, I will repair, modify, and customize as I see fit. And if I make mistakes I will learn from then.
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my very first pistol was a cz75b and I cajunized it within a few months of owning it. I'm mechanically inclined, but honestly guns are a lot easier to work on than motorcycles and cars, just follow the instructions.
 
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