Custom Double Barrel Shotguns & Professional Gunsmithing Services - Hunting, Sport Shooting & Collectibles

I bought this book as background material for a project that I was about to undertake. I wanted to do some modification work on a European double and was looking for some general information that would support my intentions. This book was one of four that I bought before starting the project. Two others that I found interesting are Gun Craft: Fine Guns and Gunmakers in the 21st Century which I consider one of the finest gun books EVER on traditional gun studies (particularly European..), and Shooting the British Double Rifle: A Modern Guide for Load Development and Use, 3rd Edition which is of tremendous value to those who need load information for traditional British cartridges.After ordering this book 'DOUBLE GUNS and CUSTOM GUNSMITHING', I was not certain what to expect. When the book arrived I looked it over casually and was about to return it because I thought it was just another "do it this way" book...which I had no intention of doing!! Then I sat down with it and started reading a little and discovered that the author (Steven Dodd Hughes..) had done some homework before publishing this effort. This encouraged me to keep reading and I am glad that I did.You should note that this book is about double guns (ONLY double guns..) and about general gunsmithing techniques that are used on double guns (ONLY double guns!!!..). One of the most redeeming features about the book is the author's recital of his various trips to european factories and shops and his visits with well-know craftsmen where he gained a lot of his insight into doubles and the special care required for their longevity. If you are interested in doubles or have a project in mind that starts with a double, this book will help you (probably in many ways..).The book is well written and edited with just enough detail to get the point across without being too verbose or reading like a science journal. As you progress through the work you will undoubtedly notice the lack of COLOR images. I am not certain why this is, but it does not detract from the book's purpose. In fact, the photos throughout the text, while black/white, show up well and add a lot of value to the written text. There is a series of color plates in the center of the book that detail some of the work mentioned in the text and those color plates are very well done!The book has a section on buying used doubles with a study of case histories that detail some of the "best practices" when it comes to shopping for doubles. Another section on custom gunsmithing discusses stock work, metal work, TIG welding, and some of the tools used as well as a nice bit on stock finishing. A third section discusses the trials and tribulations of evaluating stock blanks for a purposeful match with the gun. And of course there is a section on specific 'custom' guns (L.C. Smith, Mod 21, Fox, Rizzini, and others..) as well as one on engraving. All in all, a nice complete discussion of doubles and what makes up "quality" as opposed to "eye candy".So, after dispelling my initial reaction to the book, I am happy to say that it is a very welcome addition to my library on guns (and double guns in particular..). This is a book that you can sit down with and READ. There is not a lot of specific information on "how to's", but rather a significant discussion on what things are done to doubles by both factories and custom craftsmen and why they are important. To the owner (or prospective owner..) of a nice double gun, this book will add knowledge and enjoyment to your purchase. It may also prevent you from making an expensive mistake!!Five stars for a nicely done work on double guns. I readily recommend this book to anyone who owns or hopes to own a nice double. Definitely worth the money!