MTL

The value of this book is detailed explanation of shop craft, like how to use a file, how to sand metal, how to get to a good finish. This may sound simplistic but if you grew up without exposure to craftsmen or metal shop in high school, it can be very important! Some of the finishing products reviewed are still around, and the rest will give you a good idea of how to evaluate and choose between modern hot and cold blue products.

The book stresses how important metal finish is before applying and kind of blue or browning, and also cleanliness in final prep work. Even if you don't do your own bluing, it will allow you to speak more intelligently to your gunsmith, appreciate what he is doing for you, maybe save a few bucks by doing some of the grunt work ahead for him.

Like all Tab published books of this period, this book could have used better editing (not the author's fault). Nevertheless the content shines through, and it is useful for a budding gunsmith or serious hobbyist.