What would be a good book to buy that would teach me the basics of the AR-15, that includes how to keep it running and how to improve it. Also how to fix units that are badly worn out. It would be nice if it would include specifications and measurements.
Kyle Lamb “Green Eyes and Black Rifles” without a doubt the best book (clear, concise, informative) on the subject. If you’re just getting into the AR realm it will pay for itself.
There are several threads on it around here.
I saw a review of that somewhere and I understand that it’s written for the AR user. I was kinda looking for something for the gunsmith to refer to and to consult.
“Green Eyes and Black Rifles” is already in my want to buy list.
Thanks
Are you going to be “the gunsmith”? You still probably should start with GEBR anyway as gunsmithing isn’t what I would consider the “basics.” There is lots of “AR self-improvement” information in it. Moreover it will give you some idea of what improvements you are going to want to make.
One way or the other, the Brownell’s website has lots of good gunsmithing information on the AR (including how to build one from parts) and you don’t even need to spend money.
Honestly though if you’re just going to buy a quality AR, there isn’t really much “gunsmithing” you’re going to have to do.
I’m trying to become one. My work has been just “change this” and “change that” or “put this together”, “install this”. Then it became a “fix this”, “fix that”.
Lately, people(who pay for what they have me do) are asking “why” their AR dont run on full auto or why it wont extract or why it wont cycle. I (along with two friends) usually get it fixed and satisfy the expectations of customers.
That is why I would like to have books just to be sure that I’m not doing a “trial and error” thing and I get something to point out to in case something fails.
Mostly I want to do a safe job.
I am currently reading “The AR-15 Complete Owner’s Guide; Vol.1 3rd Edition” and being new to ARs it is very interesting. Gives some history and explains alot of “common sense” stuff so that if you are a newbie, you can understand what everyone else is talking about. GEBR is next on my list.
Hmm, I read books to buy and I first thought of Starship Troopers, The Moon is a Harsh Mistress, Armour, Fight Club and A Game of Thrones…but now that I read what you actually wrote I’ll have to chime in that I keep hearing good things about the Green Eyes Black Rifles book…gonna check it out myself.
HELP! Where can I get GEBR? I checked Amazon.com and they are sold out, Barnes and Noble doesn’t seem to carry it… I want this book!
Viking Tactics
BCM
I have and enjoyed Patrick Sweeny’s 2 AR-15 books- The book of the AR-15, volume 1 and volume 2. They are well written easy to understand.