THE GUNSMITH’S MANUAL; A COMPLETE HANDBOOK FOR THE AMERICAN GUNSMITH, BEING A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO ALL BRANCHES OF THE TRADE. By J. P. STELLE and WM. B. HARRISON. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1883, By JESSE HANEY & CO., In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. INDEX. PAGE CHAPTER I. HISTORY OF THE GUN 9 Discovery of Gunpowder 9 The First Fire Arms 9 Earliest Hand Guns 10 Prejudice Against Fire Arms 10 The First Rifle 11 The Arquebus 11 The Match Lock 12 Musket, Petronel 13 The Wheel Lock 13 The Pistol 14 The Snaphaunce 14 The Flint Lock 15 Important Improvements 15 Advance of the Rifle 16 The Percussion Lock 16 The Breech Loader 18 CHAPTER II. HOW GUNS ARE MADE 22 Gunsmith, Gunmaker 22 Gun Barrels, Best Materials for 23 On Making Gun Barrels 24 Finishing and Proving 25 Action, Stock and Final Finish 26 On Making the Rifle 27 Plain Steel Barrel Guns 27 CHAPTER III. GUNS NOW IN USE 29 Gun Defined 29 The Old Flint Lock Gun 29 The Percussion Lock Gun 31 On the Muzzle Loaders 33 The Breech Loaders 34 Variety of Breech Loaders 36 CHAPTER IV.