Shooting, marksmanship & gunsmithing books

Books worth reading on marksmanship, defensive shooting, long range, gunsmithing, ballistics and hunting, recommended by a veteran-owned gun shop in Pahrump, NV.

Good books go deeper than any video: why fundamentals work, how ballistics actually behave at distance, how firearms function mechanically, and how to think clearly about personal safety.

If you're new, start with a fundamentals book and a safety-and-mindset book before anything specialized. If you shoot long range, a ballistics book pays for itself the first time your data doesn't match your impacts.

50 books we recommend

From the blog

Plain-English guides from the Dudes on the same topics.

November 6, 20267 min read

Shotgun fit: length of pull and comb height

Why a shotgun that fits you shoots where you look, how length of pull and comb height affect that, and the practical ways to adjust both.

Shotguns
Gunsmithing

October 30, 20267 min read

Eye and ear protection: what to buy

How to choose shooting glasses and hearing protection: what noise ratings mean, passive vs electronic muffs, and eyewear impact standards to look for.

Safety

October 27, 20268 min read

What goes into a firearm appraisal

A look at how firearms are appraised: condition, originality, provenance and market demand, plus what to bring and what not to do before an appraisal.