What literature is there for somebody who wants to get informed and start a restoring project of a double in very poor shape? I am thinking more about metal work and restoration. Are these highly specialized fields where only the seasoned gunsmith dares to enter?
Thank you for your thoughts.

Sliver there's no reason that you can't do it yourself if you'd like to try. If the gun has special meaning or is a nice gun in bad shape you might want to buy a cheap wallhanger to practice on.

Steve Hughes' books will be the place to start. Ditto the old beat up wallhanger. Bet the local gunsmith could set you up with an old reciever or something to practice draw filing and polishihg on. Definatly get those books, and good luck.
Kraft

Several videos are available from ACGG
http://www.acgg.org/pub.html

You'll need a book on checkering as well. I believe there's a good one available at Brownells.com

If you haven't bought from them, you will need their catalog. They are THE gunsmith supply house.

Also, before attempting an area of restoration, read about it if available and ask about it here. This bbs has many professional gunsmiths and accomplished non-pro gunsmiths. The collection of talent here is probably the greatest in the world. I can think of several world class engravers, stockmakers, barrelsmiths, metal restoration specialists, ballisticians, etc. If ask first, you'll get a great response for even something seemingly as simple as removing the old stock finish. Believe it or not, there's right ways and wrong ways to remove the finish of a stock. 'Same with metal finishes.

Thank you, all.
I am looking into metal work at this point. I will need to remove rust from action and barrels and reblue barrels.
I am searching the internet and found out about mechanical, chemical and electrolytic procedures.

I'm only a phone call away if I can help with metal prep. ken

There's only one way to get seasoned.

I really like Amateur Gunsmithing by Mike Barnes and Desmond Mills, it has a very detailed disassembly/reassembly of an A&D action. Book is hard to find, it took me a year to find one for a reasonable price, but it's well worth the search. I paid $60. If you're doing a boxlock and can't find the book, I'll copy the pages and send them to you.

The NRA gunsmithing guide is another good basic book to have on the shelf. Not very doubley, but good basics.

A digital camera and the willingness to ask these guys stupid questions is possibly the best resource of all. It's got me a long ways past where I was.

It is this one that I am waiting for.
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=88515956

Mr. Hurst,

Thank you for your offer. I have talked with you once about engraving and I know how busy you are. I would hate to take your time with frivolous matters and for that reason anybody's time. I will try my questions here and post some pics if the project is worth that much. I do remember your advise about use of diesel engine oil that works well for a French gray finish.

Silver:

I was tempted by that gun myself... with the same thought in mind. Please keep us informed as you progress. Thanks.

Roy