12 Tools Every Shooter Should Own -The Firearm Blog

The right tool for the right job is how I was taught. Not that I’ve always followed that rule to the letter. But as I’ve matured as a shooter, I’ve come to appreciate quality tools as much as I do quality firearms. Here are 12 tool suggestions for your workshop.

Note: Although Brownells is my go-to supplier for gunsmithing tools, obviously there are other sources to stock your kit. Brownells did not sponsor, endorse or otherwise support this post.

12. Ear and Eye Protection

http://www.brownells.com/shooting-accessories/ear-eye-protection/index.htm

It’s not just for the range, you know.

11. Hex, Allen and Torx/Star Wrenches

http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/general-gunsmith-tools/wrenches/general-wrenches/index.htm

Quality hex and star wrenches will save you from the frustration of stripped screw heads.

Credit: Brownells

10. Punch Sets

http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/general-gunsmith-tools/punches/index.htm

Straight, brass and roll pin punches fill specific rolls in gun care and maintenance.

Credit: Brownells

9. Bench ViSe

http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/general-gunsmith-tools/vises-accessories/index.htm?psize=96

Don’t forget the non-marring clamping surfaces.

Credit: Sears

8. Precision Pliers

http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/general-gunsmith-tools/pliers-tweezers/index.htm

There is no substitute for a good set of pliers.

Credit: Brownells

7. Brass/Plastic Hammer

http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/general-gunsmith-tools/hammers/index.htm

Tap pieces into place the right way, not with the handle of a screwdriver.

Credit: Brownells

6. Torque Wrench

http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/general-gunsmith-tools/wrenches/general-wrenches/index.htm

Two actually: one measured in inch-pounds and one measured in foot-pounds.

Credit: Brownells

Credit: Brownells

5. Bench Block

http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/general-gunsmith-tools/bench-blocks/index.htm

I’m a hypocrite, I still use an old piece of 2×4. But when I make it big, I’m buying a few bench blocks.

Credit: Brownells

4. Optic level

http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/sight-scope-installation-tools/scope-reticle-levelers/index.htm

There is virtually no way to properly mount an optic with a horizontal and vertical reticle without some sort of leveling system. I use the level-level-level from Wheeler.