Gunsmith Punch Set: A Complete Buying Guide + 5 Top-Flight Kits to Buy in 2022

Passionate gun lovers and those working with firearms on a daily basis need the best gunsmith punch set to remove various types of pins. Thanks to a wide variety of choices available on the market, you can choose the gun punch set for your unique needs and budget.

Gunsmithing punches can help you extend your firearm’s lifespan and prevent potential damages to your gun. These kits are available in different materials and types and are suitable for various purposes. Although you’re not a professional gunsmith, you’ll need a tool like this one to keep your gun at its peak performance in the long run.

We have prepared a comprehensive buying guide to help you choose the best gunsmith punch set for your particular needs. Besides, we’ve chosen the top 5 kits you can buy on Amazon.

Gunsmith Punch Set Materials

Gunsmith punch sets come in different materials. That said, you can find a broad range of steel, plastic, or brass items that can help you with different types of pins.

Steel Punches

Most punches for gunsmithing are made of steel, and such items are excellent for taper pins and roll pins. However, you need to use them carefully as harsh movements may scratch your firearm. To prevent any damage to your gun, it’s recommended to cover the area around the pin with masking tape. That way, you’re less likely to scratch the gun’s surface even if the punch slips.

You can use steel gunsmithing punches for the following pin types:

• Taper pins: Since these pins are difficult to remove, steel punches are the best choice to address them. Taper pins are commonly found in AR-pattern rifles, as they hold the front sight block into place.
• Stubborn/Long pins: Some pins won’t move when using a brass punch, meaning that they require steel punch in order to be removed efficiently.
• Roll pins: Roll pins look like a tiny cylinder that has a small gap in the middle. To remove or reinsert these pins, you’ll need a specialized steel punch.

Plastic Punches

Plastic punches come in handy when you’re working with takedown pins, similar to those found on AR-style rifles. You can also use them on drift sights if they aren’t too stubborn. Unlike steel punches, which may damage your gun, the plastic kits are less likely to scratch the firearm’s surface. However, plastic items cannot withstand heavy-duty tasks.

Most plastic gunsmith punches are made of Delrin or nylon. While these materials are durable, they are prone to dirt buildup, which could scratch the firearm’s surface if not cleaned properly. To avoid that, make sure the ends of your punches are clean.

Brass Punches

Brass punches are the most versatile, and therefore the most commonly used items for repairing or modifying firearms. They are softer than their steel counterparts, meaning that they’re less likely to damage your gun.

However, brass punches usually can’t remove stubborn pins due to their overall soft design. For that reason, they tend to deform once they come into contact with a stuck pin. While this won’t damage your gun, you may lose a lot of money trying to address stubborn pins with brass punches. To avoid unnecessary costs and time-consuming activities, opt for steel punches.

Brass punches are commonly used for:

• Antique/valuable firearms: Brass punches come in handy when you need to remove pins from high-value or heirloom guns because they are less likely to damage the firearm’s finish.
• Drifting sights: It’s recommended to use brass punches when installing or adjusting iron sights since they won’t cause dents or scratches.

Gunsmith Punch Set Types

There are several types of gunsmithing punches suitable for different uses and expertise levels. The most common are:

Drive Pin Punches

Drive pin punches are among the most commonly used gunsmithing punches. They are made of solid pieces of metal with a handle that tapers into a shaft. Drive pin punches are available in different lengths and diameters to match pins of various sizes, and you’ll notice that most of them are made of either steel or brass.

Roll Pin Drive Punches

The gunsmith roll pin punch set has a round ball-shaped end that ensures that the roll pin doesn’t cave in when driven in and out of a gun. These punches come in steel and brass materials, but we highly recommend using steel ones.

Roll Pin Starter Punches

Roll pin starter punches are much shorter than their drive counterparts. They also have a round ball-shaped end that prevents damage to the pin, and their shorter design makes them harder to bend. It comes in handy when dealing with a stubborn roll pin.

Roll Pin Holders

Roll pin holders can make it much easier to reinsert roll pins. Thanks to their concave end, you can insert the roll pin into the firearm without using pliers to squeeze it.

Starter (Solid) Punches

Starter punches, also known as solid punches, are spike-shaped items with a wide striking point on one end and a blunt point on another. Their strong design makes them highly efficient at eliminating stubborn pins. They can be made of either brass or steel, but the latter option provides better results.

Center Punches

Center punches are slightly different than drive punches, especially since they’re commonly used to perform staking operations or mark where the hole’s center should be. Center punches are a go-to choice on AR-style firearms as they stake the castle nut and prevent it from loosening when firing.

Gunsmith Punch Set: Buying Tips & Considerations

Purchase Pistol Punch from Reputable Brands

Whenever you’re unsure about your choices, go for reputable brands in the industry. For instance, users recommend names like Grace USA, Starrett, Mayhew, Brownells, etc.

Distinguish Between Cheap and Heavy-Duty Punches

While trustworthy manufacturers offer high-quality products made of steel or brass, some lower-grade gun punches are made from cast metal. Although they can be strong and durable, punches made from cast metal aren’t usually produced using the best manufacturing techniques. As a result, they are cheap and prone to premature breaking.

Purchase Duplicates

Punches are generally prone to breaking, especially the tiny ones. For that reason, it’s recommended to keep a backup choice on hand in case your primary tool breaks. That way, your workflow won’t be disrupted.

Keep Your Punches’ Ends Functional

After you’ve used your gun punches for a long time, their ends may start to deform. Therefore, they won’t perform as well as they used to, which is why you might not be satisfied with the result. To prevent premature end damage, try to keep the punches straight when you’re using them.

Utilize a Bench Block

A bench block can make it easier to use gunsmithing punches as they hold your workplace stable. If you don’t have a bench block, you can use a thick roll of duct tape. The tape’s adhesiveness will prevent slippage, allowing you to do your work smoothly.

Work on a Steady Surface

Working on a steady surface is of vital importance when using gunsmithing punches. If your workspace is wobbly, you won’t be able to transfer enough energy to what you’re doing, losing the chance to complete your task successfully.

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