Book excerpt: With the guidance of top gunsmith Patrick Sweeney, beginners, as well as serious enthusiasts, are able to diagnose handgun problems--for once they're the experts, deciding whether to do their own work or leave it up to the professionals. Profusely illustrated step-by-step instructions are presented for do-it-yourself minor repairs and major upgrades, from the how-tos of diagnosing malfunctions in both revolver and semi-automatic pistols to what corrective steps can be taken to solve them. Sweeney provides a complete look at repairs and upgrades: setting up an efficient and organized workplace, what gunsmithing tools are needed to complete projects, and a thorough series of mini-projects--teaching professional tool-use techniques. Plus, there are chapters on cleaning, polishing and minor repairs, welding and metal joining, recoil reduction, and refinishing. And new to this edition, gunsmithing tips are included for polymer-framed pistols.