Norm,
I would say the place to start is to have a large space to work in and enough even light so that your flash does not flash. Take pictures of your overall gun. Use the greatest resolution and largest file size your camera allows. Once you have mastered this you can effectively start to photograph different angles and closeup details.
Use a tripod, or some other kind of camera stand, if possible. Also, if your camera allows it, use a cable release to trip the shutter--failing that, use the camera's self-timer. Try to avoid using your finger to trip the shutter.
If appropriate software did not come with your camera, pick up an inexpensive software pachage which will allow you to resize and crop your photos, and convert to different file formats. When you change image size, always reduce the picture, -never- enlarge. If you enlarge you will always lose detail. If details are not clear enough, large enough, move the camera closer to the subject.
--Dwight