5 comments about Blue Book of Gun Values: 31st Edition.

1. I have purchased and inherited guns over the years and want to sell them. I'm not a gun dealer and found this book very helpful in determining value. The book is a great supplement of providing education in order to negotiate the best price for my guns.



2. As a gun collector this is an invaluable tool. All the others are just not a through.



3. This book is well worth the money simply as reference. in my case, several of my friends have been able to use it to locate and value several guns in their collection



4. This 31st edition continues as a standard used by gun dealers nationwide to accurately arrive at a current market value for individual firearms whether modern, antique or collectible. If you are going to an auction, you should have one of these with you.
   
   The book, over 2200 pages, includes grading details every buyer or seller should know. It's surprising the things that can lessen, or add to, a gun's value.
   
   My book was a Father's Day gift from my wife. She ordered it late but it still arrived before the big day. The price was less than stated retail and shipping was free. What more could you ask?



5. A book for anyone interested in guns!
   buyers -sellers - collecters
   You cant go wrong by having this book!
   printed 1 x yr, every yr new guns added- tells value as the gun goes up or down in value!
   (would be a great gift to give to the gun enthusiast in your life!)
   I have used the blue book of gun values since the 80's and havent pd more than gun value since, will continue to puchase yr after yr -never let me down

5 comments about Abc's Of Reloading: The Definitive Guide For Novice To Expert.

1. IM SORRY, ITS JUST NOT EVEN CLOSE TO BEING WORTH THE MONEY! Pictures appear to be from pre- 1940. Very general data on reloading.
   Amazon is great place to shop!



2. This is THE place to start for the beginner. I haven't purchased my loading kit yet and my copy is already dog eared and highlited cover to cover.



3. I am brand new to reloading. This book is very informative on the subject...almost a little too informative. The book covers gun powder, bullets and brass case history to a point of boredom. Ultimately, you come to realize the need for this information, but it was difficult for me to stay on track while reading about one hundred plus year old, obsolete and no longer available material(s). Once you get past the history portion, the book is great for beginners. Also, it gets into specialized topics for various types of shooting that the reader may be into such as hunting, target shooting, etc.



4. I just finished reading this book, as i am looking to get into reloading. It is a pretty big book with alot of information. It will take awhile to digest the amount of information this book contains. The book gives alot of history, covers the steps in the reload process for pistol, rifle, and shotgun, and stresses safety. A good starting point for anyone who is interested in reloading. I would highly recommend this book.



5. This book should be "required" reading for anyone considering reloading ammunition. The book reviews the basics of the equipment needed and provides some very important information every reloader should be aware of. Some of the equipment photographs used in the book may be a bit dated but the information certainly is absolutely current. If you intend to get involved in the hobby of reloading handgun, rifle or shotgun ammunition this is the book to own.

5 comments about The Gun Digest Book Of Concealed Carry.

1. overall, well written, it is obvious that author has profound knowledge base and experience, as well as exchanges with other professionals;
   several minor orthographic mistakes; occasionally very colloquial expression, which makes the book an easy read;
   missed the WALTHER PPS in 9mm and .40 cal mentioned (which should have been out or close to release when book was finished);
   bottom line: great book



2. This book was very average; way too many pictures, not much of substance. I really like the magazine articles I have read by Masood Ayoob; he has a wealth of experience on the topic of conceal carry issues. However, this book did not contain much useful information. Particularly disappointing were the frequent references for more information to other books he has written. He often just stops an interesting topic dead, and says that it is beyond the scope of this book.
   
   Almost any book you could pick up on the topic will have the same type of information contained in this one. So while you could learn from this book, I'm sure there are better ones out there, where the author has spent more time and effort putting in everything relevant.



3. There's a lot to be learned from this book. Whether you are an experienced gun owner or a newbie, you will learn a lot regarding Concealed Carry. But there is a deeper benefit for inexperienced gun owners.
   
   The author has a skilled command of the language. This, combined with his long experience, keeps the reader's interest. If you are a new gun owner and have no immediate interest in Concealed Carry, you should still read this book.
   
   Here's just one example: Chapter 6, Defense Loads of Choice, discusses different kinds of bullets. OK, who cares? Well, it turns out to be very important if you are using your handgun for personal defense to protect your family and you wound an attacker, but kill your own family member. With one shot, one bullet. How can that happen? It's possible if you don't think clearly about what kind of ammunition to use. The sub-chapter item, "Seven cases highlight the reality," will give you plenty of information about that.
   
   I recommend this book for everyone but especially for those who are just now starting out.



4. This book is out of date and rather superficial. But that is probably true about any book on the topic. There are lots of changes taking place in holster and gun technology that invalidate - or at least 'age' - most articles on this topic. Many of the newer holsters e.g. 'the super tuck deluxe by Crossbreed' are not compared to some of the older designs. The Kangaroo (and other) shoulder holsters are not covered in any detail, and there is no systematic evaluation of concealed carry techniques. For example, what do you do with your left arm when you make a right handed cross draw from a concealed holster? Remeber the second rule of firarm safety? "Don't point your weapon at anything you don't want destroyed by a bullet." Cross draw can expose your left elbow and forearm to the path of muzzle discharge.
   
   There are some pearls scattered through the text and some important points made. The book is an easy and quick read but not a great reference and could be organized better. Overall, it is likely to add a certain amount to your knowledge base but don't have very high expectations for it.



5. Massad Ayoob is legendary in the mastery of firearms. As a law enforcement officer, competitive shooter and advisor to many law enforcement agency, as well as having his own training institute, there is no other person who has the experience and knowledge of the practical methods of firearms self defense.
   
   From the selection of self defense weapons he covers the advantages and disadvantages of revolver and semiautomatic handguns. There are scores of black and white photographs that give the reader a visual, as well as descriptive perspective, to make the right decision of which gun to choose.
   
   Carrying the gun with various methods are extensively discussed with the proper techniques of concealment, drawing and carrying on with daily life. The Pros and Cons of each method, as well as anectdotal experiences give the reader a 360 degree perspective, explaining all aspects in great detail. He also covers Open Carry options that is allowed in certain states, methods of carrying and other nuances of that lifestyle. Clothing and tactical gear are also presented.
   
   The writing style is easy to follow and entertaining. The text complementary to this guide is the Gun Digest Book of Combat Handgunnery. In that book, more tactical techniques, methods of training and the proper mindset are outlined. Lastly, if you are a Florida State Resident, Florida Firearms - Law, Use and Ownership by Jon H. Gutmacher is indispensable to close out your minimum recommend reading that I suggest for deciding to make carrying a gun for defense. If you want more practical and real world tactics, Gabriel Suarez, has many books on tactical shooting.
   
   If you are a concealed carry or concealed weapons license owner, or are considering acquiring one, this book as well as the others that I have mentioned are a must read. You owe it to yourself, your family and fellow citizens to be educated.

3 comments about Gun Digest 2011.

1. The feature articles are better this year than in other recent issues. The new editor seems to be making an improvement.



2. But the editing stinks. I know some people think this is nitpicking, but it's distracting and undermines the reader's faith in the material and enjoyment of reading to regularly see what look like OCR errors (like an exclamation point in place of a lowercase L in the middle of a word) throughout the book. That might just be enough to knock off a star, but it's much worse: I noticed two places where a column break obviously cut off some amount of text. How much? Who knows? It could be a sentence, or it could be ten paragraphs.
   
   Many of the articles are quite good, and they're well chosen: there are articles on all different kinds of hunting, shooting, and collecting topics, and they were good enough to keep my interest even where I had no particular interest in the subject. For the most part, it's just a fun book to sit down and kill an evening with. But the pervasive evidence that nobody cared enough to read the text after it was pasted into the print file definitely hurts the experience.



3. Gun Digest is legendary for its Reports From The Field articles. This year's edition does not disappoint in that regard. Also included are a wealth of handy ballistics charts. I did find, however, that the section of listings for semi-auto rifles was very sparse -- nowhere near a comprehensive listing of what's out there on the market. If you buy the Gun Digest to do some armchair shopping for semi-auto rifles, you'll most likely be disappointed. Too bad. If the author was to beef up the firearm listings, Gun Digest could be quite the definitive, comprehensive digest that it comes close to being.

5 comments about Guns of the American West.

1. I ordered this book expecting the ultimte story on the fascinating subject of Old West firearms. Indeed, the photographs of the guns discussed are absolutely stunning. No reader will be disappointed there. But just a quick scan at some of the photo captions revealed some frustrating annoyances: 1) in many multi-gun pictures, the exact location of each gun within the photo is not clearly called out in its caption; this is confusing, especially to those readers unfamiliar with the guns shown. It would have been much easier to find each pictured gun if the author had numbered each one, then included these numbers in his captions so the reader would know exactly where in the layout a particular gun is located. 2) Most of the gun photos include interesing period accouterments such as holsters, badges, documents, photos, etc. Sometimes the accompanying caption identifies these intriguing items, but at other times the caption ignores them. This, too, is frustrating, since in most cases these historic paraphernalia are as interesting as the pictured guns themselves. 3) A few captions contain factual errors. One, for example, states that a small medal shown with one pistol is the Medal of Honor, which it is not. In another, it is stated that Lt Col George A. Custer lost his entire regiment (the 7th Cavalry) at the Little Big Horn battle. In fact, only the five companies under Custer's immediate command were wiped out. Hundreds of troopers from the other companies survived the fight. Bottom line: from this first quick look at the book's photos and captions, I must reluctantly conclude that there are probably many more mistakes and frustrations in the captions that I didn't have time to find. As far as the main text of the book, I offer no opinion, since this initial scan encompassed only a brief look at the photos and their captions. All things considered, I would certainly recommend this book to anyone interested in viewing a treasure trove of beautiful photos of some of the most famous guns in American history. If only more time had been spent on making the captions as enjoyable as the pictures....



2. Once again, Denis Adler wrote a great book and the photos are a pleasure to the eyes.



3. Over the decades, I've read a lot of books on firearms...and a few of those are really outstanding...but it's only rarely that I am as positively impressed...excited, actually... as I have been by this glorious book. The book is primarily a collection of photographs, and those photographs are gorgeous. If you're interested in a book on this subject, you already probably see a lot of beauty in these old guns; but, Dennis Adler seems to have a special talent for magnifying and enhancing that beauty. Sharply-focused, well-illuminated, often highly-detailed pictures of wonderful old guns, many photographed against sumptuous backgrounds which not only avoid detracting and distracting from the guns pictured, but actually add historical meaning and context to them...this author has a talent for photography of guns (and cars too, or so I've been told) that I've not often seen before. And, the price: I'm accustomed to paying very high prices for good gun books, something I accept because I assume that the market for such books is too small for the publishers to recover their costs through high volume. Well, this book is for that same market, and it only costs $18 from Amazon (and, I think, $30 list), and it's as good as some of the best firearms books ever published. I've just received Vanderlinden's truly excellent book on FN pistols: invaluable text and great photos, but it cost $65 and it's all black & white (and Adler's "Guns of the American West" is in color, completely in color...you should see the case colors on some of the SAAs.). I've just received Brunner's "The Colt Pocket Hammerless Automatic Pistols II": great photos, but this one costs $80(!), and wastes 78 of its 240 pages on a mindless, mind-numbing list of guns issued to generals. Adler's book has ~330 pages, and not a single one is wasted.
   
   Speaking of text: Adler's text in "Guns of the American West" is very good, and does a good job of discussing the guns, the historical backdrop, and the place of those guns in that history. This book does not have nearly the kind of detail and depth of a classic like "A study of the Colt Single Action Army Revolver" of Graham, Kopec and Moore, and it can't: Adler's photographs shove out the text, and that is as it should be. This is primarily a pictorial history.
   
   And the price...perhaps I shouldn't keep returning to this, because the book is excellent, at any price. But in a field in which we've gotten accustomed to regularly paying $60 to $90 for good books (and hundreds of dollars, when those books, however mediocre, go out of print), I sincerely appreciate a publisher and an author who provide us with a great book at a fair price. In every way, Dennis Adler and Chartwell Books have provided a great service to those of us who can find fascination in a worn Smith topbreak, and they've treated us as though they respect us.



4. It is amazing that one book could contain this breadth of coverage on such a vast topic. The images are exquisite, and detailed. Lighting and composition of Dennis' sets, featuring historic firearms posed with period accessories truly enhance the subjects photographed. And the text accompanying the photos draws on Dennis own experience, his extensive research, and personal communication with many experts and collectors of the firearms exhibited. Also, Dennis has actually fired many of the guns represented as well, adding the flavor of personal experience to the other features of the book.
   
   The publisher has done a superb job of printing the photos, preserving detail and subtle colors as well. This is really an incredible bargain for anyone enjoying the history and mechanical development of firearms from the colorful era of US History known as the Old West.
   
   Truly a "coffee table" book that will probably spend more time in the hands than on the table!!!



5. Dennis Adler does it again. I do wish it were not so inexpensive - it looks like it could be fluff and images but in fact this is an informative, Excellent book on all fronts - and the images are anything but superficial - they are stunning (as one would expect - see all his car books).
   I didn't think I would like this one as much as a single topic book, but the romance of the Western world came through and wins the day. I am sure every Hollywood prop man will buy a copy to make sure they give the right gun to the right outlaw or sheriff!

5 comments about 2010 Standard Catalog of Firearms: The Collector's Price and Reference Guide.

1. Really a good book all in all, but I found it lacking alot of information I was looking for that similar books are lacking also. It did not solve those questions which I believe no one really has the answer for. The pictures were grainey when enlarged and lost alot of detail I was hoping to see. I would still recommend it.



2. The values printed in this book on many of the antique percussion pistols are way overly inflated. There are no prices on Military 1911s firearms. There is no mention of antique Spanish colonial Miquelet pistols, escopeta, fowlers or even Spanish military guns. Also, many 19th century British military guns are missing altogether. Pretty much everything I collect was not covered, and the few that where were seriously overly inflated. For example, the book says a Colt 1st model dragoon is $65,000 in very good condition, $40,000 in good condition. If this where the case, I would be selling my entire collection. Overall, I was disappointed in the book, which will only take up space on my bookshelf. Sometimes I wonder if gun dealers print these books in atempt to sell novice collectors guns for more than they would sell for on the open market. Save your money.



3. Listing of guns and current prices. I found some guns missing, so don't expect to find every possible gun made in there... and the prices can be kind of vague on some of the more rare examples.



4. A very good reference guide on firearms! In addition very pleased with quick processing of order.



5. Excellent information on price comparisons , I highly recommend this book before purchasing to be fully informative .

1 comments about Facts and Fundamentals of Japanese Swords: A Collector's Guide.

1. This book is well written and flows fluently through the subject matter. The illustrations are very well done as well as the photographs that are in black and white. I was especially impressed by the photo depictions of the Hada. It covers the topic of the Japanese Sword so that a beginner can understan the topic without a dictionary. Each part of the sword is covered with the correct terminology which is easy to follow. I am happy to add this book to my library of knowledge on such a complicated subject as the Japanese Sword.

5 comments about The Gun Digest Book of Combat Handgunnery.

1. This book is a must read for anyone that wants to use a handgun for personal protection, or just become a better shooter. The first time I hit the range after reading this book and implementing Ayoob's techniques, I shot 50% better than I ever had before. My wife, who never had hit paper at 25 yds., was able to shoot 4inch groups consistently after applying what Ayoob teaches. Thanks Mas!!



2. This is a great book for a beginner/intermediate shooter who is thinking of purchasing a handgun (or has purchased a handun(s)), holsters, belts and other asociated clothes and gear. The author is obviously experienced and the style the book is written in gives lots of information in an easy to read and understandable style. This is the second book I've read by Ayoob and I think he links up the old-school shooters with the new-school shooters very well. By this, I mean that an older (but new) shooter like me can learn what the major developments in handgunnery have been over the past 30-50 years reading this book. The book contains a lot of information on both new and more traditional handguns and gives the reader the info to choose a weapon (and ammunition) according to the look, feel, recoil, ammunition, affordability, use (and even wardrobe)that goes with such a major life decision. The book also answers a lot of questions on the appropriate concealing, deploying and use of a weapons in the average everday situatuions that a citizen finds themselves in. Great read!!



3. This is the best book I have found that completely covers the topic of self-defense with a handgun. Even if a person knows absolutely nothing about the topic this book will help with every step along the way. Every person who is legally elligible to possess a handgun should read this book and make its message an important part of life. Kids should read it in school and learn this stuff early so they are less likely to be victims of violent crime. Get this book and live the life of self-defense guaranteed by our constitutional liberties. Heck, get two and give one as a gift like I did. In a gunfight remember to have a gun. If you carry or keep a .38 special revolver this book suggests the "FBI Load" as the best ammo for self-defense, and I agree. I even handload my own "FBI Load" ammo since it is sometimes hard to find. Read the book to see why.



4. As previous editions this book is great for shooters interested in self defense. Definitely buy it with one consideration... it is an updated edition, therefore it has much of the 5th editions info included. Massad Ayoob is a master at shooting techniques!



5. Massad Ayoob has been a police officer, competition shooter, and expert witness on firearms use in self defense, and all that experience, as usual, come through loud and clear. GREAT book.

5 comments about The Official Overstreet Identification and Price Guide to Indian Arrowheads, 11th Edition (Official Overstreet Indian Arrowhead Identification and Price Guide).

1. Great material with color setions and lots of examples/pictures. Good to see Northwest included in this guide. Highly recommended addition to a solid reference collection. Worth the price.



2. If you enjoy looking a the type of artifacts that are in your region, you will enjoy owning this book.



3. The Overstreet series of books have a system for identifying and determining the value of prehistoric arrowheads in the continental United States and Alaska. The book is divided into geographic zones, such as the Southwest, or the North Central, etc. You will need to know the general area where the arrowhead came from, and then compare its general shape with other known types in the same area. Once you have identified one or several types that are similar to the arrowhead you are attempting to identify, you can compare your arrowhead to the pictures and descriptions of the other similar type or types. These pictures are in black and white, except for a few pages of broad/general overview of all arrowheads. The book is very useful for identifying the specific name of the arrowhead you are attempting to identify and its age.
   
   It also lists the "wholesale" and "retail" dollar values of the arrowheads. These values seem to be consistently higher than those in other references.
   
   There is also a section on "Old World" artifacts with descriptions and color pictures, but no values.
   
   In my opinion, the real value of this book is in helping you to identify what you have.



4. I'm a beginner and this has been a great book for me. I would recommend it for advanced and beginner. A great book!



5. I have found the Overstreet book concerning arrowheads to be a "must have" guide when delving into the world of Indian artifacts. It is easy to use as well as very expansive in covering the types of arrowheads found in North America.

5 comments about Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson (Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson).

1. If you're even remotely interested in Smith & Wesson firearms then this is the book for you.
   Hands-down the most all-inclusive and interesting read on these fine guns I have read to date.
   All-color pictures throughout make it worth twice the cover price, but don't tell the publisher.
   Written in an un-pretentious style by two obvious "gun-guys" makes it an easy and enjoyable read.
   Get it....you won't regret it.



2. This is a reference, and it is thorough. The detail is amazing. The paper, printing and writing are all good. Anyone interested in S&W firearms will be happy to own this book. It's a bargain.



3. Excelent and Very well done study on the S&W product line. Lots of variations to consider, great referance work for the casual S&W collector or the hard-core world-class purest.
   This book may be a good guide for priceing but only a guide. Priceing on firearms is always a very subjective topic and alway driven by geographic regon.



4. Don't be fooled by other "Standard catalog of...." books. I found the Colt and other books to be a waste of time. However, this S&W is truly the standard catalog. It is amazing. I learned more about models, dates of manufacture, boxes, grips, finishes, etc than I ever imagined. Amazing! The color photos are outstanding and the format is very quick and ease to catch on to. There are also almost no mistakes.



5. Probably the best history and cataloging of Smith and Wesson in existence. The author is certainly open for added info as I contacted him to update information on a specific model and it was noted in this version of the book. A great work.