5 comments about The Gun Digest Book Of Exploded Gun Drawings.

1. Overall I am definitely happy I bought the book, it is worth the money and everyone who has or plans to have a substantial collection of firearms or an interest in firearms should purchase this book.
   
   There are inconsistencies in terminology that make it a bit hard to read, for example on the Japaneese Nambu diagram they call it a "frame" while on the Glock diagram they call it a "receiver." This is misleading since both parts serve the excact same purpose.
   
   That being said, the only MAJOR gripe I have with this book - the issue that caused it to lose a star- is its lack of coverage of more modern firearms.
   
   Here is a short list of firearms the book has no coverage of that it should:
   CZ rifles
   Saiga shotguns and rifles
   Imbel and DSA FALs
   AK-74 rifles
   Century Arms Bullpup AK
   Fn2000
   Beretta CX4 storm carbine, RX4 rifle
   Benelli M3 Super 90
   Robinson XCR
   
   The list goes on
   
   Also it is very hard to find many military firearms even if they have listings, one has to look under "mitchel arms" to find the only ak-47 and one of the few Ar-15s even though many manufacturers make such weapons and they are far more popular then other series of guns which have far more coverage.
   
   -Had to look under "brno" to find the CZ 75 pistol, the book should take more effort to put things under the names which they are known.
   
   
   So in conclusion the book is a great resource for any gun owner and especially those with mainly older firearms in their collections, the price is right and with a few additions and better organization it could of gotten five stars.



2. I was a bit disappointed with this volume. Probably should have paid more attention to the description. I assumed that there would be an exploded view of each gun I own-and wanted to buy. This would then serve as "do all" reference for componentry. Not quite--lot's of drawings but not some of the more common Taurus revolvers among others. Some of the drawings are also a bit difficult to see/read numbers part shapes etc..Not a bad investment-just not a great investment. Excellent paperweight!!



3. This is a pretty great book, it's layout and design is very simple and straightforward, and if you're strictly into traditional handguns, and traditional rifles I.E: hunting and target shooting, then this book is probably fine for you, however there are some serious issues with what it lacks, particularly in terms of military weapons, and some newer guns. I will be right to the point and just list all of the guns which this book does not contain, but really should have, they are (in no particular order): AK74, Dragunov SVD, RPK, M60, Hi-point guns, Kel-Tec guns, Kahr guns, AR-18, Barrett guns, Saiga shotguns, Saiga rifles, Tikka rifles, Blaser rifles, HK G-36, HK MP5-K, IMI Tavor, FN Five-seveN, FN Police rifle, Makarov pistol, Springfield XD, Beretta CX4 storm, Beretta PX4 storm, Taurus 24/7, Taurus Tracker, HK UMP, and Suomi M-31. This is just some of the guns which I could not find in the book, and granted, while some of the guns are fairly new (coming out in 2004), many of these I was shocked were not in the book, like no Saiga rifles or shotguns, no AK74, no Dragunov, no HI-points, no Kel-Tecs, no Makarov. And other little things like how things are listed is sometimes frustrating, like the AK47 is listed under "Mitchell arms"??? And there aren't many diagrams for the moderns typical AR-15, just the original Colt style M16. I guess the major problem is that while it lacks many military and otherwise typical guns, at the sametime this book devotes many pages to totally useless, obscure, and obsolete guns which many people have never heard of. SO it isn't that there is not enough space for all these guns which aren't in the book, there are just several guns in the book which don't need to be there, and should be replaced with those which aren't in it. Like they have a diagram for the Wilkinson "Linda" which is a Tec-9 look-alike, I mean come on, how many people have a freakin Wilkinson "Linda", definitely far fewer than those who have Saigas, Kel Tecs, Hi Points, or even Barrett .50 cal rifles.



4. I can only say, if you are in the business, it's like having a larger "Gun Parts" book. I have only found one other reference better. This is a MUST HAVE. I use it all the time. If you can work from exploded views, this is for YOU!



5. The Gun Digest Book Of Exploded Gun Drawings: 975 Isometric Views is a visual reference book especially for collectors, gunsmiths and hobbyists. Featuring detailed, black-and-white diagrams of the many complex pieces in a gun, which labels each piece and shows how each piece fits with the others, The Gun Digest Book Of Exploded Gun Drawings reveals at a glance how hundreds of different handguns, shotguns, and rifles are put together. Very little text is present in The Gun Digest Book Of Exploded Gun Drawings, a massive volume devoted almost entirely to the diagrams themselves, with a complete directory of firearms trade resources and a selected shooting sports bibliography. A fascinating and highly practical resource for serious firearm enthusiasts.

No comments about Gun Digest 2009: The World'S Greatest Gun Book (Gun Digest).

1 comments about Black Powder and the Old West: Frontier Cartridge Guns & Cap-N-Ball.

1. This book is what appears to be a compilation of SHOOT MAGAZINE's different articles. It is all black and white with the exception of a few full page inside cover ads. Material is similar to "GUNS of the Old West" Magazine, but the articles (chapters) are more in depth and has more about actual shooting experiences than just reviews of various guns. Also includes some black powder cartridge reloading info, which seems very hard to come by if you don't shoot long range rifle matches. Normally I am hesitant to buy magazine compilation "books", but the quality and variety of info in this book make it well worth even the full cover price. GREAT book for those getting into black powder shooting - especially those interested in Cowboy Action type shooting. People who enjoy reading about "old west" guns and related history will find it a good read as well. It may be slightly less useful to those solely interested in long range single shot black powder range matches, as there are better sources for that type of info.

5 comments about Modern Japanese Swords and Swordsmiths: From 1868 to the Present.

1. The book is a very good collection of historical and research material. It covers a rather short period of time; however, sword production during this period over shadows all other periods combined. If you are doing research on a particular smith the chances are you will not find much, but from an overall historical perspective the time period is well documented. Overall, the publication will be a good addition to your collection.
   Dan



2. Art historians have long recognized Kondansha as one of the premier publishers of books on Japanese art and artifacts, and this publication lives up to their excellent reputation. As a long-time Japanese sword collector and enthusiast, and owner of every known book in English on the Japanese sword, I was delighted that this book contains a wealth of information I didn't previously know. That in and of itself makes it a valuable treasure. I was moreover pleased that the book starts at the beginning, providing excellent background and references to help the beginner. I strongly recommend it to all my sword students, and to anyone interested in collecting, and more important, understanding the modern Japanese sword (Gendaito). The book, while very well written, does have several redundancies and a few circular references that are no doubt in part due to it being a first edition. But in most cases it is simply because the authors have a specific purpose in mind: the unabashed promotion of the traditionally-made modern Japanese sword as an object of art. The book takes a strong stand, contrary to the thinking of much of the sword-collecting world, that only Koto swords (mid Heian to 1596) have true artistic and collectible value. The book presents a powerful case for the value and craftsmanship of the modern Gendaito, set against the context of the history of Japanese swordmaking and backed up by trusted and incontrovertible sources. Of course, it does not exhort modern machine-made mass-produced blades, but rather it explains (in detail) how many thousands of WW II and modern blades were made in the traditional way, and clears up many misconceptions about what is a true and valuable Gendaito blade. While many of us will still delight in finding Koto and Shinto era blades, now we have a context for appreciating equally well the finest Gendaito. This is certainly required reading for anyone who intends to collect Japanese swords, and especially if you prowl eBay!



3. While my library of Japanese swords and blade smiths is meager, I would highly recommend this book as a MUST HAVE!!
   
   This book makes a great reference book about modern blade smiths from 1868 to the present. Many of these artists have turned out beautiful swords.
   
   The authors who wrote this book did a fantastic job.
   
   I highly recommend this book.



4. Very good book, easy to read and full of comprehensive information, a good starting point in the Japanese sword world.



5. Hey all!

   This is definately a book for the library! If you're looking for a good resource on researching all those showa-to and Gendai-to then look no further! This book has everything you could want and more! No Oshigata, but tons of useful info about tang markings, hot stamps, showa blade characteristics, MFG. practice, and things you never even thought of! So, you think your "star stamped" Gendai is "traditionally made"? Think again! Buy this book and you'll see what I mean... Wonderful book that has already saved me $$$

5 comments about The Springfield 1903 Rifles.

1. The first center-fire rifle I ever shot was a Springfield '03/A3 my Dad got from the Division of Civilian Marksmanship (DCM) during the late 1940s. I got my first antelope with that rifle and I still have it.
   
   Dad said that it was a replacement for an older M 1903 he'd sent back to the National Rifle Association in response to an appeal from them for the return of World War I surplus '03 Springfields. Our good friends the British, it seems, were in a spot of trouble after Dunkirk and desperately needed small arms like Dad's. Although we're more German than English, he reluctantly sent it back with the understanding that it would be returned "after the war."
   
   Of course he never got it back which triggered mumbled complaints about "Perfidious Albion", but I found pictures of the same type of rifle and its complete history in this excellent reference book by Colonel Brophy. I also found everything I needed to know about the M 1903/A3 which still enjoys a place of honor here and still goes out with me from time to time.
   
   Brophy's book is the starting point for the study of the Springfield '03 rifle. You simply cannot find a better, more accurate, more comprehensive book about '03 Springfields. If you have such a rifle, or are interested in them, you will need this book.
   
   I gave it five stars because it is well illustrated, exhaustively researched and the best single book on the '03 Springfield you will ever see. This is also the kind of book that tends to cost an arm and a leg once supplies of it have dried up. Collectors like me pass them down to their sons along witht the rifles they describe so well.



2. The book is really great, with a lot of work evidently put in on it. I would consider it a must for any serious collector's library. However, be forewarned, all of the photos are in black and white, and some are too dark to reveal the detail you would like to see for identification purposes. Having that been said, I still would want it as a part of my reference library, if not, but for the devotion that Lt. Col. Brophy put into it.



3. I'm a firm believer that you can never have too many reference works in your field of interest. I bought this book as I had very little information on the Springfield rifles. This is one of the most comprehensive single subject books that I've come across and I'm very happy to have it on my shelves. It gives a very full rundown on the history of the rifle, all the various versions, the accessories and users. Its lavishly illustrated, well written, well laid out and it comes in a proper binding that makes it a pleasure to use.
   
   I can't speak too highly about this volume and I thoroughly recommend it to anyone interested in military firearms.



4. Many books have been written about the U.S. M1903 Springfield Rifle, and this one is the very best, bar none. It gets down into the technical and minutiae without becoming a bore, and has enough of life inserted to make it readable. If you need a textbook on the M1903, this is The Book to own. now I have to consider disposing of several books I have purchased, as they are no longer needed>



5. This book contains a huge amount of very detailed information. It is relatively expensive, but it contains enough information for two books. I recommend this book to anyone with an interest in the M1903 Springfield.

5 comments about Gunsmithing: Guns Of The Old West (Gunsmithing).

1. Very well presented with a wealth of information for the pro or home gunsmith.Another good reference book to add to the collection.



2. I found this book to be very helpful when repairing top break replicas, Colts (single and double action), and percussion revolvers. He also covers lever action rifles extensively although I have not personally used that section.
   
   Gunsmiths these days are hard to find, so a lot of us have to do it ourselves. The author thankfully covers a lot of important and common problems I have faced, so that I didn't have to go on a usually futile search for a gunsmith. Mr. Chicoine is obviously an experienced and intelligent man, and he writes clearly. Plenty of illustrations guide you through the repairs he describes.
   
   Does he cover every possible conceivable problem? Every firearm? Of course not. Who could? For the money I recommend it. It has saved me more than the purchase price already.



3. I returned this book because I felt it did not live up to my expectations after all the hype I had read about it.



4. Dave Chicoine's book places the years of this Mastercraftsmens experience and knowledge right in your hands.Long known amongst the collector's & shooters of the old firearms as THEE person to have do your repair or restoration's on these old classics, Chicoines book makes a most welcome addition to this booming field and is written in a down to earth,understandable manner,
   clear and concise, and reader friendly.The information found in this new book contains a tremendous amount of hard to find facts and details surrounding working on these "old timers" and new information about the modern reproductions of many of these classics and the "ins & Outs" of them also by the man who has the most experience to date in working,repairing and "sprucing up" these new firearms. Let us hope he produces more such works for those of us in this field down the road a piece.



5. I would like to preface my review by saying that I am not a gunsmith and do not plan to become one. Like the author, I grew up watching TV westerns and developed an early fascination for these guns. I enjoy reading about them, looking at them, studying how they operate, and learning what to look for when evaluating a potential purchase.

   In a nutshell, I would say that this book is definitely worth the money I paid for it. It should give me hours of educational reading pleasure and will be a valuable addition to my collection of gun books.

   The author devotes about the first hundred pages of the book to topics including gunsmithing tools, types of metal finishes, headspacing, sear engagement angles, repairing and making screws and pins, the issue of restoration of antique guns, and general gunsmithing repairs. I plan to thoroughly read these informative sections.

   If you are interested in gunsmithing 19th century handguns and their replicas, this is the book for you. The author devotes 176 pages to the operation, takedown, and repair of handguns. In my opinion, a better title for the book would be, "Gunsmithing Guns of the Old West, Volume 1: Pistols."

   Readers interested in the gunsmithing of rifles and shotguns aren't as fortunate. The author devotes 46 pages to rifles and 11 pages to shotguns. However, except for 9 pages discussing the operation and repair of the toggle link mechanism of the '73 Winchester (which by itself could be worth the purchase price of the book), and a paragraph for the '92, there are only takedown instructions for a variety of antique rifles and 3 shotguns, along with parts diagrams borrowed from other publications. The author doesn't include sequences of clear photographs like in Gun Digest's series of takedown books.

   When I think of guns of the old west, the first thing that comes to mind is a lever action Winchester rifle. So I expected information on troubleshooting and repairing common problems on the popular Winchester lever actions such as the '86 and '94, the Marlin lever actions, and the Colt Lightning slide action rifles. It would be nice to read about typical problems encountered with these guns, what the novice should attempt to fix, and what problems should be referred to a professional gunsmith.

   With the popularity of the Winchester Model 1897 shotgun in cowboy action shooting, I expected to see a section devoted to this fine old gun. Again, nothing except for takedown instructions is included. Readers interested in the '97 would be better off purchasing a copy of "Gunsmithing Shotguns" by Patrick Sweeney.

   In conclusion, I like the book and am glad I purchased it. I would look forward to purchasing a sequel to it that focuses more on gunsmithing rifles and shotguns of the old west.

1 comments about Steel Canvas: The Art Of American Arms.

1. Having been a serrious engraver for just over a year now, I have amassed several books on engraving: mainly the "standards" for engravers: several of the Dover series of patterns, James L. Meek, Nimschke, etc. This has some of the finest and sharpest photos of engraving I have seen. And this book is cheap compaired to many of the others. Just plain beautiful. And --- worth every penny

2 comments about The Heritage of English Knives.

1. The author has mixed lots of fakes with some very good knives. He also can't tell myth from fact when it comes to American history.



2. This book is second only to the Sheffield Exhibition Knives book published a few years ago. Mr Hayden-wright is obviously well versed in the history of knife making in Sheffield and has woven his knowledge very well with the many fine examples pictured.
   
   My only complaint is that it would be great to see more detailed pictures of some of the more important pieces, but overall my thought is that many collectors and makers will be inspired by this book. Well worth the price for the serious collector and maker.

2 comments about How To Make A Silencer For A .45 (Silencers).

1. The author states this right up front. He has no control over what the editors put in the ad-blub. He says the same thing in the book on making a can for the Mini-14. He says to do your learning on a .22, and to read his .22 "can-book" FIRST. This man's designs work just as he says that they do. If you are not a machinist and a welder, of course you can't follow the instructions in this book. It would help to be an accomplished gunsmith, too.



2. Poorly written with difficult to follow instructions that involve poor techniques and designs.

   Possession of items described as parts in this book and/or making items described within without first obtaining permission from the Federal and State governments are felony crimes punishable by $10,000+ fines and 10+ years in prison. You can ask the author he spent years in prison himself.

   There are better books available if the study of this topic interests you.

5 comments about Winchester's Finest: The Model 21.

1. This was a very well written and illustrated book. Enjoyed it very much.



2. best of the books on the winchester model 21. if you own one, or are thinking of owning one, this is a must read book.



3. Winchester's Model 21 has generated more then its fair share of controversy since it first came out in 1931. There were those who considered it the finest side by ever made. They based this up the superiority of the design and strength of the steel used. Then again, there were those who couldn't stand it. They said it was too heavy and was over priced. Be that as it may, it has made its mark on the shooting public. It was the closing chapter in a long list of great American shotguns; Parkers, L.C. Smiths, Ithacas, etc. The author has compiled a book that traces its history through its development and early years to when it was production line mode and finally to when it was relegated to the custom shop. If it hadn't been for John Olin it would have been dropped altogether in late 1959, instead of being made into a custom gun. Nothing is left to chance. The chapter on the custom made 21s is especially well done, as it goes into great detail regarding the differences between the various grades. I was impressed with the photographs of the engraving. Winchester's engravers were some of the best in the business. I wish there had been a chapter explaining the building of one of these guns from start to finish, with photographs included. It would give the reader a better appreciation. Overall, this is a very well written book that should be in the library of those who appreciate fine shotguns.



4. Winchester's Model 21 has generated more then its fair share of controversy since it first came out in 1931. There were those who considered it the finest side by ever made. They based this up the superiority of the design and strength of the steel used. Then again, there were those who couldn't stand it. They said it was too heavy and was over priced. Be that as it may, it has made its mark on the shooting public. It was the closing chapter in a long list of great American shotguns; Parkers, L.C. Smiths, Ithacas, etc. The author has compiled a book that traces its history through its development and early years to when it was production line mode and finally to when it was relegated to the custom shop. If it hadn't been for John Olin it would have been dropped altogether in late 1959, instead of being made into a custom gun. Nothing is left to chance. The chapter on the custom made 21s is especially well done, as it goes into great detail regarding the differences between the various grades. I was impressed with the photographs of the engraving. Winchester's engravers were some of the best in the business. I wish there had been a chapter explaining the building of one of these guns from start to finish, with photographs included. It would give the reader a better appreciation. Overall, this is a very well written book that should be in the library of those who appreciate fine shotguns.



5. Winchester's Model 21 was the last in a long series of side by double barrel shotguns to be built in this country Parker, L.C. Smith, Ithaca, just to name a few that preceded it. It came out during the midst of the Great Depression and when Winchester was about ready to go bankrupt. A very inauspicious time to bring out what would be the finest and most strongest shotgun ever made. Here was the modern double barrel shotgun that was made with superior steel and design, that could withstand maximum proof loads that would cause any other gun to fail. The Model 21 made its reputation based upon its strength in the duck blind, going after upland game, or even on the trap and skeet line. It lived up to its reputation. Incidentially, it was one of John M. Olin's favorites. He was the one who kept it going on a custome made basis, after it had been discontinued. The authors have gone to great length researching the history and development of the gun. They start off with the earliest models, which sported double triggers and a splinter forearm to the custom model which were made starting in 1960 up until the late 1980s when USRAC stopped making them. Nothing has been left to chance and the photographs of the engraving and stockwork, while very well done, unfortunately, does not come close to the book on the Browning Superposed. Still, this is a book to buy for those who, either, own one or like to entertain hopes of buying a used one. Be forewarned, that while they are available, they are rather expensive. One closing item and that is the gentleman who is making the Fox side by, Tony Galazan, bought up all of the parts for the 21, along with tools. He is prepared to either repair Model 21s and even make them.