5 comments about Gun Digest 2008 (Gun Digest).

1. My last Shooter's Guide was a 2004.....the 2008 is much better, especially the ballistics section. Very interesting & informative articles.



2. This is a very fine product and it was sent in timely manner. I think anyone who enjoys guns will find it useful. Bob



3. This book is not as comprehensive as it could be. Also many manufacturers are under represented and some not at all while others have no photos. This makes it somewhat inconsistent. Having said that it is also just about the only thing available that gives you an overview of what's available in the industry. The "other" book, Shooters Bible, is more detailed in its listings but even less comprehensive. You really need both. I buy one every other year.



4. Every year for the past thirty odd years I have ran out in the early fall and purchased the annual Gun Digest as soon as it hits the bookstores. I did so again this year with the Gun Digest 2008. Unfortunately there has been a decline in quality to the Gun Digest in the past several years and John Amber the original editor and publisher of the Gun Digest would be very sadden to see GD 2008. Under John Amber, the GD every year was always an encyclopedia of technical, historical and pertinent related information for the collector, the sportsman, the historian and the gun enthusiast.
   Now Gun Digest 2008 is basically a coffee table book. The photography is uniformly excellent but half the book is a catalog and the remaining half is a update on what the fireamrns industry has produced the past year i.e. Reports From The Field (Rifles, Shotguns, Autoloaders, Sixguns and others,Single Shots, Black Powder). Apart from a few nostaglia pieces ( Me and the CMP, 50 years in Boy Scout Shooting) that is the GD 2008 in a nutshell. The sole article that caught my attention was on the restoration of a Model 1886. I personally wish there had been more on restorations and custom rifles and handguns.
   It just amazes me that with the explosion of firearms related forums and websites on the Internet (and I must admit that such information is not always credible)the Gun Digest cannot return to its' previous high standard. The ideas and material are out there.
   Would I buy GD 2008 again? Sure but I will hope that GD 2009 is better.



5. There is no book like Gun Digest. It has the up-to-date info thatt other books lack. I enjoy the artcles as I think they best speak to me as a firearms enthusiast. You don't get to 62 editions without being the best!

5 comments about Blue Book of Gun Values.

1. Great book at a great price. Very informative. A must for any collector or hobbiest.



2. For many years (35) I have relied on this book as a guide to firearms values. It is the most complete gun guide published.
   Robert Caselnova, FFL, owner Cas Firearms



3. This is the standard for gun values. It is the one I see used by the dealers at all the gunshows. While it is not perfect, it is a the most information I have ever seen about gun values in one place. Some information may be in error, but given the sheer volume of entries, the errors are minor. I have been studying guns for over thirty-five years, and was amazed at how many guns and makers were listed that I had never heard of. Buy this one if you want to get fair value in your gun deals.



4. I guess they were in a time crunch. This book doesn't have all guns in their value. I have three gun not in the book how many more are missing? I say do your job!



5. Updated and informative reference on gun values. Extensive listings. With many changes in the firearms industry nothing can be completely current; however, this book is as close as you will get.

5 comments about Customize the Ruger 10/22.

1. This book was well written and organized. I found it very helpful in answering some questions I had about my Ruger 10-22. It was a good value.



2. Excellent presentation of both text and illustrations. Material very helpful to both inexperienced shooters as well as old pros.



3. I've read other 10/22 books but this one is the best so far. The book is broken down perfectly starting fairly general about the 10/22 then focusing on each component and fairly recognizing the many major suppliers of replacement or upgrade components. It really helped me with some decisions on upgrades to my "tack-driver". A must have for anyone building or modifying their 10/22.



4. Chapter 1 History and Current versions of the Ruger 10/22 .........................................................................15 pages
   Different models sold 1964 to 2005, chronology, pictures, features
   Chapter 2 Design Characteristics and Concerns ....................................................................................17 pages
   Headspace, rifling, free bore, chambers, crowns, lapping, vibration, lock time, installing a trigger kit
   Chapter 3 Ammunition ............................................................................................................29 pages
   General comments, Accuracy and Precision, Ammunition selection, a chart of velocities and bullet weights, testing, internal ballistics, external ballistics, concentricity, rim thickness, chart of rim thickness distribution, matching ammunition to the rifle
   Chapter 4 Performance with factory rifles .........................................................................................20 pages
   Charts of group size vs ammo type vs models tested
   Chapter 5 How the 10/22 works ....................................................................................................32 pages
   The autoloading action, tools, cautions, disassembly of major components, bolt removal and disassembly, disassembly of the trigger unit [16 pages of excellent photos], removal of factory sights
   Chapter 6 Some Basic Operations, Tools, and Techniques........................................................................... 26 pages
   What to use to do what [screwdrivers, hammers, drifts, calipers] Smoothing and polishing the metal [sand paper and Dremels] Bluing Steel [cold blue an old scope] Finishing non ferrous metals, finishing wood, cleaning
   Chapter 7 Stocks for the Ruger 10/22............................................................................................. 31 pages
   [types of stocks, cost of stocks, modifying stocks]
   Chapter 8 Barrels for the Ruger 10/22 ............................................................................................12 pages
   Factory barrels, changing barrels, installing aftermarket barrels, Accuracy, types of aftermarket barrels, chart of barrel lengths and weights
   Chapter 9 Fire control parts .....................................................................................................12 pages
   The authors and editors may be unaware that the meaning of the term "Fire Control" is "sights" and not "trigger mechanism", and that would explain why this is a chapter about trigger mechanisms for the 10/22.
   Bolt stop, Replacement trigger Assemblies, Hammer and Sear, Magazine release, firing pin [good pictures on how to remove the firing pin], Extractor, High Capacity Magazines,
   Chapter 10 Sights for the Ruger 10/22 .............................................................................................38 pages
   Open sights, Fiber optic sights, Peep Sights, Zephyr Sights, Scope Characteristics, Scopes for rimfires, Scope mounts and rings, A closer look at some rimfire scopes, Red Dot sights
   Chapter 11 Testing some Custom rifles..............................................................................................40 pages
   Testing procedures and goals, Results of accuracy testing
   Group size vs ammo with A&B barrel, Fajen Stock, Jard trigger, Weaver V-16 scope
   Group size vs ammo with Butler creek barrel and stock, Hornet trigger, Leupold 2-7X scope
   Group size vs ammo with Butler Creek barrel, Hogue stock, Kidd trigger, V-16 scope
   Group size vs ammo with Green Mountain barrel, Cabela's stock, Jard trigger, V-16 scope
   Group size vs ammo with Green Mountain barrel, Hogue stock, Kidd trigger, V-16 scope
   Group size vs ammo with Jarvis barrel, Hogue stock, Volquartsen trigger, Scheels 4x12 AO scope
   Group size vs ammo with Jarvis barrel, modified factory stock, Kidd trigger, V-16 scope
   Group size vs ammo with Kidd barrel, Revival stock, Hornet trigger, Leupold 2x7 scope
   Group size vs ammo with Lilja barrel, Hogue stock, Volquartsen trigger, Scheels scope
   Group size vs ammo with Magnum Research barrel, Bell&Carlson stock, Hornet trigger, Leupold 2x7 scope
   Group size vs ammo with Majestic Arms barrel, Hogue stock, V-16 scope
   Group size vs ammo with Ranch Products barrel, factory stock, Hornet trigger, Leupold 2x7 scope
   Group size vs ammo with Shaw barrel, modified factory stock, Kidd trigger, V16 scope
   Group size vs ammo with Shilen blue barrel, Bell&C stock, Kidd trigger, Cabela's pine ridge scope
   Group size vs ammo with Shlen Stainless barrel, B&C stock, Hornet trigger, Scheels scope
   Group size vs ammo with Tactical Solutions barrel, McMillan Stock, Hornet trigger, Leupold 2x7 scope
   Group size vs ammo with Tactial Solutions barrel, Butler Creek Stock, Hornet trigger, Leupold 2x7 scope
   Group size vs ammo with Volquartsen barrel, Hogue stock, Volquartsen trigger, Scheels scope
   Group size vs ammo with Whistle Pig barrel, Revival stock, Hornet trigger, Leupold 2x7 scope
   Summary, Custom 17 Mach 2 rifles,
   Group size vs ammo with 17M2 Majestic Arms barrel, B&C stock, factory trigger, 3x9 Sightron scope
   Group size vs ammo with 17M2 Magnum Research barrel, B&C stock, Factory trigger, 3x9 sightron scope
   Chapter 12 The Ruger 10/22 Magnum..................................................................................................15 pages
   Design and cycling, Stocks for the 10/22M, Barrels for the 10/22M, Triggers, Testing the Custom 10/22 Magnum rifles
   Group size vs ammo with 10/22M Green Mountain barrel, Hogue stock, trigger modified by Hornet, Sightron 3x9 scope
   Group size vs ammo with 10/22M Majestic Arms barrel, Hogue stock, trigger mod by Hornet, Sightron 3x9 scope.
   Testing 10/22M converted to 17HRM
   Group size vs ammo for 17HMR Butler Creek barrel, Hogue stock, trigger mod by Hornet, Sightron 3x9 scope
   A custom 17HRM auto loader from Clark Custom Guns
   Chapter 13 Sources for the 10/22 Shopper............................................................................................8 pages
   
   What does it all mean?
   You want to buy this book so you will know the effect on your group size caused by different ammo, barrels, triggers, stocks, and scopes. You also want to know how to take your 10/22 apart and change out the parts.



5. The book has good advice and it can answer alot of questions about the 10/22.The book can hook you up with different vendors for different accesories for the 10/22.

5 comments about Standard Catalog of Firearms 2007: The Collectors Price And Reference Guide (Standard Catalog of Firearms).

1. This 2007 edition has been updated very nicely. Lots more information than previously. A few illustrations could be updated to match current knowledge of the product. This shortcoming is unavoidable as the information might not have been known at time of publishing. We look forward to such updates being included in its next printing. Overall, the book has been greatly improved in appearance and "readability." It's a MUST HAVE for all who are interested in historical firearms.



2. Not as updated as it would have you believe but still a good reference if you don't already own an earlier version and it does have a lot of photos.



3. While not the end all of reference guides, when used in combination with other reference guides the book is very useful. The pictures have proven to be invaluable for identifying a certain model or type of firearm.



4. Very useful and full of information. We buy a new book every year to keep up with the pricing, but also to see how our investments have done!!



5. I have purchased this book since they started publishing it. I collect guns and this is a great pricing guide. This issue is a little below the standards of previous years. They seem to have changed some subtle things that won't affect the first time buyer but for the perpetual purchaser are disappointing.

5 comments about Complete Bladesmith: Forging Your Way To Perfection.

1. As a beginner this was the book I was looking for, the title says it all "The Complete Bladesmith". Very comprehensive and informative.



2. So far I have found this book to be very straightforward, easy to understand, and quite helpful. Not only do I find it informative, but I enjoy reading it too.



3. This book is about how to make knives by different materials, for example 1050 steel. It's a quite good book, especially for beginners with reasonable price. Highly recommended to all!



4. A great book for the beginner, but not to be taken as a metallurgical point of reference. Antiquated theories such as 'edge-packing' and other misconceptions are taught in this text. This is not a problem, assuming the reader does enough research - either before or after reading this book. It offers great explanations of techniques, complete with well-explained drawings, diagrams and pictures, as well as plenty of good information on intelligent shop layout, tool selection, etc.
   
   Certainly worth owning, just BEWARE the dated information!



5. When i received this book i see much more detais, and contents that i have expected. Details about the forge to the finishing of a sword. I'm a new blacksmith in pratice but i recomend this book to anyone who want to progress in the art of bladesmith !

5 comments about The Gun Digest Book of Firearms Assembly/Disassembly: Automatic Pistols (Gun Digest Book of Firearms Assembly/Disassembly).

1. This book is very good at step-by step instructions. The pictures are well taken of the actual part you are working on. There could be more model numbers to go over, but the ones they have are very good. The author is exerienced in gun repair and it shows up in the "tip" portion of every model. I think a list of specialty tools would benifit the author in this book, since each model of firearm needs at least one special tool. Not all, but most. Listing those would benifit the less experienced gunsmith. Thank you



2. This book and all the others in the series are invaluable to the professional gunsmith, firearms hobbiest, or the casual gun owner who just likes to "see how things work" but can't always quite remember whether this little spring went in here, or over there.



3. This book is an excellent guide for disassembly. It is worthless as a guide for reassembly. There are no step-by-step instructions for reassembling a firearm. At best, the book assumes that reassembly is the reversal of the steps involved in disassembly. This is not necessarily so. I would not recommend this book to a hobbyist.



4. Since I am a Gunsmith and deal with a variety of firearms I bought this book for disassembly/assembly instructions.

   This book is almost 23 years old and in sore need of updating. It does not even cover the new S&W auto pistols, Glock series of Handguns, or the Heckler & Koch (HK) MP 5 submachine gun. All of these are in wide use by law enforcement. Further the Mossberg 500/590 isn't cover either. Duh! It is the only shotgun to pass the mil spec test and is in wide use by cops.

   Unless you just have to have it for work wait for an updated version that covers firearms developed and in use by law enforcement in the last 23 years




5. If you cannot field strip a weapon you really have no business owning it. I bought the volume on automatic pistols and I was not disappointed. For most of my life I was a revolver man and I stayed away from automatics because I didn't understand them- and I was convinved that they were unreliable. When I bought my first Model 1911 (which has NEVER jammed on me) it didn't have a field manual, so I bought this book. It didn't take long before I was field stripping and reassembling blind-folded. I feel confident that I could do the same with any automatic even loosely based on John Browning's designs. I might have trouble with German designs like the Luger or Broom handle Mauser, but after studying this book I feel sure that I could eventually master them too.

3 comments about Arrowheads and Projectile Points (Identification & Values (Collector Books)).

1. Good overall, although only basic pictures, simple text but get the point across. THis book is really the same for over a decade now, but has updated realistic prices. Lar did great and his son has done well since his passing. Good value price too.



2. Mr. Hothem puts together a book that is easy reading but I wish it had a section which showed exactly what characteristics designates certain points from each other (with a diagram). Otherwise, I found the book to be a nice companion book to other arrowhead books I have.



3. This 223 page's book is an excellent introduction to the world of prehistoric amerindian projectile points and arrowheads. In some very nice photos and inscriptions you could find the "keys" to what you collect, their relative prices, regional classification and chipping techniques. A simple and practical relation describes the U.S. materials used to make arrowheads and blades including all the regional types, edges, shapes, individual characteristics of each piece and instructions to take care with them. Indispensable to begginers and advanced collectors this book certainly attempt the amateur archaeologist's expectation.

5 comments about Complete AR-15/M16 Sourcebook: What Every Shooter Needs to Know.

1. Nice history and overview of the rifles development, but weak on assembly instruction, maintenance, cleaning etc. A nice historical reference book really.



2. I was new to the AR-15 pattern rifle. This book was informative and still a great read. Provides a full history of the design with info about competing rifles. It could use some updating to cover newer accessories.



3. I enjoyed and found the information useful. If your new to the AR15, this is
   a great way to get up to speed on the subject. The author knows his subject
   and communicates it well. There's a lot more that could have been covered
   but for that, one is well advised to visit www.ar15.com
   You'll find answers there to questions you probably haven't even thought of.



4. The Complete AR-15/M16 Sourcebook: What Every Shooter Needs to Know keeps with its title. Well, somewhat. The book is a very detailed SOURCEBOOK. Do not buy this book to find out what you can do to accessorize your rifle. This book goes into detail about the origins of the AR-15/M16 beginning with the early years and including some photos and text on early models and models that did not make it. The book talks about some of the larger companies that make the AR-15/M16, and has pictures of most of the variants by company. It is a worthwhile read if you desire to learn about the history of the rifle, but is by no means what every reader needs to know.



5. The Complete AR-15/M16 Sourcebook: What Every Shooter Needs to Know keeps with its title. Well, somewhat. The book is a very detailed SOURCEBOOK. Do not buy this book to find out what you can do to accessorize your rifle. This book goes into detail about the origins of the AR-15/M16 beginning with the early years and including some photos and text on early models and models that did not make it. The book talks about some of the larger companies that make the AR-15/M16, and has pictures of most of the variants by company. It is a worthwhile read if you desire to learn about the history of the rifle, but is by no means what every reader needs to know.

5 comments about Standard Catalog of Colt Firearms.

1. Finally a Standard catalog of Colt Firearms. The last good resource for Colt Firearms was the BOCFA by Wilson. A lot has happened since in Hartford, Connecticut. It was about time somebody would try to capture that timespan. But oh boy, did the author made a mess out of things. It's a feast for Colt collector's indeed, trying to find all the errors, it's almost laughable and at the same time sad. This standard catalog cannot in any way compete with the issues about S & W or Winchester. Errors in pictures, discribtions, etc. The Colt pricing is a complete joke: Colt prices are rising almost as fast as a barrel of oil. Sorry to say: if you want a picturebook on Colt's buy it. If you want a good and correct Standard catalog, wait for the revised edition!



2. It is difficult for me to believe that this waste of time and money is in the same list with the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson. That book is thorough and detailed; this thing is just a rush job and a crude one at that.
   While there may be a room in any gun library for a comprehensive and MODERN Colt catalog (the old Sutherland & Wilson/Wilson is too flawed and dated) this thing isn't it!



3. this hardback is now one of my favorite books. the photography is the best of any colt work i have ever owned.this is the most complete source for information on the colt single action army i have read.



4. In my opinion, this book is a major let-down. To be fair, with a book of this kind the author is more apt to be blamed for omissions and errors than credited for what he includes. But whether or not Mr. Sapp put time, work, and enthusiasm into the book, the result of his work simply falls short. Compare the Standard Catalog of Colt Firearms with, say, even the first edition of the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson. The authors of the S&W book clearly exerted due diligence in their research and made every effort to be thorough. In contrast, the author of the Colt book needed to do another two years of research and, as it seems, set a higher standard for what he would accomplish. For example, a "standard catalog" ought to round up and impose order on special production runs about which little is generally known. The S&W book essays this very thing. However, in the Colt book, although commemoratives are represented, what about non-commemorative, limited production items like the Super Lite Commander, Super Commander, Custom Carry Commander, 1911 Recon, etc.? They are not here. What about the run of 9mm Government Models produced in the 1991A1 series? I'd like to know how many 9mm 1991A1 GM's were made and why they were produced, and I look to a book like this to do the research and tell me. But the information is absent. In what calibers has Colt produced the 1991A1 series? Not here. What is the difference between the old and new 1991A1 rollmarks? Every Colt newbie wants to know, and this book should have included an illustrated comparison, but did not. And so it goes: omissions, mixed-up captions, confusing organization (like putting ordinary MK IV Series 80 GMs and Commanders under the Gunsite heading). Too bad! It's a pity to write, edit, and publish a book of this kind without a greater effort to be thorough. I suggest that anyone considering the purchase of this book save his or her money. And--with respect--I suggest the author study the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson as an example to aspire to for the next and hopefully better edition.



5. An OK first effort to give the Colt people something similar to books on S&W, Winchester, and other gun makers.
   
   Problem is, WAY too many blatant errors and switched/wrong pictures.
   Just sloppy editing.
   
   Just as an example, the book describes the 1950's Colt Border Patrol correctly, but pictures the later 1970's Border Patrol that was just the Trooper Mark III with "Border Patrol" stamped on the barrel in place of the Trooper Mark III stamps.
   I couldn't find ANY listing or description for the Mark III based Border Patrol.
   An unwary Mark III owner is going to assume he has a valuable, rare original 1950's Colt Border patrol worth big money.
   
   Many of the listings appear to be simply lifted whole, word for word, from the Gun Digest Book of Gun Values, and I think that's just what was done, just re-hashing the info.
   
   Bottom line, a good effort to produce something for the Colt people, but not a great first cut at it.
   The many errors are obvious carelessness that undercut the value of the information.

2 comments about Standard Catalog of Winchester Firearms.

1. Standard Catalog of Winchester Firearms
   
   Great Book! Very informative. Could not be more pleased.



2. The first book of this series that I bought was "The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson", 3rd Edition, which is a well-thought-out book full of information on each model; good detail, some unique information and a gem to the collector's library. Naturally, I thought that the editors would have husbanded subsequent books in the series to be of comparable quality.
   
   Sadly, it didn't happen. The "Standard Catalog of Winchester Firearms" and its companion "The Standard Catalog of Colt Firearms" are just awful. I'm reasonably certain that they were rushed into print for Christmas and the product that went to the public shows it.
   
   The illustrations are of good quality, but who cares? One normally expects that firearms books be organized chronologically, and that they actually contain information that comes from other than the company advertising brochures. The thing makes no sense to me and is a total waste of money. I'm not even going to try to resell it; I wouldn't wish it on anyone.
   
   If you want a book on Winchester, there is only one available and always has been: The Winchester Book by George Madis. Sure, the photos are not in color but what the hey...it's CRAMMED with the information the collector needs to help make his decisions. The only way to fly.