3 comments about The Gun and its Development (Ninth Edition).

1. Everything you will ever need to know about Guns and Ammunition of all types , most informative.



2. Not much more to say. If you purchase, admire, fire, or just drool over old firearms you need to add this book to your shelf. Every bit as important to the collector as the works by the late great George Madis. It is not necessarily a fun or even easy book to read but it is THE authoritative historical reference. If you can get your hands on an original hard-cover edition you'll find that the illustrations are just a bit clearer -- but bring more money.



3. This book is a complete sporting gun encyclopedia, it has made many of my gun books totally useless as this one looks to be the source of all information other authors used to create their books. Although its the least costing book I own, it is certainly the most valuable one.

1 comments about Accurizing the Factory Rifle.

1. This is a great book. It is a step or two above others I have read, offering creative insights on accurizing your rifle. If you have a lever action rifle this is the book for you! I have read next to no material whatsoever on modifying lever action rifles. This book goes into great detail on issues that rob acuracy and how to fix them. It is organized very well and should be very easy to find just the tip you need.There are lots of pictures to help out the written explainations as well. I did find myself wanting to see more usfeful diagrams though.
   This is a must have for any gunsmithing library!

5 comments about Sharps Firearms.

1. Very detailed book with a LOT of information on just about everything Sharps ever made. You get a good amount of facts & figures, a lot of photographs and other illustrations.
   There is actually too much for one book. I found myself wanting more information on the 1874 model Sharps (the type used in the movie Quigley Down Under)and while there is a great deal it managed to not cover everything I wanted. This is most likely because in his preface Mr. Sellers writes that he originally came up with a 1500 page manuscript that had everything in it. Obviously to get it down to a publishable 358 pages a lot had to be cut out but you will get information on design, development, models, types & variations. There is also a lot of stuff on accessories, even the types of finishes that the rifles and other guns could be purchased with.
   Anyone who owns or wants to own a Sharps should have this book as should anyone interested in the history of American firearms.
   Although listed as out of print I have a copy that came out in 2003, it might not look as nice as some of the earlier editions but has the same information. If you can't find an old one (same price as new I think), try one of the major shooting supplies websites, or try Shiloh Rifle itself.



2. Without a doubt the finest reference on Sharps Rifles available.Mr Sellers has done the research and cleared up any argument as to what the plains buffalo rifles were; calibre, weight and configuration. The illustrations and first hand accounts of owner's of these fine firearms are first rate.



3. Without a doubt the finest reference on Sharps Rifles available.Mr Sellers has done the research and cleared up any argument as to what the plains buffalo rifles were; calibre, weight and configuration. The illustrations and first hand accounts of owner's of these fine firearms are first rate.



4. The book is a very valuable resource for anyone interested in Sharps rifles and the part they have played in American history. As avid sharps rifle shooters my wife and I both enjoyed the book.



5. I have read with great interest Mr. Sellars' book on the Sharps firearm. It is well researched with all the data that could be found on this firearm, including wonderful photographs. It covers every known Sharps firearm. I cherish this book above all others in my collection. Without a doubt, Frank Sellers should be very proud of this book! And so will anyone who owns it. I know I am.

1 comments about Winchester Slide-Action Rifles: volumes i & ii (Winchester Classics).

1. Ever since shooting a Winchester slide-action rifle in a shooting gallery, it has been my dream to own such a rifle. After many, many years, I finally came across a used Winchester Model 61 that I could buy. A large part of the enjoyment, however, comes from reading up on the history of this type of weapon. I find it fascinating to be able to establish the year the rifle was made and to check whether all the parts are authentic because they were made in the same time-frame.

2 comments about The Colt Model 1905 Automatic Pistol.

1. I highly recommend this book as the definitive source on the Colt 1905 and 1905/07. Although the type itself saw limited production, its developement history and impact is a necessary adjunct to understanding and appreciating the Colt 1911 Automatic for which it was the precusor and also the bridge from the 1900/1902 .38 models which started it all.
   With only a little over 6,000 produced, the elegant 1905's are hard to find, but after reading this book you are going to start looking for one. I had already found mine, and before the book I was totally ignorant of the details concerning this type...with this book I now know not only the Id of the man who inspected it but also the man who assembled it. And that is just the beginning...even within this low production there are variations that we collectors just love to study. Many thanks to Mr. Potocki for this excellent work and deepening my appreciation for this
   early automatic pistol.



2. When I wrote this book it was intended for the Colt and automatic pistol collector. The main objectives were to provide the collector with the factual information about the variations of the pistol and provide a guide for helping the collector identify all of the pistol's variations.

   There is a limited amount of color and background but there is a maximum amount of detail as to physical changes in the pistol during its' production years. For example, most assume that there were two hammers used in the production models; there were four and they are identified.

   The correct boxed amunition for these pistols is also identified and described.

   If you collect automatic pistols and if you want to insure that the M1905 you are considering is correct, this book is for you. It should be noted that in many cases this information does not jibe with what is currently in print, but it is accurate as per surviving models that were surveyed for the factual information in the book.

   Most previous information about the M1905 has been in error, our intent was to correct the errors with facts.

5 comments about Daisy Air Rifles & BB Guns The First 100 Years.

1. Very enjoyable. It brought back a lot of memories. I shared it with a
   friend my age, and it gave us a lot to reminisce about.



2. Nice informative paperback. No prices for us collectors/dealers. Does anyone publish a price guide for BB guns?



3. - A terrific book with outstanding photography and commentary on Daisy BB guns, toys, and advertising over a 100 year period.
   Gary Garber



4. The book 100 years of Daisy BB guns is excellent, great pix, very informataive and a must have for the Daisy BB gun fan, collector or shooter. I would have liked more written text but book is great and helpful as it is. I have a few Daisy bb guns but dont concentrate on them. Try it youll like it.



5. An entertaining and informative compendium of the products of the Daisy Company.

1 comments about Horses of the German Army in World War II (Schiffer Military History Book).

1. Overall a very good book showing not only the use of horses by the German Wehrmacht in WWII but also detailed explanations and photographs of the equipment used by mounted troops. Of all the books out there covering the German Kavallerie formations, this is one of the top offerings concerning equipment and field gear coverage. Two small shortcomings: 1)The first seven chapters are extracts from US Military History Institute publications although they are still informative and well written. 2) Although most of the modern color photos of equipment is large size and detailed, several are not focused correctly. Other than these two minor issues, I would highly recommend this book for research, hobbyists or collectors.

4 comments about Browning Sporting Arms of Distinction: 1903-1992.

1. Excellent book for the collector of Browning sporting arms but I lack a deeper technical insight.



2. Excellent. Owner's of Browning FN Bolt Action Rifles made in Belgium in the 1960-1970s will find this book very informative. It contains information that even few Browning personnel know about.



3. This book is a must not only for the longtime Browning collector but the novice buyer as well. It contains detailed explanations of all different Browing firearms, including the models and grades of each type. In addition there is also a good bit of information on Browning's history, proof marks and seriel numbers just to name a few of the catagories this book touches on. I have found it an excellent resource.



4. I have been collecting Browning guns for a few years. I have tried to find out as much as I can about each gun I acquire. Not until I got this book did I get the real history behind each gun. This book is a great guide on finding out all there is to know about Browning guns and Browning history. I don't know how I got this far without this book. It even contains old orginal adds and instructions books! The book covers every possible detail. If you are a Browning fan this book is a must.

5 comments about Official SKS Manual.

1. Being a translation of the original Russian Army SKS manual, this book contains a good deal of historical info. But keep in mind that it's also pretty 'dated' at times. They didn't have great gun-care products like "Break-Free CLP" when this was written! There is info for breaking the gun down, which is VITAL as most if not all SKS rifles today come packed in a thick layer of cosmoline for protection. And it all must be removed, inside and out, for the gun to function safely!
   
   There's also some extra stuff on the history of the SKS development. Interesting stuff to know, but I wish they would also have gone forward in time as well and talked about the SKS' role today as one of the BEST values to be found in a rifle.
   
   Overall The Official SKS Manual is not a great *modern* 'instruction book,' but still has lots of practical and interesting info for the SKS owner. There are web sites out there that cover stripping and cleaning in far more detail. The book is a good read, but if you're only going to own ONE book on the SKS, I don't think this would be it.



2. This is probably a good book for collectors - history, statistical data, military application (how to shoot what, how an officer has to inspect the weapon, etc.,) Mostly things that are not relevant to today's sports shooting. It's probably because this manual is direct translation of a Russian field manual, which was issued (only in theory, most soldiers have never seen it) as a SUPPLEMENT to training. It was not meant as a stand-alone "teach yourself" type of book. Yes, there are disassembly and cleaning chapters, but any free information I've found on the web was better and more detailed with better illustration.

   Just last night I had to disassemble my new SKS and remove storage grease, lube and re-assemble. I found this manual LEAST helpful out of all information sources I had.




3. What better way to learn about a rifle than from the people who designed it? It contains everything you need to know about the SKS, including detailed instructions for breakdown and cleaning. It also contains military information that is fairly useless to the modern American reader (how to shoot at different kinds of targets), but that is interesting nevertheless.



4. This is a translated manual for russian soldiers about the SKS weapon. It has interesting firing information like leading calculations for firing at planes and parachutists (which I believe is against the Geneva convention) and not generally helpful in modern America but interesting. Shooting distances, wind targeting, information about various types of ammunition available, and a really nice history of the designer. It is a must for any SKS owner.



5. This book is the translation of the manual given to Russian soldiers when they are first issued their SKS carbine. It not only tells you when the weapon was required to be cleaned and lubricated but gives detailed drawings and photographs to show you how.

   A brief history of the weapon and its' inventor is included.

   This is the type of reading that one needs to both familiarize ones-self with the firearm and then read in more depth as you become more expert.

3 comments about The Yasukuni Swords: Rare Weapons of Japan, 1933-1945.

1. Books on Japanese swords are by their nature scarce and expensive. Many of them are out of date, or of supeficial scholarship. And many of the best ones are in Japanese, which makes it difficult for the English speaking collector/ enthusiast to use. But this book is an essential reference
   in this field of interest.
   
   Most books of Japanese swords cover the old historic swords. But since there are only so many of these surviving, a new market in swords made after the age of the Samurai have become popular. Hence the interest in swords made in modern times, but in the traditional manner.
   
   This book originally appeared in Japanese in 1998, and was translated in 2004. It covers the efforts in the 1980s to commemorate the traditional
   Japanese sword smithy and manufacturing unit that existed at Yasukuni
   shrine from 1933 to 1945. Yasukuni shrine was founded in the late 19th century in Tokyo to commemorate the spirits of Japanese war dead.
   A number of these smiths were located, and some made swords which
   were part of special exhibition. Eventually a special presentation sword was made by a group of these artisans, and given to the shrine marking the 50th anniversary.
   
   Most of the production of these swords were given as presentation pieces
   to graduates of the Army and Naval officer schools. Also a number were ordered by the Imperial household. All of the swords made at Yasukuni
   were of the highest quality, and rigid quality control was enforced.
   
   The book is full of wonderful details about the smiths and artisans working in Yasukuni, the establishment and history of the unit, and its demise at the end of WW II. There are numerous pictures of these swords, their inscriptions, production notes, even the layout of the sword
   shop. There are also the basics about Japanese sword making and the
   traditional forge and tools involved. For a slim volume like this, there is
   an amazing amount of information and research packed into it. In all
   approximately 8100 swords were made at Yasukuni from 1933 to 1945.
   
   This is an excellent book and essential addition to anyone with an interest in Japanese swords, Japanese history, arms & armour, or WW II in the Pacific theatre.



2. Few things carry the taint of Imperialism like Yasukuni Shrine. Dedicated to war dead, the shrine became a symbol for the Emperor cult of WWII Axis Japan, with Class A war criminals such as General Tojo being honored there. In modern Japan, it is a last remaining relic, after State Shinto was banned by the US occupation forces, and even today an official visit by a government official creates an uproar in the Asian nations abused by the Japanese army.
   
   With this in mind, a book titled "The Yasukuni Swords" carries the same aura as a book titled "The Auschwitz Bayonets" or "The Mai Lai Guns." Even amongst Nihonto enthusiasts, WWII era swords were known for their inferior quality and mass production, handed off to soldiers before being sent off to slaughter. But this book, "The Yasukuni Swords: Rare Weapons of Japan 1933-1945" is not about ignominious history or garbage blades. It is about the preservation of an ancient art, rescued from oblivion. In this case, it is the end, not the means that matter.
   
   By the time of the inauguration of the Yasukuni Forge, in 1933, there were less than 10 swordsmiths in remaining in Japan. The sword-banning act of the Meiji Restoration had almost caused the extinction of perhaps the most refined tradition of swordcraft the world has ever known. Even of the 10, only one, Gassan Sadakatsu, was able to make blades of ancient quality. The military government in power, attempting to foster their aggression with the resurrection of the samurai spirit, gathered the remaining swordsmiths at Yasukuni Shrine, and established the forge. This is their story.
   
   Their story is fascinating indeed, as is the tale of the slow and painful resurrection of the swordsmithing art. Not only the smiths themselves, but all the accompanying crafts needed revival. The unique ore needed was in short supply, and the oral tradition of its processing was in the minds of 80-year old men. The blade polishers and the hilt wrappers all needed to be sought out and new craftsmen trained. Specific to the Yasukuni Forge, only traditional hand-craft was used, forging blades for officers and high-ranking Imperials, rather than the machine-forged blades of the common soldier during the war.
   
   In the end, up to 200 new swordsmiths were raised from the fires of the Yasukuni Forge, ensuring the survival of Japanese swordcraft for future generations.
   
   In addition to this fascinating history, "The Yasukuni Swords: Rare Weapons of Japan 1933-1945" catalogs the blades of that era, showing the distinct markings and techniques and rediscovery of the art. There are articles on the Yasukuni Forge from the 1940s, as well as modern essays on the blades. Photographs bring the whole history to life, and this is one of the most fascinating books I have read for some time.



3. The Japanese sword occupied a position in their military culture not unlike that of the engraved pistols in American culture. One important class of Japanese swords are the 8,100 swords produced on the grounds of the Yasukuni Shrine between 1933 and 1945. The group of swordsmiths collected there preserved the time-honored forging methods and the aesthetic and apiritual traditions of the samurai warrior.
   
   In the aftermath of World War II sword ownership was banned in Japan and many of these swords were destroyed. Others became war booty and were removed to the victors countries.
   
   After the manufacturing of swords was allowed in 1954 many of the smiths began making swords again, but independently.
   
   This book is both a collection of photographs of Yasukuni swords and a story of the swordsmiths and the institution. It is a book that speaks of these historic swords with reverence.