1 comments about Knives 2004: 24th Annual.

1. As a new knife maker I found this book to be very helpful in visualizing knife design and the different styles. You wont believe the craftsmanship displayed in this book. I would highly recommend this book not only for knife makers but buyers as well.
   Criticisms; I would have left out the ads in the back of the book and had fewer "factor trends", personally I would have paid a few dollars more to leave them out and see more custom knives. More color pictures would be nice as well. But still overall it has definitely set the bar for me in quality knife making. Great job Joe and staff I look forward to the 2005 addition.

3 comments about RUGER AND HIS GUNS: A History of the Man, the Company and Their Firearms.

1. Gosh, this was a pleasant book to read. The only negative I recall was the lack of detailed information about all of the photographs scattered throughout the book. I admit I was hoping to read a little more about some of the business failures and reasons why some firearms did not go into production. However, we don't need to focus in on the negative when it comes to Mr. Ruger's wonderful life! Other than my desire to want a little more description about the photographs and business dealings, this was an absolutely wonderful book on Mr. Ruger.



2. From the first Standard Auto, to Flatgate Single Six's, Flattop Blackhawks, Hawkeye's, Bearcat's, Model 77s, Redhawks, you name it, it is all in here. I love this book. It is the best book on Ruger firearms that you can buy.



3. This book is perfect for anyone interested in the history of Sturm, Ruger and Co. The information is presented in a very organized fashion. I highly recommend this book at twice the price.

4 comments about Katana: The Book of Japanese Blades.

1. First, the Good: I found this book to have some very nice photographs, and information I did not expect - mainly in the custom knife making world of japanese blades. I always like at well made blades and the fact that the traditional swords are all modern does not bother me.
   
   Neutral: This is definitely a "catalog", even has sample pricing.
   
   The Bad: The translations really stink. The thing about Nihonto terminology is that there is no reason to translate. Here's a quote: "The blade is made from tamahagane steel with a ridgeline and single trough giving it an imposing air. I has a wood-grained temper pattern with islands of bright crystals and beautiful dark lines. The temper pattern on the blade's edge is cloudlike with irregular undulating waves. There are also many fine crystals and golden line activity in it."
   
   The above should have gone something like: "The blade is made from tamahagane in shinogi zukuri with hi. The hada is itame with ji-nie and chikei. The hamon is notare in nioi with kinsuji and ko-nie." The problem with the translation is who knows what they are talking about? The Japanese terms are quite specific, while the english translations are not. So although I would have retranslated the text to what I have written, I have no idea if I am correct. Unfortunately, although the pics are nice, they aren't good enough to lllustrate that kind of minutiae.
   
   Also, many of the translations are practically identical, almost like they cut and pasted each entry.
   
   Conclusions: You could probably do without this one if you are a student of Nihonto. I did find the custom knife half of the book interesting. Decent photography overall, however almost useless translations.



2. This book is more like an auction catalog. It even includes a price list. The book is not all about katana. It list photos of newly made modern type hunting knives. Do not expect to learn much about swords.



3. I have to agree with the other reviewers about this book. This is an auction/sale catalog for Munemasa Cutlery. It describes modern Japanese blades made by modern swordsmiths. Granted, some of these swordsmiths are National Living Treasures in Japan, but this is not a book about old samurai swords. If you want a knife catalog, serious knife collectors know *.*. ****** of ****, ** has just as many good japanese blades with much better prices. Finally, if this catalog was aimed at the english-speaking market, it should have been proofed and edited by a knowledgeable knife person who has english as a mother tongue, too bad.



4. This book has beautiful photos of blades - long swords, short swords, knives, even chisels - with good descriptions, but all of the blades are modern creations. Short bios of the makers are also included. More than anything else, this book resembles the kind of auction catalog that would be prepared for an auction of rare art or objects where the only way to evaluate the item besides being there is from the photos and descriptions in the catalog. Each blade in this book is very well photographed and thoroughly described in collectible-style writing. What this is NOT is any kind of historical book. I didn't pay enough attention and thought I was ordering something about the art (craft of making) of samauri swords not the art (esthetic pictures) of new samauri blades. As long as you realize you are getting a beautifully produced catalog (there is even a list of prices at the end) you will be happy.

1 comments about Modern Guns: Identification & Values (Modern Guns).

1. The sixteenth updated edition of MODERN GUNS is a 'must' reference for any serious gun collector, whether it be of pistols, rifles, or shotguns. Such an audience will find the format hasn't changed, but has been redesigned for quicker reference, with each gun receiving in-depth details, the latest values, and pricings in categories ranging from good to very good condition. Add the black and white photos throughout and you have a reference collectors can't be without.
   
   Diane C. Donovan
   California Bookwatch

5 comments about Mini-14: The Plinker, Hunter, Assault, And Everything Else Rifle.

1. This book was a good read. It told of the firearms that lead to the development of the Mini-14 and the pros and cons of the design. I did feel like the author was out of material near the end of the book and put in filler of other similar weapons to the mini-14 as well that information was not completely useless. By the end of the book I was convinced that it is a great hunting and plinking rifle as well as a good rifle for self defense, however I still wouldn't classify this rifle as an assault rifle, I'll leave that title for the M-16 and AK-47 rifle families. If you are a fan or proud owner of this great Ruger rifle this book is worth the read. It reads fairly quickly for average readers and is more a history book than an instruction manual.



2. This book is very dated; it doesn't appear that the author or editor has looked at it, or revised it, since the mid-80s. As such, it fails to place the Mini-14 in the context of various recent crime bills and their effects on folding stocks, etc. Furthermore, there is too much in here about various Beretta designs, and a .22 cal. plinker. Much of the information is generic to all rifles, such as tips on scabbards and bipods, while there is relatively little timely information specific to the Mini-14, such as how to tweak better performance from the weapon. The author also digresses a bit too far afield on the Sturm Ruger corp. in general, and Ruger non-firearm information in particular.
   Some current information on hand-loading for the Mini-14 would be a nice addition as well.
   It appears this book was an early draft that was never finished for market, although it clearly shows evidence that the author is well-acquainted with his subject.



3. Duncan Long's The Mini-14: The Plinker, Hunter, Assault, And Everything Else Rifle is the definitive work on the most versatile modern rifle available to homeowners, hunters, survivalists, law-enforcement agencies, and the military today. Long covers all sixteen models of the Mini-14 and how the rifle owner can construct a number of variations through accessory kits such as standard, laser, and night scopes; magazines; folding and pistol-grip stocks; bullpup conversions; multi-caliber adaptors; flash suppressors; silences; and slings. Long's detailed history of the Mini-14 includes description of its factory-produced variations, specifications, available accessories, major suppliers, and a great deal more. Comprehensive, authoritative, and "reader friendly", The Mini-14 is highly recommended reading for all gun enthusiasts, and a "must" for all Mini-14 gun owners.



4. I recently purchase a Mini-14 and I was looking for some resource materials. I purchased both this book and "Super Systems". This is by far the better choice of the two. While field stripping explaination is ok, I would have liked some pictures of this proceedure. If you are already an experienced Mini-14 user then save your money.



5. Much of the information in this little volume is worthwhile. Especially valuable are the field-stripping, trouble shooting and basic expedient gunsmithing advice. There is no guide to improving accuracy, however, which I was hoping to find, and not much on recommended ammunition or on actual experiences with owning and shooting this nifty carbine. The complete history of the development and usage of the "everyman's rifle" is interesting, but over long. Also, there is too much information in which I am not interested - M14's, M1A1's, and even AK's take up far too much space. Enough to make me think Mr. Long was deliberately trying to fill up a few pages. The book NEEDS a good updating - it was written before the crime bill, and much is made of various folding stocks and other "obsolete" accessories, and the reference section is mostly outdated. Overall I'm glad to have it on my reference shelf, where it will sit until I need to solve some problem or other, but otherwise it's not a satisfactory read.

4 comments about Official Price Guide to Antique and Modern Firearms: 9th Edition (Official Price Guide to Antique and Modern Firearms).

1. There are just far too many mistakes in the book to be able to give much credit to the values it lists. Supposidly the author is some sort of expert on guns, but there are many, many errors in models, manufacturers, etc. to believe he has much experience at all. Pass on this one.



2. This book may not be a Flayderman's Guide in the detail that is offered, but for what it is, it simply can't be beaten!
   This is the one book that you must have in your library that you won't get rid of until the next edition comes out!
   When other guides fail you, and don't list that obscure gun in their pages, you can almost always find it here. Forget the fact that this book isn't updated as often as I would like to see it done, the guns are in there, even if the details are lacking and the prices aren't up to date. All book price guides are outdated before they hit the bookstands, anyway, since it takes about a year to compile prices, edit copy and print the books. You have to use any book as a guide, only, and inject auction values, gun show offerings and other sources of knowledge to arrive at real value, in any case. This book is a "must have" simply as an identifier!



3. I'm in the Royal malaysian police. I'm looking for history about an old sidearms in our force by name Revolver.38 Mark IV Webley. I just be informed that this pistol from Great Britain. I really need more info regarding this side arms. Can you send me this history of Webley thru email as soon as possible. I appreciate you can help and solve my big trouble. Thank you.



4. I rate this book a solid five stars. This book is a very comprehensive price guide. It covers literally hundreds of manufacturers American and European. The Price Guide lists the grades and options and also classifies the gun (ie.curio, relic, modern, and antique).I do not however,recommend this book to the novice collector. The book is mainly text with few pictures depicting the individual grades or models.Personally I like it for the fact it is "unclutterd" by photo's which can be very misleading. I would say this book is a must have for the experienced collector or auction and gunshow attendants. The guide is compact for easy carrying around the shows and is formatted by maker for quick reference. The guide also has a very comprehensive glossary of gun terminology and even has a cartridge price and ATF classification guide.

3 comments about The American Arsenal: The World War II Official Standard Ordnance Catalog of Artillery, Small Arms, Tanks, Armored Cars, Antiaircraft Guns, Ammunition, Grenades, Mines (Greenhill Military Paperbacks).

1. THIS IS A CATALOG OF STANDARD ORDNANCE FROM THE OFFICIAL U.S. WORLD WAR 2 ARSENAL
   
   IN A NUTSHELL: IT DOESN'T GET AN CLEARER OR SIMPLER THAN THIS & FULLY ILLUSTRATED TOO!
   
   If one is at all interested in military hardware, especially from an historical standpoint, this book will be impossible to put down. Basically, most everything, from fuses, to artillery shells and pieces to mines, mortars and grenades are included. Enough useful info is included for each individual ordnance for one to realize how these weapons might best have been used and to what effect. In some cases, the penetrating power of projectiles is also included, and this is especially important with tanks, which of course were also included, complete with detailed diagrams and specs.
   
   BOTTOM LINE: EXACTLY WHAT IT IS SUPPOSED TO BE



2. This is a wonderful overview of American technology "on the ground" in WWII. One thing that I felt that Mr. Hogg might have added is some consideration of production numbers and dates as an appendix.



3. This catelog is very comprehensive in terms of the number of weapons used by the US in WW2. Basically it is composed of copies of the original documents. Some weapons are missing, the Colt 1911 & tommy gun, but info on them is easy to find elsewhere. Excellent diagrams of ammo & mines. I would like a little more info on some of the more obscure arms, but taken as a whole this title is an excellent reference. I would like to see more titles, as comprehensive as this, concerning the other participants of ww2.

No comments about Parker Gun Identification & Serialization.

2 comments about Winchester Shotguns.

1. I peticularly enjoyed the parts on the early shotguns, especially the works of John Moses Browning and the refurence to Spencer's Pump Action shotgun. Nicely written. Wonderful pictures. Very well put together.
   
   No library on firearms should be without this book.



2. Great book on Winchester Shotguns. Interesting read with great pictures of most models.

5 comments about Concealable Pocket Pistols: How to Choose and Use Small-Caliber Handguns.

1. This Guide is an older work that covers most of the older,low cost guns,many of which are still very popular as Pocket Pistols for everyday carry. One of the models it features is probably the most popular pocket pistol in history,"The .25 Raven."
   Even though many of the newer guns are not addressed directly, the information is directly transferable. This Guide supplies information on pocket carry that is not available elsewhere.
   Any critiscism of this Guide seems to center around the fact it is not as big as a dictionary and it is targeted at the somewhat experienced crowd rather than being an ABC primer for the total novice.



2. It's not easy to find postive and useful information concerning inexpensive pocket guns, even though there are millions of them in pockets and dresser drawers all across America. In fact, it is much more likely you will find these pistols derided in print with the worst form of gun snobbery imaginable, when practical and helpful information about their safe carry and use would be more prudent. In Concealable Pocket Pistols McLeod gives the pocket pistol owner something he can use--practical information. In eight succinct chapters McLeod provides valuable insight on choosing, carrying, maintaining, feeding and employing your inexpensive pocket pistol. He knows his audience, and gives them what they need and nothing more--there is none of the judgemental philosophy, snobbery, and John Wayneism found in some other books about concealed carry. He provides just practical opinion on how to get past the price tag and make your gun do what it was designed for--keep you out of harm's way. He doesn't ever claim that the guns he's writing about are top shelf combat guns; he does however, face the reality that many of us in the real world own and carry these inexpensive guns, and he seeks to make sure we do so informed.
   
   This is not a book for gun snobs, nor is it an encyclopedia of gun knoweldge. Tactical enthusiasts will be sorely disappointed with it. It is a short, terse read about having confidence in that Raven or Jennings "mousegun" that bounces around in your pocket as you go about your buisness.



3. I was pleased with the humor and common sense through the book, but I kept thinking of this book as a promotion for the cheapest little guns ever made in the US. What about the kel tec's and the beretta tomcat and bobcats... The guns covered in the book are under $50.00 at some gun shows.
   Besides that some other discusions on basic subjects, not much with carry method, except pocket. Worth the price used, but not over $10.00 for the book.



4. This "book" is more of a magazine article, and should be re-titled to indicate that it is really about an attempt to justify the low quality junk gun market. This author sings the praises of the worst pocket pistol series on the market and names the Raven/Bryco series as the only acceptable pocket pistols. None of the quality pocket pistols are even mentioned. His advice is flawed and in some cases, dangerous. As a 28 year police officer, firearms instructor, and armorer, I take issue with nearly every aspect of this flawed book. I read it cover to cover in an hour, and it is printed in large print with lots of line drawings and photos to fill space of this breif dissertation on the merits of the low quality saturday night specials that he endorses. Avoid this at all costs, not to mention the inflated purchase price of this phamphlet.



5. This little book does well in dispelling the myths of self defense with a handgun. Everyone has the right to defend themselves from an attacker. The auther covers the available "pocket" pistols on the market. He discusses how they function and how to safely handle them. Defense awarenss is also dealt with. Don't be a victim AND be realistic. This book will help. Self defense should be affordable and reliable. Not only a benefit of the wealthy.