5 comments about The Gun Digest Book of Smith & Wesson.

1. The book is built around several "tests" of different S&W handguns, and it also gives some historical- and tech info.



2. This book provides an excellent survey of handguns currently offered by Smith and Wesson. The writer has extensive pratical experience and has been assisted with test firing by a group of friends. Very readable and lots of good photos. I would strongly recommend this book to anyone thinking of purchasing a new or near new S&W.



3. Not quite what I was expecting in this book,but is very informative on later model handguns from this great gunmaker.
   Will have to look further for a book with models and serial numbers.



4. Patrick Sweeney has taken on the task of giving an extensive review of the available handguns of Smith & Wesson. He goes into considerable depth on the practical use of the various models and what can be expected on the range, in competion and for the very serious job of Concealed Weapons Carry. Chapters on History, Ammunition, Buying Used, and Competion round this fine effort out.



5. I am a novice S&W collector and was hoping for more of a reference work covering specific models and variations of Smith & Wesson handguns. This book is biased towards current models, both revolvers and semi-autos. The material that is covered is well written, interesting, and timely. Sections are devoted to a sampling of current models, company history, accessories, proper disassembly and maintenance, etc. However, if you are a collector looking for wider coverage of specific models this book may dissappoint. The book is better suited to people who are interested in what S&W is currently offering or how to care for their S&W guns.

2 comments about Arrowheads of the Central Great Plains: Identification & Value Guide.

1. This book is very finely done! The pictures are excellent, the information is very educational.



2. Danial Fox has written a very informative book that I would highly recommend to anyone intrested in Great Plains arrowheads.I found the section on lithic materials very helpful and the pictures of artifacts fantastic. It's packed cover to cover with good information.

1 comments about Antique American Switchblades.

1. best source that I have found so far lots of pics and info.

1 comments about Pistols: History, Technology, And Models From 1550-1913.

1. This books adds a little bit of perspective that I hadn't got elsewhere. Of course, since it was written by a European, it didn't tell you very much about how many people had protected their families by using this technology. But this was all before American prosperity, and not many people could afford a gun, and it was still sticks and rocks for most people.

5 comments about Winchester Model 52: Perfection in Design.

1. Once again, Herb Houze hit a homerun with his efforts to discuss the history of the Winchester Model 52, and the detail all of the technical specifications. I highly recommend superbly written reference book to anyone who owns or collects the Model 52 Rifle.



2. Excellent reference with a heavy emphasis on the VERY early development of the Winchester 52. If you want to see copies of internal Winchester correspondence, history, marketing and competitive issues, this is the source.

   Additional information is spread chronologicaly throughout the book, and sometimes not easy to retrieve. The index could be a bit more comprehensive.

   My biggest recommendation for improvement would be to include a couple of simple tables, with side-by-side photographs. As follows:
   1. The different styles of stocks used in the various models.
   2. Better illustrations of the various barrel types.
   3. Listings and photos of all the various sight options available on the 52. There were SO many options it will blow your mind.
   4. Common "extras" such as contemporary slings, etc.

   All in all, I don't want to cast a negative shadow on the book. I highly recommend it. If you're interested in buying a 52, or you have one and you're trying to figure out what you have... it's a must buy.




3. I acquired a Model 52 with a 2** serial number minus the receiver sight. The gunshops I spoke to didn't have a clue. I found this book on the internet, bought it and not only found out what I needed to know about the sight and where to get one, but learned a great deal about the 52. If you have a 52, this is the information to learn why it was developed and why it established a niche in 22 history.



4. a great book w/ many pitchers and detailed dwgs. of the greatest .22 ever designed, my only complainte would be that there isn't enough on the year made vs. ser. number. but a great book worth every cent for the information provided.



5. The book is a wonderful read on how the rifle was developed and changed over the years. I found it excellent reading (because I own several 52s). I do wish the author would have researched more on serial numbers...the current info only gives you a guess on when a certain rifle was made. For example, I own #88265 NIB and can not figure out from the book when it was made. 1955? 1956? Overall, the book is a great reference and would like to see another 52 book that focused on repair, modification, and values. If you own a 52, you'll want this one on your coffee table!

1 comments about Gunfighters: The Outlaws and Their Weapons.

1. Its price tag represents a bargain for a book well over four hundred pages in length and packed with vintage black and white and some color photos throughout. Any collection strong in Western history and culture will want to include GUNFIGHTERS: THE OUTLAWS AND THEIR WEAPONS: it packs in history surveying the age of the Western cowboy, his equipment, and politics of the times. Chapters survey regional town history and culture, county and city establishment patterns, and major town figures from prostitutes to gunmen on both sides of the law. A vivid history surpasses competitors for content and color.

5 comments about Levine's Guide to Knives and Their Values.

1. I have the "extensively revised 4th edition" and I really like it...Pretty much covers everything in knife collecting..Lots of charts, diagrams, pictures, references, etc.....I liked the section on American Indian trade knives....Well worth the money...."A knowledgeable buyer to a knowledgeable seller in an unpressured transaction."...Damn skippy!!!!...The section on Knives as an Investment was interesting as well...This would make a great companion to Knifemakers Of Old San Francisco...No mention of READ THE KNIFE though.....



2. Krause asked me to update specific articles in Levine's Guide #5 by employing the SAME WRITERS Bernard used. Krause removed some material from some of the other articles. They also added 16 or so pages to the book, and told me what they wanted. Again, I used some of Bernard's writers, and a couple noted collectors suggested by some manufacturers. If Bernard's writers are so bad, why did HE employ them? Bernard later bad-mouthed me in Knife World regarding this book. I contacted Mr. Houston Price, the publisher and friend of mine, noting this wasn't a very smart move (lawsuits?), and Price sent me a later copy of Knife World with a written retraction by Bernard. To this day, Bernard will not speak to me even though we see one another maybe 10 times a year, almost face-to-face. But, that's his right. Most who have savaged Book 5 have a right to do so. I do feel they should know what they are speaking about first. Bud



3. Publishing has sunk to a new low with this edition. Levine had nothing to do with it, and the publisher hired some dealer to give prices made from thin air. Save your money and buy the 4th edition again. The 4th edition remains the standard in the hobby.



4. I'm not a publisher, but I bet I could compile a better book than this. I feel like I've wasted my money. The book is incomplete, hard to index and the pictures are shoddy. What more needs to be said?



5. Maybe calling this the "stripped down for racing version" would have been more appropriate. It certainly isn't the family station wagon, full of Knife Information, that it was before Krause slashed all the pertinent data out of it. The 5th Edition is a classic case of creating a new version just for the sake of sales. That may not have been so bad, except they removed much important data which knife collectors use to identify and collect knives. Then, to make it appear they had changed it, they added superflous "bloatware," in an effort to make it look different. If Levine's 4th Edition didn't exist, it would be better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick, but you can still get the 4th Edition so that option can be avoided. One of the major facinations of old knives is their level of handmade quality. The historical record tells us that newer is not always better.

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 $$$

No comments about Old Gunsights: A Collectors Guide, 1850-1965.

No comments about British Sporting Gun And Rifle: Pursuit of Perfection, 1850-1900.