No comments about Small arms and ammunition in the United States service (with 52 plates) (Smithsonian miscellaneous collections ; v. 129, whole vol).

2 comments about The Krag Rifle.

1. Lt. Cl. Brophy has done a decent job of outlining the history, machanical changes and service use that the U.S. Model Krag- Jorgenson rifle was involved in. Chapters are layed out in cronological order beginning with the quest for smokless powder and ending with the inception of the Model of '03.

   Yet after reading and rereading this work, it becomes apparant that the author could have been much clearer in the way that he layed out the facts most important to the arms collector. Perhaps the one charactoristic that contributed to the lack of clarity in this book is that much of the text are reprinted copies of the Springfield Arsonal's formal records and corespondances on the arm, and the many changes that underwent. As a result the book tends to bog down and the reader is left with no alternative but to skim along looking for the facts relevant to the collecting of these arms. The vast majority of these transcriptions would have been better left for the appendicies, (of which there are many). Yet, the appendacies that were constructed for this work are written in such small font that they are all but unreadable. (There are typically four transcribed pages to each appendacized page).

   In addition the author's use of pictures was less then optimal for the reader wishing to collect the Krag. Many of the pictures in this book are too dark to clearly illustrate the small details for which they were provided. This proves frustrating to the reader. Also, with regard to pictures, the author did not use them to compare and contrast various configurations of the rifle by placing different configurations along side one another. He did however do this with some pictures of some of the internal parts of the weapon which was indeed helpful.

   This book is fine as a coffee table book. It provides an excellent look into the inner workings of the Springfield Armory at a very critical time in the history of firearms development, as well as some information on the detailed changes that took place on the martial arm of that time. Yet if one seeks information pertinent to the collecting of this arm, such as is found in "The Trapdoor", by Earnst and Wait, or in any of the "Collector Field Guide Series", by J.C. Harrison, they are looking in the wrong place.




2. This book covers the history and traces the changes this fine rifle went through as the US forces converted from black powder to smokeless. It is a great resource for identifing proper parts makeup for that rifle you are looking to collect. The rear sight options are extensive.

2 comments about Handguns 2006 (Handguns).

1. This should be a book-size collection of articles on handguns, ranging from semi-automatics to revolvers. The problem with these annual productions is that it wastes most of the pages with a catalog of available guns (information readily available on the Internet). Also, it wastes even more space on black powder guns, a real ho-hum for most modern handgunners. Finally, only in-production handguns tend to be featured, when many readers have older, but fully functional models that could be compared to today's models as a frame of reference.
   
   Another problem with such books is the influence of gun manufacturers. You won't find the scathing comments that perhaps should be included about guns that have spotty reputations. It's all politely overlooked. Of primary concern is that it's difficult to find any 1911 pistol to be reliable out of the box; most require some "work" to reach a point where someone would want to bet their life on them. In contrast, most newly designed guns for the same price (or even less expensive) are flawlessly reliable right out of the box.
   
   Again, the chief criticism of these annual books is that perhaps half of the book consists of a catalog, which is a waste of space in my view. I'd rather it contain articles from fore to aft.



2. I've found over the last few years that one not need to buy this book if one has purchased Gun Digest 2006. Many of the articles in this book are exact copies found in the Gun Digest book.
   Save your money and buy somthing that is not just a re-run!!!

No comments about 1988 Guns Illustrated.

No comments about Guns at Chicago's Independence Hall;: The famous collection of S.L. De Love of rare American historic firearms depicting in panorama our epic struggle for independence.

1 comments about Knives '97 (Knives, 1997).

1. These books are a compilation of the year's current trends in the custom knifemaking industry. They include a few articles (some of more interest to knife collectors, some to knifemakers), a huge directory of custom knifemakers, and page after page of the most beautiful knives you will see anywhere (regretably, all b&w photos). As a bladesmith, I love these annuals an inspiration for design, as well as for embelishment.

   Like the man said, 'If you're going to steal, steal from the best!'

No comments about Handguns '98 (Handguns).

No comments about Gunsmiths of Lancaster and York Counties, Pennsylvania (Mellen Studies in History, Vol. 6).

No comments about Traveler's guide to the firearm laws of the fifty states.

No comments about Handguns '99 (11th ed).