3 comments about Handguns 2007 (Handguns).

1. It plays second fiddle to the Ken Ramage's other more comprehensive book on all guns- Gun Digest 2001. It basically features a broad selection of popular handguns... specs, data, pictures, etc. I'd recommend getting the full Gun Digest 2001 instead unless your love for firearms is reserved exclusively for handguns.



2. This is an incomplete list of available guns in 2001. It also has guns listed that are no longer available. The pictures do not match up to the descriptions. There is a lot of useless information ie. air guns, lists of books about guns etc. I was disapointed with this book. I expected to see more information and reviews on available models. Did not even list Khar's 9MM, Guns and Ammo's Magazine Handgun of the Year winner in the book anywhere.



3. Handgus 2007
   Edited by Ken Ramage
   
   
   Gun Digest 2007
   Edited by Ken Ramage
   
   What can I say?
   They don't make them like they used to.
   This is not your father's gun digest.
   
   It has been a long time since I bought a Gun Digest but I am about to retire and I want to revive my interest in shooting spoorts. My primary interest is target shooting with handguns.
   
   I expected to catch up on all the new stuff and read dozens of interesting articles and seel all the new models and perhaps some fondly remembered old ones.
   
   Well, they don't make them like they used to.
   I was severely disappointed. Only 17 articles total. Many of them historical. The ones that are not historical tend to have long, boring, historical introductions.
   
   The Photography is absolutely beautiful. If you are interested in beautiful pictures of beautiful guns, buy the Gun Digest. If you are looking for information about guns, shooting, or hunting, stick to your regular magaziine subscriptions.
   
   If you are interested in handguns, Handguns 2007 is worth the money but just barely. It does not have the slick paper photography but it does have 21 articles. Still a lot of boring historical stuff about how one company morphed into another 75 years ago but a decent amount of real information.
   
   The catalog portion is a disappointment, it is neither organized or comlete. There are photos of guns with no descriptions and descriptions of guns with no photos. There are manufacturers who are not represented at all.
   
   
   Summary:
   If you are interested in handguns, buy Handguns 2007 only.
   
   If you are interested in beautiful pictures of guns, buy the Gun Digest 2007.
   
   If you haven't seen one on quite a while be prepared for a disapointment.
   
   
   
   
   

5 comments about Blast Off! Rockets, Robots, Ray Guns, and Rarities from the Golden Age of Space Toys.

1. Blast Off! is a fun and fascinating read for any fan of science fiction, space toys, or comic books. It's a beautiful coffee table-sized book with sexy images of robots, ray guns, and toys of all types that make you feel nostalgic even if you don't remember these toys from the first time around.

   This book offers a history of "in the know" type stories about specific toys and the personalities who created and purchased them. There's the Buck Rogers XZ-31 rocket pistol that led Macy's and Gimbels into their most vicious price war ever, dropping prices by the hour to support the most successful toy promotion the world had ever seen. And there's the collector Bob Lesser who pays double the sticker price to win dealer loyalty. And there's a never-been-published story of the untimely death of Flash Gordon creator Alex Raymond. Plus the authors offer insight into how toys have affected history, entertainment, and the space program.

   If you're a fan of Buck Rogers like I am, you should also check out Blast Off! author S. Mark Young's interviews with Erin Grey in Filmfax (Oct/Nov 2002 and Feb/Mar 2003) for a sensitive rendering of a sensational story.




2. More than merely a definitive catalogue of the subject, Blast Off is a socio-historical journey. Toys offer provide the prism through which the authors examine fascinating sociological phenomenon. Make no mistake this is the definitive book for this topic, but it becomes a tour de force by examining the history, economics, and sociology implied by these fascinating products from our recent past.



3. More than merely a definitive catalogue of the subject, Blast Off is a socio-historical journey. Toys offer provide the prism through which the authors examine fascinating sociological phenomenon. Make no mistake this is the definitive book for this topic, but it becomes a tour de force by examining the history, economics, and sociology implied by these fascinating products from our recent past.



4. As the author of ZAP! Ray Gun Classics, I've looked at a LOT of books on vintage space toys and in my opinion this is the very best one. The diversity of items, production values, factual information and other comments are all superb. I return to this book whenever I need a space toy "nostalgia fix" and I always seem to find something new. No vintage space toy collection should be without it.



5. I gave this book as a birthday present to my boyfriend, who is a lover of vintage robots. He was thrilled with the book! Lots of great pictures and interesting bits of information. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys in robots or vintage toys, either as a serious collector or just someone with a general interest.

1 comments about British Gun Engraving.

1. I loved the artistry of firarms engraving displayed within.
   
   I would recommend this book to anyone who appreciates this art form.

1 comments about Cap Guns: With Values.

1. A great book with quality photographs for beginners to identify and price collectible cap guns. A must for the novice.

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

1. 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.



2. 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.



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. 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.



5. 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.

1 comments about The Classic British Rook and Rabbit Rifle.

1. This is an excellent reference at a bargain price!
   Well written and the photos are worth the price of the book

1 comments about Zap! Ray Gun Classics.

1. I love books about the backwaters of American popular culture so I was pleased to get a copy of Leslie Singer's affectionate look at ray guns of the past. The hundred color photos in this nicely presented book will provoke plenty of nostalgia for those who grew up with Buck Rogers. Mr Singer's favorite is the Atomic Disintergrator (page 18) but my favorite is the space car (page 48) streamline curves straight out of the New York World's Fair in 1939, though it was made by Wannatoys in the fifties. Not a gun but it looks so good Singer included it anyway!
   
   If you are really into the subject have a look at: Ray Gun by Eugene Metcalf and Frank Maresca, plenty of excellent color photos, including a quite stunning gun (page 101) from sixties England, the Space Outlaw Gun. There is also a selection of film posters and boxes the guns came in. Both books have a useful bibliography and 'Ray Gun' even lists web sites.
   
   ***FOR AN INSIDE LOOK click 'customer images' under the cover

5 comments about The Gun Digest Book of the Glock.

1. I made the mistake of actually reading the book, rather than skim it or use if for reference. Mr Sweeney is an accomplished gunsmith with years of experience with the 1911 and the Glock. Although he provides a lot of good information on the Glock, it becomes obvious that he truly admires the 1911. Having another, commonly used firearm to use as a reference for comparison is a good thing. But there are many times that the 1911 comes up without benefit to the topic.
   
   The Glock information he provides is great, albeit limited in scope; I learned a lot about magazines, other Glock models, and a holster I'd never heard of; I'm glad I have the book on my shelf for reference. Probably the most practical thing I learned is that all Glock mags of the same caliber will fit and function in other Glocks of the same caliber; consequently it makes good sense to carry a 15 round clip (from a Glock 22) to put in your concealed Glock 27 after the first 10 rounds are gone. Makes more sense than investing in a bunch of mag extensions that yield fewer total rounds.
   
   But the book has some major drawbacks, too. At one point we are led to believe that he will cover trigger pull adjustment in another section, but this is never addressed. The writing is OK, but the editor should find a new line of work. There are contradictions, circular writing, and other mistakes that a good editor would have picked out; it was difficult to read at times. Probably the worst two issues are that it desperately needs to be updated (lots of talk about the old 1994 gun restrictions, copyright 1993) and there is no index. Tough to be a reference book without one.
   
   I haven't read any competing books on the subject, but I can compare it with quality books written on singular subjects. That's how I formulated my rating.



2. My review on this one is going to be a bit more critical than most. This is probably one of the worst books on Glock pistols that I have read to date. The author is constantly comparing Glocks to 1911's, and other types of pistols. The book is also loaded with plenty of non-Glock images. Mr. Sweeney, I bought this book because I like the Glock, not because I wanted to see plenty of photos of 1911's... ad nauseam. Perhaps Mr. Sweeney should stick to books writing books like his "Gun Digest Book of the 1911", as he has done Glock more than a bit of injustice.
   
   
   You know, I recently purchased Massad Ayoob's excellent book "The Gun Digest Book of Sig-Sauer". Mr. Sweeney, please take note... Massad's book on the Sig is FILLED with useful information and photos related to his book's title... SIG-SAUER PISTOLS!
   
   Sorry, but I must recommend a pass on Sweeney's "sort of Glock" book!
   
   Hans



3. Pat Sweeney writes the best overall book for the firearms industry. His attention to detail and articulation is some of the best work when it comes to general firearms knowledge. The only other book that covers the Glock this well is the Ptooma Guide to the Glock. This book in comparison to the Ptooma book, well that is kind of hard. Sweeney writes as a general knowledge book, while the Ptooma book was written by guys that LOVE Glocks. Sweeney is a 1911 and revolver man, But who wouldn't trust the word of someone that took 3rd place in World Shoot XIV in Standard Revolver? I think he knows what he is talking about. You need a Glock book? Look no further. You found it.



4. I have read all the books available for the Glock line of pistols and this one is easily the best. The author covers history, maintenance, all the models, and the pictures are excellent.
   
   If you are going to buy just one book about Glocks I highly recommend this be the one, it IS that good.
   
   But beware; if you are not presently a Glock owner you may find, after spending time with this book, that you just have to have one.



5. I couldn't top the the 3 previous reviews, they were accurate. I have the revised 2003 book which retails for $27.99 and I bought it at a local gun shop for $25.20. I wish I had checked Amazon's prices first.

2 comments about Gun Digest Book of Ruger Pistols and Revolvers.

1. As the title says, this is a decent enough book, but it does have some inaccuracies. Right off the bat, the author states that Rugers first gun was the MK1. Not so, it was the Standard Auto, or Standard Model. Now granted, the MK 1 was just the same gun with adjustable sights and longer barrel, but this is a pet peeve of mine. In another place he states that a bobbed hammer on a SP101 will keep dirt out of the action! Now, an enclosed hammer will keep dirt out of the action, but a bobbed hammer will keep no more dirt out of the action than a regular hammer model will. On page 28 there is a picture of what is obviously regular Blackhawk revolvers, but the caption states they are Bisley-gripped Super Blackhawks. No, they are not! They have the regular grip frame and hammer, not Bisley grip frame or Super grip frame and not their hammers either. The author also states that there were no Old Model Convertable Blackhawks, which is not true, and he states the .45 Colt/ACP Convertable was the first, which is not true either, as the .357/9mm was the first. Then, on the very last page he states that the serial #s for the Single Six are on the butt of the gun! No, if the serial #s were on the butt of the gun it would be a simple matter to swap the grip frame, which I am sure the ATF would frown upon. The #s are on the side of the grip frame, just like the Blackhawk. Now, some of you may think I am nitpicking, but if you are going to write a book about a subject, it would be good if you were sure of your facts! Now, that being said, most of the book is pretty enjoyable, the pictures of the Ruger factory being the highlight of the book, in my opinion.



2. I really anticipated buying this book to add to my ever-growing firearm book collection. Too bad it falls short of all I expected. No color photos, DOZENS of grammatical errors, misspelled words, an overall sloppy editing job. I respect Sweeney, I have his G.D. books on the glock and the AR-15, and they're decent, but this book just overall sucks.

4 comments about Do-It-Yourself Gun Repair.

1. This is a great book for people aspiring to become a professional gunsmith. It may have some usefulness for the normal gun owner as well. The detail and comments provided show this book was written by someone with an extreme amount of knowledge and experience in the subject. Unfortunately the author realizes this and wrote this book to reflect it. His egotistical lectures of exactly what the reader should do go beyond what I expected to gain from this book. Then there are the contradictions that lead me to not believe in the author's knowledge as much as I did when I started.
   
   If you want a very technical guide on how to become a professional gunsmith, this is the book for you. If you want a Do-It-Yourself Gun Repair Manual (Gunsmithing at Home) look elsewhere.



2. A great general reference. Ed did a great job with this one. I can say confidently, I enjoyed this book. Not a bad investment if you want to get a small taste of the craft. Enjoy, and thanks Ed!



3. Most of us have come to understand the differences between performing routine maintenance and accessory installation, and chambering and fitting a new barrel. If you are standing in the midst of expensive machinery, and you know how to use the equipment with a quality result, you don't need this book. If you'd like to install your own scopes, recoil pads, replace small parts and tinker with a gun to improve its accuracy, you would probably find this book to be useful.
   
   "Do-It-Yourself Gun Repair" is presented into five logical parts: An Approach to Gunsmithing in the Home Workshop, Basic Maintenance and Repair, Disassembly - Repair and Reassembly of Popular Firearms, Advanced Techniques, and The Final Steps. The book begins by showing ways of assessing if your firearms need work or maintenance, then it move on to a chapter dedicated to determining the scope of work that could reasonably attempted. There is a chapter presenting common and useful hand tools and a brief section covering frequently used power tools. The section that follows, which addresses the work area, special tools and parts supplies is pretty sketchy. A chapter titled "Thinking Like a Gunsmith" is thoughtful, but not substantial enough in content to assist someone in acting on some of the suggestions.
   
   "Basic Maintenance" is more of a page filler. It mostly advises how to clean a firearm, something that could be found in many sources, including packaged in a cleaning kit. A follow on section covering analyzing and correcting accuracy problems is well written and, based on my own experience, would be very useful to almost anyone. "Ten Easy Gunsmithing Projects" is OK, but the projects are a little specialized and most lead to purchasing tools or material Brownells. The section isn't bad, I just believe there are more universal and common projects, and I am not taking a poke at Brownells. They are one of the best tool and material sources out there for us gun owners.
   
   There is an excellent section regarding proper scope mounting that results in centered optics and proper hardware alignment, and included the proper use of shims under mounts for the purpose of leveling. This is an area so fundamental to good accuracy and frequently people don't take the time to perform this task correctly. The section on various firearm disassembly and assembly is actually very good. The author includes popular firearms, very good illustrations and photos, assembly tips, and coverage of common problem correction for each specific firearm.
   
   Some of the information offered in other sections is not so directly useful. You are not going to learn how to checker from half a page of text and one picture of a checkering tool; artistic craft work takes a lot of talent and practice to master. There is an eight page chapter, chapter 23, dedicated to drilling and tapping a firearm for sights that is decently done, but you would need to purchase a $160 B Square Professional Drill Jig or a $400+ Foster Scope Mounting Jig to do the job, and you would have to possess the basic skills of drilling and tapping and how to properly set up fixtures. There is a good information addressing the repair of stocks and fitting a recoil pad, but they all presume prior woodworking and machine operating skills and the use of some specialized machinery and fixtures. Work of this types, to justify the cost of fixtures, needs to be a frequent requirement or it is easier and less expensive to drop the gun off with a good gunsmith. Still, it doesn't hurt to know what you are asking a gunsmith to accomplish when you purchase services.



4. it is just what it say's and no more could have more info but it will do for the money