Firearm Encyclopedia?

[javacodeman]

1. Although I've always been conservative/libertarian and pro-RKBA, I've only recently began to enjoy this right personnally. I've found that there is a lot to learn.

2. When asked what I would like for Christmas this year (and told that a .22 rifle was too expensive and for me to buy one myself:banghead: ), I thought, "I'd love a book that detailed all of the facets of firearms from makes, manufactures, bulletistics (sp?), reloading, safes, sight shooting, point shooting, etc., etc.

3. I did a quick search for this type of book and didn't find anything at Amazon. I may have just missed it.

So here are my questions: A) Do any of you know of such a book? B) If not, I thought about trying to put something together myself (this would require a lot of research which means a lot of time).

If I did a book, I'd also like to include a special "dress your rifle" section. This section would be reminisant of medical books with clear plastic pages. You could start with a very nice hunting rifle and add accessories until you end up with an evil assault rifle.

Anyways, does anyone know of a book like this or have suggestions toward a new Firearm Encyclopedia?

java

 

[osteodoc08]

The Encyclopedia of Guns

I usually find a similar book on sale for less than $10 at most of the B&N, Borders, etc around this time of year. Just gotta take a break from life and look around. I could spend hours in a book store. My wife hates it!

 

[Sunray]

There's no one book that covers all of that. However, I'd suggest you buy a copy of Hatcher's Notebook. It covers a great deal of firearm related technology and ballistics. Mostly having to do with U.S. military firearms, but also basic 'this is how it works' too. About $30 in your local gun shop or from Amazon. Worth ever cent.

 

[Owen]

For an overview of the market, find a distributor's catalog. I like the Ellet Bros catalog, cuz its huge, and Ellet Bros is just a ways up the road from me.

ABC's of Reloading, or any other reloading manual should have a good overview of the reloading process.

For actual shooting techniques...hard to learn from a book. Until you've had a taste with a good instructor, most of the stuff in the book won't make much sense. Rather it will make sense, but you won't understand what they are really saying, without burning thousands and thousands of rounds.

 

[Wedge]

I get the cheap ones at B&N like osteodoc08. They aren't always great, but some are. The books by Keith are nice. I also have Sweeney's 'gunsmithing' books.

 

[lurkersince03]

http://firearmwiki.com/mw/index.php?title=Main_Page

 

[akodo]

shooter's bible

 

[jrfoxx]

Cartidges of the World is pretty interesting IMHO.Lots of inteseting little tidbits and plenty of useful modern, old, wildcat, and obsolete ammo info.

 

[AZ Jeff]

There is no one book on firearms that covers ALL the topics you suggest, but here are some books that every real firearm afficianado should have:

1. Hatchers' Notebook, by Julian Hatcher
2. NRA "Firearms Sourcbook"
3. Small Arms of the World, by Ezell
4. Cartridges of the World

 

[Third_Rail]

I have a few dozen books on firearms, and there are still gaps in terms of complete history, etc.


For a good start, try any of Ian Hogg's books. They're good. Also, "Weapons : an international encyclopedia from 5000 B.C. to 2000 A.D" by Diagram Group is very good and covers more than just firearms.

 

[Chipperman]

Jane's Infantry Weapons is pretty encompassing of all military guns.

It's really expensive (the new 2007 copy is $680.00), but you can find reasonably priced ones on Ebay sometimes.
I got the 2000 copy last year for about $40.