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North Cape Publications®, Inc.

PUBLISHERS OF FINE BOOKS FOR THE GUN COLLECTOR

Welcome to North Cape Publications®, your trusted source for original and detailed gun books focused on historic commercial and military pistols and rifles. Whether you're a seasoned collector, a restoration hobbyist, or a firearm enthusiast, our publications offer the in-depth parts diagrams, assembly instructions, and technical insights you need to preserve and understand classic firearms. With a commitment to accuracy and historical integrity, North Cape Publications helps you keep history alive.

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BOOKS

The authors of the books in the North Cape Publications® collection have extensive knowledge in the field of collectible firearms and have put in countless hours and even years of research into each firearm. Their work, combined with the help of many other knowledgeable and skilled professionals in the field of collectible firearms, has resulted in these fine and trusted publications. In many cases, more detailed information about each respective author can be found on the Amazon site for each book and is always included within each book itself.

m1 garand front cover 7th

The M1 Garand
1936 to 1957
by Joe Poyer and Craig Riesch

New 7th Edition!
$35.95

The long awaited new 7th Edition, revised and expanded with an entirely new chapter added on the .22 Caliber M1 Rifle, with new serial number information, parts descriptions, and photos. Additional updates are made throughout this new editon, as well.
The M1 Garand was the battle rifle issued to American forces during World War II and the Korean War. It was the first semiautomatic rifle design to be used by combat forces in any army of the world. It was standardized in 1936 and saw its first combat in the Philippines in December 1941. Few other rifles have developed such a distinguished record as both a battle rifle and a match target rifle. General George Patton called the M1 Garand the greatest battle implement ever devised. The semiautomatic M1 Garand gave the American soldier a distinct firepower advantage over enemy soldiers armed with bolt action rifles that had to be cocked before each shot. During World War II, nearly four million M1 Garands were built at the Springfield National Armory and Winchester Repeating Firearms factories. They were issued in every theater of the war. And hundreds of thousands were issued to French, Belgian, Greek, Italian and Philippine allies as well. During the Cold War years until the early 1960s, the M1 Garand was the mainstay of our small arms support programs to allied and friendly nations. In the last days of World War II, special variations of the M1 Garand, designated the M1C were developed and produced as sniper rifles. More were built during and after the Korean War as the M1D. Also, during the Korean War, the M1 Garand was put back into production at Springfield, and in the factories of two private concerns, bringing the total production to almost 6,000,000. Hundreds of thousands of M1 Garands were issued to soldiers of the Army of the Republic of South Vietnam. Thousands of M1 Garands were manufactured in the 1950s as Match Target rifles and these are also eagerly sought by collectors.

After Congress approved the reimportation of certain military rifles for collecting purposes in 1986, it is estimated that nearly half a million of the 1.5 to 2 million M1 Garands shipped overseas to allied and friendly nations were allowed to be reimported. Collector's snapped them up eagerly and began to restore them to original condition. But the M1 Garand had undergone a such continuous process of improvement and upgrading that by the end of production in 1955, hardly a single part remained as it had originally been designed.

The collector attempting to restore an M1 Garand to original, as-manufactured condition must first determine when his rifle was manufactured, then which part or parts need replacing. Keep in mind that there were four different manufacturers of the rifle, all of whom also made spare parts.

Fortunately, every part of the M1 Garand carries at least one clue to its manufacturer and the date when it was made. Every major part was stamped with a part number; and these part numbers were changed every time the part was redesigned for improvement. Other clues are the type and color of finish, specific machine tool marks, factory codes and so on, all translated in The M1 Garand: 1936 to 1957. With this book in hand, the collector will find it easy to examine his or her rifle and determine which parts must be replaced to return it to its original state. The book also explains how to determine if replacement parts are correct and if they are of original manufacture or are so-called after-market parts of non-military origin.

The book also describes in detail, the m1 Garand M1C, M1D,and MC-52 Sniper Rifles and the M1 Garand National Match Rifles.

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The Model 1903 Springfield
And Its Variations
by Joe Poyer
$35.95

This new edition includes serial numbers by month for all Model 1903A3 Service and Model 1903A4 Sniper Rifles.
The Model 1903 Springfield Rifle was perhaps the most famous and popular of all U.S. military rifles. First issued in 1903, it served in two world wars and the Korean War and numerous smaller military actions around the globe between in the first half of the 20th Century. It even saw limited service during the War in Vietnam. Today, it is an extremely popular and sought-after military rifle by collectors. A modification of the famous Mauser bolt action, The Model 1903 Springfield was legendary for its accuracy in the hands of a well-trained rifleman. A variation of the rifle developed especially for match shooting held the crown in the National Matches longer than any other rifle. The National Matches have been conducted annually on a nationwide basis since 1873—except in wartime—and involved both civilian and military shooters competing on an equal basis. The matches exerted a great deal of influence on the design of American military rifles and marksmanship training.“The Model 1903 Springfield Rifle and its Variations” provides a detailed examination of this famous military rifle on a part-by-part basis. Every variation in every part is documented and matched to the serial number range of its use. Thirty-one different variations of the rifle were developed over the 41 year course of its production and all are described and identified.

Twelve different variations of the rifles were developed as sniper rifles beginning in 1907. All are discussed and described as are the telescopic sights used on each. The rifle was produced for civilian shooters by the Springfield national armory as well. Several variations of .30 caliber rifles were developed and sold through the Director, Civilian Marksmanship Program and the National Rifle Association for target shooting and hunting. A range of .22 caliber rimfire rifles was also developed for both low cost military and civilian marksmanship training in the 1920s and 1930s.

During World War II, to meet the needs of a 12 million man military force, the Remington Arms Company and the Smith Corona Typewriter Company produced more than 1.8 million Model 1903A3 rifles including the Remington-manufactured Model 1903A4 sniper rifle.

Appendices provide additional information on serial numbers, production numbers by month for all variations including the Model 1903A3 and Model 1903A4, ammunition, inspection procedures and markings, lists of military and civilian inspectors and their markings, the National Match rifle and the rare and highly classified Pedersen device that converted this bolt action rifle to a semiautomatic rifle during World War I with never-before published original factory photos. A thorough bibliography completes the text.

“The Model 1903 Springfield Rifle and its Variations,” is the fifteenth book in the North Cape Publication’s “For Collectors Only” series for beginning and advanced firearm’s collectors and the twenty-third book on their list. This book is a complete compilation and discussion of all variations of this famous rifle.

“The Model 1903 Springfield Rifle and its Variations” is 456 pages long with six color plates and hundreds of black and white drawings and photos. Format is perfect bound, 8.5 x 5.5 inches. Every part is illustrated in detail either in a drawing or photo. As the book covers the entire range of the Model 1903 rifle from the rod bayonet to the M1903A4 sniper rifle.

The SKS Carbine (CKC45g)
by Steve Kehaya and Joe Poyer
$29.95

A complete analysis of the Communist Bloc's SKS Carbine the first detailed study of this fine, collectible carbine in twenty-five years. Every part analyzed to tell you how to determine its country of origin and whether or not those parts are compatible between SKS carbines of different national manufacturers.

This famed Soviet-designed shoulder arm, which together with the AK-47, armed hundreds of thousands of National Liberation Front fighters from Vietnam to Angola. It was manufactured in six countries and its total production ran into the tens of millions. Since 1986, over 1,000,000 of those Albanian, Russian, East German, Chinese, North Vietnamese, North Korean, Romanian and Yugoslav SKS Carbines were imported into the United States. That vast number not only provides a fertile field for collectors, but helps keep prices low enough to make the SKS carbine a fine plinking and hunting rifle.

The SKS Carbine examines the firearm on a part-by-part basis so that you can determine 1) which parts are original on a particular SKS carbine, 2) in which country they were produced, 3) which of those parts are interchangeable between different manufacturers and which are not, 4) how to read serial numbers to determine date of manufacture and country of origin, and 5) what the inspection markings stamped on metal and wood parts mean.

Since the vast majority of SKS Carbines in the U.S. are military surplus, you will learn how to examine and select a fine, shootable SKS Carbine. You are also provided with complete assembly/disassembly instructions, how to manufacture most parts if you cannot find a commercial source, and ammunition characteristics, and ballistic information.

An expanded list of factory codes for the Chinese SKS carbines has been made available to the authors by collector Howard Bearse. That information and more has also been included in this 5th revised and expanded edition of The SKS Carbine.

The 5th edition has been updated to include information on the Romanian SKS Carbines.

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British Enfield Rifles, Volume 1
The SMLE (No. 1) Rifles Mk1 and Mk III
by Charles R. Stratton
$29.95

The SMLE rifle of the British military forces was in continuous front line use for more than seventy years and is still found in daily use in the arsenal of many military and police organizations around the world. It was one of the most rugged and trouble-free military rifles developed during early 20th century and served in every one of the British Empire's military actions from India's Northwest Frontier to the colonial wars of the 1950s and 1960s.The SMLE underwent many changes during its years of production in dozens of factories and arsenals in Great Britain, Canada, India, Australia and South Africa. Determining where a particular SMLE was made is often subordinate to attempting to figure out which model and variation of rifle one has. The British developed a very systematic way of accounting for models and design changes but one which can be quite puzzling. Briefly, models are "marks," abbreviated, "Mk." Major changes to that model, or mark, are listed by Roman numerals, i.e., SMLE Mk I or Mk III. Minor changes to that model are listed by the addition on an asterisk, "*". In the mid-1930s, a new system of model designation was introduced. The SMLE Mk III became the "No. 1 (but of course, the rifles, all made before the change continued to carry the original designation stamped into the receiver). After India achieved Independence in 1947, they continued to follow the British marking system, but with codes and specific to their needs.

The next step is determining which factory made the rifle's receiver (after seventy some years of use there are very few rifles without one or more replacement parts). The factory name or abbreviation was often stamped on the receiver but may have been obscured by use. Other markings and indicators though are always present if you know what to look for. The same holds true for virtually every part. And since parts for the SMLE are in plentiful supply, returning a rifle to its original factory condition can almost always be accomplished.

In addition to manufacturer's markings, British armorers and "storekeepers" (ordnance types) stamped the SMLE with a profusion of markings that when translated can often provide a pretty thorough history of the rifle's use, right down to the units in which it served. And finally, while the SMLE is a rugged battle rifle, well tested over the years, parts still do break. It is essential to know the model and variation of your rifle in order to replace the part correctly.

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British Enfield Rifles, Volume 2
Lee-Enfield No. 4 and No. 5 Rifles
by Charles R. Stratton
$29.95

At the start of World War II, Great Britain was badly under armed. The disastrous campaigns in France in 1940 which resulted in the massive evacuation under fire of British and Allied troops from the beaches of Dunkirk and Calais further depleted her inventory of arms. Massive shipments of military arms from the U.S. Government and sporting arms from private American citizens helped to ease the situation somewhat, but it was the amazing production program that the British had put into effect as early as September 1939 that saved the British Army. In the first few years of the war, the tired old Lee-Enfield Mk I and Mk III carried the brunt of infantry fighting. Most of these rifles had been built before 1918 and were wearing out quickly. In the 1920s, the British army had begun development of a new, easier-to-manufacture version of the bolt action Lee-Enfield. The result was the Mk V with its receiver sight and stiffer barrel. Some 20,000 were produced for trials but then the labor governments of the late 1920s and early 1930s saw no reason to continue the development of armaments. Hadn't the League of Nations promised to settle all future international disputes? But in 1939, as Hitler's Germany was crushing Poland, a crash development program was instituted to put the Mk V Enfield into production was begun to make up for lost years. By 1941, the new rifle by now rechristened the No. 4 Enfield was pouring out of factories around the country. Production was begun also in Canada and in the United States. The new rifle was equipped with an improved receiver rear sight that brought the aperture nearer the eye and improved the solider's marksmanship. The heavy nose cap was gone, replaced by a lighter band with protective ears to guard the front sight. The long Pattern 1914 bayonet had been replaced by a short spike useful for guarding prisoners and little else an implicit recognition that the static, trench-oriented warfare was gone forever, replaced by maneuver warfare spearheaded by mobile columns of armor and infantry. A new, stiffer barrel was installed to improve the rifle's accuracy. Otherwise, it remained remarkably similar to its earlier incarnations. The No. 4 Enfield was produced in a wide number of variations, most having to do with ways to cut production costs and time. The rifles poured out of the factories and were shipped to the soldiers in the front lines and training camps as fast they could be made. The No. 4 provided excellent service in the British tommy's hands from the Arctic Circle to the North African Desert to the steamy jungles of Burma. As the rifle production program began, the British Army, impressed by the havoc wrought against the Red army by Finnish snipers in the Winter War of 1939-40, also began development of a new sniper rifle. The private firearms firm of Holland and Holland, famous for the sporting rifles and shotguns, developed a sturdy mounting system for the 32 Telescopic Sight and the No. 4 Mk I (T) was born. This rifle in the hands of British snipers in the regular Army and in such special warfare units as the Secret Air Service and the Commandos, inflicted casualties and havoc on Axis troops far beyond their number. In 1944, it became clear that a smaller, lighter rifle was needed for combat in the heavy jungles of Southeast Asia. A team of Enfield engineers stripped the No. 4 rifle to its essentials, shortened the barrel and developed a flash-hider to shield the soldier from the heavy muzzle concussion and flash, and added a padded butt plate. The No. 5 rifle popularly known as the British Enfield Jungle Carbine served well during the remainder of World War II and through the communist insurgencies that plagued Southeast Asia during the early Cold War years. "The British Enfield, Vol 2., The No. 4 and 5 Rifles," continues Charles R. Stratton's excellent series on British rifles of the 20th Century. The No. 4 and No. 5 rifles are dissected wit

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British Enfield Rifles, Volume 4
The Pattern 1914 and U.S. Model 1917 Rifles
by Charles R. Stratton
$29.95

Charles R. Stratton continues his very successful series on British military rifles with the little known but widely available Pattern 1914 and U.S. Model of 1917 Rifles. Often called the American Enfield, the Pattern 1914 in .303 caliber was the only British military rifle ever built wholly in the United States even though it was designed by the engineers at Enfield Arsenal, in England. The U.S. Model 1917 was the same rifle, but rechambered for the American .30-06 cartridge. Over 1.2 million Pattern 1914 rifles and 2.5 million Model 1917 rifles were built during World War I by three American companies, Winchester, Remington and Eddystone. More American soldiers, including Sergeant Alvin York, were armed with the Model 1917 Enfield than with the Model 1903 Springfield. The demand for this book has been so great that the author and publisher decided to skip over Volume 3 The Long Lee Rifle and Its Conversions for the time being. Volume 4, The Pattern 1914 and U.S. Model of 1917 Rifles is being published out of sequence to meet this demand. The Model 1917 Enfield has long been a favorite American collectible. Over the years, it has been sporterized for hunting and restored for collecting by thousands of shooters. Parts are commonly available and many P-14 parts are interchangeable with M1917 parts, making it quite easy to return a given rifle to original condition. As in the previous two volumes, Mr. Stratton has provided a detailed description of each rifle on a part-by-part basis and noted whether or not the particular part is interchangeable between the two national models. He provides a series of charts and explanations for the markings, codes and inspection stamps that appear on each part and tells how to determine which were originally manufactured for the P-14 or the M1917. He also provides a complete history of the rifle s development and use in both World War I and World War II. Also a complete description of the two sniper rifle variations of the P

New Project (5)

Collecting the American Sniper Rifle
1900 to 1945
by Joe Poyer
$29.95

by Joe Poyer
A quick search of sites like Ebay for anything related to sniper rifles—telescopic sights, mounts, manuals, cases, etc.—illustrates the collecting "frenzy" for sniper rifles, both old and new.

Weaver telescopic sights used on the World War II-era Model 1903A4 Sniper Rifles sell for $900 to $1,500 dollars, only most of those offered for sale are fakes or are misrepresented commercial sights. The "chat rooms" are full of misinformation because there is very little reference material available.

Collecting the American Sniper Rifle, 1900 to 1945 provides accurate information that will allow the collector to determine whether or not a particular rifle or telescopic part—or other accessory—is correct.
The book provides a detailed description of...

  1. the sniper rifle with all parts and markings that make it uniquely a U.S. military sniper rifle.
  2. the telescopic sight with all parts and markings that make it uniquely a U.S. military sniper scope.
  3. the bases and mounts with all parts and markings that make them part of the U.S. military sniper scope assembly.

The books also contains a history of the development of each particular sniper rifle and telescopic sight. Its mounting on the rifle and sighting in are described in detail. A history of the development of the rifle leading to its use as a sniper rifle is included in an appendix, as are descriptions of British and Canadian sniper rifles that used American-produced telescopic sights.
This book covers the sniper variations of the Model 1903 Springfield:

  1. U.S. Model 1903 .30 Caliber Rifle with the Warner & Swasey Telescopic Sight
  2. U.S. Model 1903 .30 Caliber Rifle with the Winchester A5 or Lyman 5A

Telescopic Sight:

  1. Model 1903A1 (Sniper) U.S.M.C. Rifle with the 7.8x Unertl Telescopic Sight
  2. Model 1903A4 .30 Caliber (Snipers) Rifle with the Weaver M73B1 Telescopic Sight.

This book does not contain sniping techniques or tactics. Those have been well-described in other books.

 

New Project (7)

Collecting the American Sniper Rifle
1945 to 2000
by Joe Poyer
$29.95

by Joe Poyer
This volume in the “Collecting the American Sniper Rifle” series includes the M1C and M1D Garand Sniper Rifles, the Winchester and Remington match rifles used as sniper rifles in Vietnam, the USMC M40 Sniper Rifle, the US Army’s M24 and XM2010 Sniper Rifles, the Special Operations Command M86 and M89 Sniper Rifles, and the T3 and M2 Carbines equipped with the T120, M1, M2 and M3 Infrared Sniperscopes.

Each sniper rifle is analyzed in depth for serial number ranges, markings, parts codes and other identifying markings. The telescopic sights, mounts, and rings are specifically identified for their military use complete with markings and where useful, serial number ranges.

You find an M1C or M1D sniper rifle at a gun show or a gun shop? How do you know that it is an original and authentic U.S. military sniper rifle. These and other U.S. military sniper rifles have been counterfeited for several decades now. Others have been built by well-meaning shooters and collectors for their own use, but over the years, and in other hands, they have become “original and authentic” sniper rifles.

M1Cs fall into a distinct range of serial numbers and their telescopic sights and mountings possess distinct characteristics. Do you know what they are?

The M1D, the most popular U.S. military snipers rifle to collect, are widely faked. Do you know how to identify a correct M1D. Producing an M1D only requires a change to the barrel and a new handguard. The mount and bracket to the telescopic sights have been widely manufactured for more than thirty years as after-market replacements. Original M84 Telescopic Sights and their mounting are identified, photographed and compared to after-market reproductions.

Telescopic sights for the M1903A4, M1C, M1D and M40 sniper rifles are now being reproduced in China for sale in the United States. None of them say “Made in China.” Often they are sold on Ebay and other auction sites, either reworked to appear original, or without stating that they are reproductions. Do you know how to tell the difference?

There are a few original USMC M40 and the M24 Sniper Rifles that have been released for sale to police departments and to civilians. But the have also been reproduced by numerous gunsmiths and small companies for the past twenty or so years. Most of the shipping boxes made it plain that these were not the real thing, but once the box is lost, or the rifle on a table at a gun show, or listed on a gun auction site, how do you tell a reproduction from the original?

Collecting the American Sniper Rifle 1945-2000, like its predecessor, Collecting the American Sniper Rifle 1900 to 1945, provides detailed descriptions and tables of identifying characteristics. If you are interested in collecting American sniper rifles, these are the books you need. They may save you hundreds of dollars and a lot of grief.

The Model 1911 and Model 1911A1
Military and Commercial Pistols
by Joe Poyer
$35.95

by Joe Poyer

A new revised and expanded edition of the Model 1911 and Model 1911A1 Military and Commercial Pistols is now available. Sixteen pages of new information regarding models, stocks, mainspring housings, magazines, markings, serial numbers, and finishes to help identify your Model 1911 or Model 1911A1 more exactly.

 

Nearly five years in preparation, this books examines John Browning's most famous pistol from barrel bushing to hammer to lanyard loop on a part-by-part basis.

As always in the “For Collectors Only®” series any change or variation in a part is described by serial number range, making it possible to determine the authenticity of any Model 1911 or Model 1911A1 by year of manufacture.

The Model 1911 and Model 1911A1 Military and Commercial Pistols is now 560 pages long. It includes 82 tables detailing parts and markings and 672 photos and drawings. An eight page color insert includes rarely seen examples of the Model 1911 and Model 1911A1.

Parts are described in chapters organized by assembly—receiver, slide and magazine. Each part of each assembly—trigger system, magazine release, sights, etc are then described complete with markings and other identifying characteristics. Parts are differentiated by model and manufacturer, i.e. Colt, Springfield Armory, Remington Arms-UMC, Singer, Ithaca , Remington Rand and Union Switch & Signal. All Colt model and variation parts are also described where they differ from the .45 ACP part.

All military and commercial markings are listed by date or serial number range of use. Serial numbers are listed in twenty-six individual tables both by military and the individual commercial models, and by other manufacturers. An appendix contains a serial number listing organized both by manufacturing and shipping date. Serial numbers for British military, Canadian, Argentine, Norwegian, and Russian military pistols are also given.

Individual chapters and appendices provide detailed examinations of markings on receivers, slides and barrels, including military inspection and commercial markings, and photographs of all slide markings. Finishes are discussed for both military and commercial pistols by serial number ranges. Accoutrements and accessories are thoroughly explored and photographed including all belts, magazine pockets, and holsters .

A complete listing of all U.S. military Model 1912, 1916, M3, M7, and M15 holster manufacturers is included. U.S. military-issue ammunition in .45 ACP is described in detail. A photo-illustrated assembly/disassembly procedure shows the most efficient way to service the pistol.

Our technical adviser, Karl Karash, has produced a portfolio of over 5,000 color photographs of Model 1911/1911A1 pistols, both military and commercial (see examples below). This collection is an invaluable tool for researching the M1911/M1911A1 pistol. A total of 205 pistols were photographed to show full size and in color, right and left views of each pistol from serial no. 43 to the end of U.S. military and commercial production, plus close-ups of all significant parts and markings (over 5,000 photographs in all). Each photograph can be enlarged 4 times on your computer screen without losing resolution.

New Project (9)

The American Krag Rifle and Carbine
by Joe Poyer
$34.95

The Krag rifle and carbine were the first smokeless powder, magazine loading arms used by the United States Army. It was adopted from a Norwegian design in 1892 and reached the troops starting in mid-1894.

The Krag was the first precision-machined, small caliber, magazine loading rifle adopted by the U.S. Army. This meant that the production facilities and work force had to be completely rebuilt and reorganized. In just four short years, the entire U.S. Army, both mounted and dismounted branches, were completely equipped with the new rifle and carbine. So successful had been the design and initial production phase, that only minor changes were made to the rifle and carbine afterward.

It was the ideal time to introduce a new rifle. The U.S. Army in the 1890s was a peacetime organization. The frontier had been settled in the late 1880s and the Army had been reduced in strength to not quite 18,000 strong, and was scattered halfway around the world from Plattsburgh, New York to Anchorage, Alaska to Honolulu, Hawaii. All but two troops of cavalry were still stationed west of the Mississippi River and no military formations in regimental strength had been assembled since the Sioux Wars in 1876-1877.

But the combination of Spanish imperialism in Cuba and the sinking of the battleship, USS Maine, led the United States into a short, sharp war in 1898 that gave way to a longer, more bitter fight in the Philippines. In 1900, Chinese revolutionaries styled the "Boxers" threatened to murder all foreigners in China. The U.S. Army and Marines brought their Krag rifles to mainland China in concert with forces from other European nations and quickly relieved the siege of the Foreign Legations at Peking and then helped clear the country of insurgents.

Even though the Krag only served the U.S. Army for eleven years, it did so admirably and saw much hard fighting. It only gave way to the Model 1903 Springfield as the latter rifle could be loaded quickly and easily with a five round clip.

The American Krag Rifle and Carbine provides the arms collector, historian and target shooter with a part-by-part analysis of what has been called the "rifle with the smoothest bolt action ever designed." Each of the fifteen models of the American Krag rifle and carbine are described in detail. All changes to all parts are described and matched to serial number ranges. A monthly serial number chart by production year has been devised that will provide the collector with the year and month in which his rifle or carbine was manufactured.

The mystery of the so-called Philippine Constabulary rifles is solved and the "School" rifle is introduced. A new and complete exploded view is included as are instructions for assembly and disassembly of the rifle and carbine.

New Project (10)

The .45-70 Springfield
by Joe Poyer and Craig Riesch
$35.95

The Model 1903 Springfield Rifle was perhaps the most famous and popular of all U.S. military rifles. First issued in 1903, it served in two world wars and the Korean War and numerous smaller military actions around the globe between in the first half of the 20th Century. It even saw limited service during the War in Vietnam. Today, it is an extremely popular and sought-after military rifle by collectors. A modification of the famous Mauser bolt action, The Model 1903 Springfield was legendary for its accuracy in the hands of a well-trained rifleman. A variation of the rifle developed especially for match shooting held the crown in the National Matches longer than any other rifle. The National Matches have been conducted annually on a nationwide basis since 1873 except in wartime and involved both civilian and military shooters competing on an equal basis. The matches exerted a great deal of influence on the design of American military rifles and marksmanship training.

"The Model 1903 Springfield Rifle and its Variations" provides a detailed examination of this famous military rifle on a part-by-part basis. Every variation in every part is documented and matched to the serial number range of its use. Thirty-one different variations of the rifle were developed over the 41 year course of its production and all are described and identified.

Twelve different variations of the rifles were developed as sniper rifles beginning in 1907. All are discussed and described as are the telescopic sights used on each. The rifle was produced for civilian shooters by the Springfield National Armory as well. Several variations of .30 caliber rifles were developed and sold through the Director, Civilian Marksmanship Program and the National Rifle Association for target shooting and hunting. A range of .22 caliber rimfire rifles was also developed for both low cost military and civilian marksmanship training in the 1920s and 1930s.

During World War II, to meet the needs of a 12 million man military force, the Remington Arms Company and the Smith Corona Typewriter Company produced more than 1.8 million Model 1903A3 rifles including the Remington-manufactured Model 1903A4 sniper rifle.

Appendices provide additional information on serial numbers, production numbers, ammunition, inspection procedures and markings, lists of military and civilian inspectors and their markings, the National Match rifle and the rare and highly classified Pedersen device that converted this bolt action rifle to a semiautomatic rifle during World War I with never-before published original factory photos. A thorough bibliography completes the text.

"The Model 1903 Springfield Rifle and its Variations" is 456 pages long with six color plates and hundreds of black and white drawings and photos. Format is perfect bound, 8.5 x 5.5 inches. Every part is illustrated in detail either in a drawing or photo. As the book covers the entire range of the Model 1903 rifle from the rod bayonet to the M1903A4 sniper rifle. The retail price is $24.95 and as such, the book is a viable alternative to the $50 and $80 dollar books presently available on the Springfield.

New Project (11)

U.S. M1 Carbine, Wartime Production
by Craig Riesch
$34.95

The new 8th edition of this best-selling bible of the World War II M1 Carbine has been revised and expanded to include an entire chapter devoted to Carbine Magazines, new information in the Carbine oilers section, new sections covering the Tool Roll and Spare Parts Roll, as well as the shipping crate, and additional info on imported M1 Carbines. Additional photos and updated charts have also been added.

This book is divided into seven chapters and ten appendices. Each chapter describes a major subgroup of the M1 Carbine: receiver, barrel, trigger assembly, stock, accessories, the trench knife and bayonet, and magazines.

The author, Craig Riesch, has compiled thirty-two years of surveys and research into this 236 page volume. The book contains 43 charts, 231 photographs, and 14 drawings.

The book provides a history of the M1 Carbine's development, manufacture and use during World War II, as well as through the Korean War and the war in Vietnam. The M1 Carbine is analyzed and described by its ten manufacturers, model and serial number range. The U.S. Army Ordnance Department required that virtually every part of the M1 Carbine be marked with a manufacturer's or subcontractor's code. Riesch has unraveled the manufacturer's and subcontractor's codes by serial number range and eliminated many spurious codes. Every major and most minor part can now be conclusively identified by manufacturer and serial number range, making it possible to examine an M1 Carbine to determine its authenticity with a high degree of confidence. Using the charts and photos the collector can identify the manufacturer and period of use for the receiver group, barrel group, trigger housing group, stock group and their component parts. Butt plates by the various manufacturers are shown in full-size photographs for easy identification. All variations of the M1 Carbine are discussed M1, M1A1, M2, T2 and M3 by manufacturer. The aspects that make up the two types of true M1A1 folding stock paratrooper carbines are described and photographed. Serial number ranges for original manufacture of the M1A1 are also included. Reproduction folding stocks are shown and points of difference are identified so the collector will not be fooled by fakes.

M16 AR15 book cover copy

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The M16/AR15 Rifle
A Shooter's and Collector's Guide
by Joe Poyer
$29.95

This 4th edition contains 42 new pages of information about the M16/AR15/M4 rifle and carbine.
You will read a comprehensive, fully illustrated part-by-part description of the rifle. You will learn of the latest developments in the M16/AR15 based on experience collected over fifty years and four wars.What are the best new models by company? How many new calibers has the M16/AR15/M4 been chambered for . . . would you believe 17? .22 Tactical rifles? Nearly a dozen new .22 Long Rifle caliber AR15s are now available. And much more.
Whether a shooter or collector, inside the cover of this book is a minutely detailed history of Eugene Stoner's AR15 and M16 rifles. The development of the M16 rifle is traced from the adoption of the first American-made flintlock musket in 1798 through Vietnam, the Gulf War, and the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan and other areas around the world to the present to show how the history of the country's military requirements molded the need for a small caliber, large magazine capacity, select fire rifle.

The development of the M16/AR15 rifle as the current National Match Service Rifle for civilian and military target shooting is also described. It is safe to say that no other general issue military -derived rifle in the history of this, or any other nation, is as inherently accurate

If you are interested in the history of this fine battle rifle, or in tactical, bench rest, service rifle competition, or in just every day fun plinking, then this book will provide all the information you need to select, maintain, shoot and keep in good repair any AR15 rifle.

The M16/AR15 Rifle provides a list of all models and variations being produced today complete with their features to aid in selection. It also provides a part-by-part break description for the M16 and AR15 rifles and their variations and the M4 series of carbines.

Want to use your AR15 in competition? A detailed chapter describes the interaction needed between custom gunsmith and shooter to produce a tack-driving rifle, plus a survey of parts and accessories from barrels to sights. Three custom AR15s were built in the process of writing this book space gun, service match rifle and .22 rimfire version for short range and indoor practice. The step-by-step process is described.

Also included are chapters on ammunition selection, shooting, maintenance and repairs, telescopic sights, .22 rimfire conversions, .308 AR15-type rifles and the future of the American military rifle as embodied in the OCIW concept.

The M16/AR15 Rifle is as complete a book on the M16 and AR15 rifles as you could wish for.

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Swiss Magazine Loading Rifles
1869-1958
by Joe Poyer
$29.95

The Swiss Magazine Loading Rifles, 1869-1958 Switzerland was the first country to adopt a magazine repeating rifle, doing so in 1869. The Vetterli rifle, named after its designer, Friedrich Vetterli, combined the features of the Winchester Model 1866 repeating rifle and the Dreyse needle fire rifle. In 1889, the Vetterli was replaced by the line of rifles based on the design of Rudolph Schmidt and the ammunition design of Eduard Rubin. The Schmidt-Rubin rifles remained in service with the Swiss military until 1958. They have become very popular collectible rifles. They are also extremely accurate and make some of the finest target rifles in the world.Currently being imported in large numbers with a plentiful supply of ammunition, they are inexpensive and great fun to shoot.

The Swiss Magazine Loading Rifles, 1869-1958 is another in the North Cape Publications series of "For Collectors Only" books. It includes a short history of the development, production and use of both rifles as well as a detailed, part-by-part analysis that will enable the collector to determine the authenticity of his or her rifle or carbine.

The Vetterli was produced in sixteen various models and the Schmidt-Rubin in eight. Certain parts are interchangeable between models and the collector can use this book to determine if the parts on his or her rifle or carbine are correct by examining the codes, markings, design and finish of each part and comparing them to the descriptions in the book and to the serial number charts included.

In addition, chapters and appendices describe ammunition for both models, disassembly/assembly, repairs and maintenance and shooting as well as specific sections on markings, codes and serial numbers.

The Swiss Magazine Loading Rifles, 1869 to 1958 is the only book that has ever been written in English about these fine rifles.

The AK-47 and AK-74 Kalashnikov Rifles
and Their Variations
by Joe Poyer
$29.95

The AK-47 and AK-74 Kalashnikov Rifles and Their Variations provides a detailed, profusely illustrated examination on a part-by-part basis of the famed AK-47/AKM rifles, the AK-74/AK-74M series and the new Century series of rifles, the AK-101 through AK-108.It is another in North Cape Publications, Inc., Shooter's and Collector's Guide series.

Every AK/AKM-type rifle manufactured in the Warsaw Pact countries plus the People's Republic of China, Finland, Iraq, North Korea and Yugoslavia are described in detail, with a short history on the reason for, and the process of their development and use.

This new, 4th edition is expanded to include he latest developments in the AK47/AK74 platform including the Century series and the AK12. Also included is new information regarding the scope and use the Kalashnikov series of rifles plus information gleaned from the use of the AK-47 in Iraq and Afghanistan by insurgents.

Mikhail Kalashnikov is one of the foremost small arms designer's in the world. His Kalashnikov action has been widely imitated. This book also includes detailed descriptions of rifles based on his design such as the Belgian FNC, the Israeli Galil, the Indonesian SS1 series, the Indian INAS, the Swedish Ak-5, the Swiss SG-550 series, Singapore's SAR series and many others.

The book also includes separate chapters that describe the accessaries issued to each soldier, the entire range of Kalashnikov bayonets, telescopic sights (both military and commercial, the sniper rifle variants and their telescopic sights produced by the old Soviet Union as well as other nations. An exploded view, serial numbers and markings, an assembly/disassembly guide with photos, instructions on cleaning, maintenance and repair, and shooting the Kalashnikov rifles and a guide to legislation affecting these rifles and finally, sources for accessories and parts complete the book.

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The Swedish Mauser Rifles
by Steve Kehaya and Joe Poyer
$34.95

The Swedish Mauser is considered by many collectors to be the finest of the pre-World War I designs for military rifles. Resembling a fine sporting arm, it was extremely accurate due in part to its 6.5 x 55 mm cartridge but also to the skill and precision with which it was manufactured. The Swedish Mauser Rifles provides North Cape Publications famous part-by-part description of these fine rifles complete with all markings, codes and inspection markings, plus translated lists of unit and regimental markings. A complete history of the rifle's development is included, as are detailed descriptions sniper and target rifles. The bolt action rifle adopted by Sweden in the mid-1890s was based on the Mauser design for Spain with significant changes to make it suitable for use by Swedish forces. While Sweden has not fought a war since Napoleonic times, they have maintained a strong military defense force based on universal conscription for over 150 years. They key to that defense system's effectiveness against German expansionism and Warsaw Pact-NATO competition has lain both in the willingness of the nation's citizens to defend their territory and in the quality and precision manufacture of their weapons. Sweden has long been known as a center for the manufacture of fine firearms. As early as the 16th century, individual gunsmiths began to group together to provide firearms for Swedish armies. Nine great state-operated armories were constructed and operated in Sweden between 1560 and 1812 of which the greatest and longest-lived was the Carl Gustaf's stad Gev„rsfaktoriet of Eskilstuna (Carl Gustav's City Factory) which was responsible for the design and the major production of the famous m/94 carbine and m/96 series of rifles between 1896 and 1925. The contract for an initial 52 carbines based on the Spanish Mauser carbine was awarded to the Mauser factory at Oberndorf, Germany and after short trials were completed, a second and third contract for additional carbines with the new changes were awarded for a total of 12,185 additional m/94 carbines. Meanwhile, design engineers and tool makers in Sweden were busy completing the design of what would become the m/96 rifle. This new rifle with a 29.1 inch entered production at the Carl Gustaf factory in early 1896. Before rifle production was completed at that factory in 1925, more than 517,000 rifles would be built. The Mauser Oberndorf factory in Germany was also awarded a contract in 1899 to produce and additional 40,000 m/96 rifles. Thus, Sweden's armed neutrality made it possible for her to resist the blandishments of both sides during World War I. In the mid-1930s, with war clouds once again gathering over Europe, the Swedish government undertook another complete review of here military readiness.A massive rearmament program was instituted, and in 1938, the barrels of some 30,000 m/96 rifles were reduced in length to 24.5 inches to produce the m/96-38 rifle. In 1941, contracts were awarded to the manufacturing firm of Husqvarna to produce 60,000 more rifles with the short barrel, now designated the m/38 rifle. With the end of the war, it was clear that the bolt action, five shot rifle was obsolete. Sweden was already experimenting with a semi-automatic battle rifle, the AG42B, and with a variety of automatic personal weapons. Large stocks of the m/96 rifle had gone to Finland in 1939 during the Winter War against Soviet aggression, and now, thousands more were sold to Denmark and Norway to reequip their military forces after the German occupation. Most American firearms enthusiasts became aware of the Swedish Mauser in the early 1950s when the first m/94 carbines were imported by two companies called Pasadena Firearms and InterArms Company, respectively. Rifles followed until 1968 when the Gun Control Act of that year forbade the further importation of military firearms. But

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The Mosin-Nagant Rifle
by Terence W. Lipin
$35.95

Although the Mosin-Nagant rifle was in use for more than sixty years by half the world's military forces, no book in the English language has ever traced its development and identified all its models and variations as manufactured around the world, including in the United States. No provided the part-by-part information needed by the collector and shooter.This is the first book in English, ever written about the Mosin-Nagant. It identifies every single model manufactured in Russia, France, the United States, Poland, Romania, Hungary, Finland, China and North Korea. Every part is described with all changes and markings, making it possible to identify the national origins of not only the rifle as a whole, but of every part.

Chapters provide a history of its development and use from 1892 to its last manufacture in Hungary and China in the mid-1950s. Then each part is analyzed showing all changes in chronological order. All variations are described from the original rifle to the M1944 carbine with its unique folding bayonet. All Finnish variations are described and a history of the tiny country's relations with its giant next door neighbor is included to show the derivation of Finland's line of Mosin-Nagants.

Sniper rifles from all countries are listed in a separate chapter as is the ammunition produced for the rifle and all accessories issued to the combat soldier. Of great value to the collector is the huge list of markings and codes found on all Mosin-Nagant rifles of whatever national origin, the first ever compiled.

The Mosin-Nagant was one of the earliest small-caliber battle rifles developed in the late 19th century. Its rugged design and construction are borne out by the fact that the only changes ever made to its basic design were to shorten and lighten the rifle as ammunition improved and battle conditions changed. The Mosin-Nagant is without doubt, one of the premier battles rifles of the late 19th and early 20th century and a testament to skill of it Russian designer.

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The M-14 Type Rifle
A Shooter's and Collector's Guide
by Joe Poyer
$29.95

The Ml4 rifle was the last semiautomatic battle rifle adopted by the U.S. military. It lasted less than ten years before being displaced by the M16. But in that short time, it developed fierce adherents and became one of the finest match rifles in the world. During the war in Iraq, the M14, as well as its sniper variations, the M21 and M25, have made an astonishing comeback. The M14 is currently used by all four branches of the U.S. military, plus the U.S. Coast Guard. This book provides a detailed history of its development and use. The high-powered .30 caliber (7.62 x 51 NATO) cartridge is ideal for long range sniping and for penetrating body armor and light vehicles. This new revised and expanded edition examines the M14 rifle and its two sniper variations on a part-by-part basis but surveys all current civilian semiautomatic M14-type rifles and components available today. It also provides as a guide for shooters who want to restore an M14 to original condition or build a superb match rifle. Included are the Chinese variations of the M14. The history of the development and use of the M14 in Vietnam, and now in Iraq and Afghanistan, is detailed. The development of its sniper variations is explained. Separate chapters show how to turn a commercial M14-type rifle such as the M1A, into a superb match rifle by choosing the right barrel, glass-bedding the stock, and unitizing the gas cylinder. Also discussed are ammunition, National Match rifles and specification, ammunition to be used for the best accuracy, targeting and shooting the M14-type rifle and trouble shooting and maintenance. Finally, all G.I. issue accessories are described. The book is fully illustrated with photos and drawings that clarify the text. Appendices provide up-to-date information on parts and supplies and gunsmithing services. And the current legal ramifications of owning a semiautomatic rifle is explained.

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Winchester Lever Action Repeating Firearms
Volume 1
The Models of 1866, 1873, and 1876
by Arthur Pirkle
$29.95

The lever action repeating rifles produced by the Winchester Repeating Arms Company are easily the most famous and recognizable firearms in American history. For nearly 140 years, they have been intimately connected with American hunters, first in the opening of the West, and after the close of the frontier, have continued to hold the position of America's most popular hunting rifle.The story of the Winchester rifle begins with the Model 1866 and its famous predecessor, the Model 1873. They were the first practical repeating long arms that did not require the strength of a weight-lifter to carry them about. A long tube under the barrel held the cartridges which were admitted to the breech by moving a lever down and up. This both pushed the cartridge into the chamber and cocked the hammer. The shooter then aimed and pulled the trigger. Working the lever again ejected the spent case and placed another cartridge in the chamber for a fast follow-up shot.

As with any other mechanical contrivance manufactured over long periods, changes and improvements were made to the Winchester rifles in the form of new parts. A M1873 rifle made in 1878 was not the same as a M1873 made in 1888 although to the untrained eye they may look the same. A collector of Winchester lever action repeating rifles and carbines wants to be assured that his Model 1873 is absolutely correct as the day it was manufactured. These are valuable artifacts of American history and are eagerly sought. Enough wrong parts can reduce the value of a particular Winchester by fifty percent or more.

Arthur Pirkle's book provides collectors with the information needed to examine their Model 1866, 1873 or 1876 rifles and carbines and determine if each part is correct. The book also tells how to determine if the firearm has been refinished (reblued) which can also drastically reduce its value. Each part is described fully including markings and dimensions, any changes to that part are also described and everything is related to serial number ranges. Special appendixes describe special and valuable variations of the three rifles including those manufactured for the Canadian Northwest Mounted Police and special light and heavyweight hunting rifles. Assembly/Disassembly and cleaning information is given as is information on the "do's and don't's" of restoration. Updated and correct serial number lists are included. Special line drawings (for clarity) show all major and most minor parts including the wide variety of front and rear sights.

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Winchester Lever Action Repeating Firearms
Volume 2
Lee-Enfield No. 4 and No. 5 Rifles
by Arthur Pirkle
$29.95

In the mid-1880s, Winchester discovered that their position as the foremost maker of hunting and sporting long arms was under serious challenge from rivals such as Remington, Ballard and Marlin. The problem lay in the fact that the relatively short receiver required by the early lever action system limited the length, and therefore the power of the cartridges that could be used. Big game animals at long distances were beyond the range of many popular Winchester cartridges. To correct this situation and retain their leadership in the marketplace, John Moses Browning of Utah was approached to develop a new design. The result was the long action of the Model 1886 rifle that could accept the long, powerful cartridges of the day, including the U.S. Army's .45-70 cartridge. The M1886 was an instant hit as a big game rifle and was used all over the worldA few years later, Winchester became aware of the demand for a smaller, lighter and more modern rifle for medium to small game. Again, John Browning came through with the M1892, a downsized version of the Model 1886 capable of chambering the smaller but still relatively powerful cartridges like the .25-20 and the .44-40.

Over the years, these two models have become very collectible. But the majority were heavily used by the owners at a time in our nation's history when many, many people depended on hunting to supplement their diets. These rifles have been repaired and updated, sometimes at the Winchester factory but more often by the local gunsmith or even by their owners. The problem for the collector then is in determining what parts of the a particular rifle or carbine are original.

Arthur Pirkle's second volume in the Winchester Lever Action Repeating Rifle series provide the collector, museum curator, arms historian, gunsmith and hunter with a detailed description of each part for both models as well as any changes made to that part during its production life.

Organization is by serial number range. The book also includes a complete description of each model and all markings and other identification features.

An updated and more accurate serial number list is provided. Extensive line drawings and an exploded view of each model illustrate the book. Line drawings are used for clarity.

To reemphasize, This second volume in the Winchester Lever Action Repeating Firearms series describes the Models of 1886 and 1892 on a part-by-part basis with all changes to either rifle listed by serial number range.

Winchester Lever Action Repeating Firearms
Volume 3
Models of 1894 and 1895
by Arthur Pirkle
$29.95

The long-awaited third volume of Arthur Pirkle's massive study of the Winchester lever action repeating firearms is now available. It provides all the part-by-part details on the most popular collectible and hunting models of the Winchester series found in previous volumes.By the early 1890s, smokeless power and high strength alloy steels were close to being perfected. Smokeless powder was revolutionizing the firearms industry. The more powerful propellants were making it possible to accelerate small caliber bullets to double and triple the speeds of black powder. This allowed smaller cartridges and in turn more compact rifles. The high strength steels provided stronger barrel capable of resisting the erosive effects of the smokeless powders burning at far high temperatures than those incurred with black powder.

The Model 1894 was John Browning's modernized version of his ground-breaking Model 1886 design. The internal locking lugs were not only stronger but were faster to actuate, making it possible to cock the rifle for the next shot more quickly than with previous models. New cartridges like the .30-30 and the .32-30 were far more powerful than even the big game cartridges developed for the model 1886 but in a package hardly larger and heavier than the M1892. Almost immediately, the Model 1894 rifle and carbine became America's deer rifle a position it still holds today, more than century later.

The Model 1895 was another John Browning design and one developed to handle the powerful new smokeless cartridges like the .30-40 Krag and the .30-06 developed for the U.S. military. The M1895 was a radical departure from previous Winchester lever actions. Its longer receiver was easily capable of handling the long and powerful .30-06 cartridge. The rifle quickly established itself as the premier American big game rifle. Teddy Roosevelt was an early and loyal supporter and hunted throughout the world with the M1895.

Because the Models 1894 and 1895 were developed later and the M1894 remains in production today collector interest in both rifles began later and developed more slowly than with previous Winchester lever actions. Today, that interest is a full peak. Both rifles are plentiful on the collector's market and the prices are far lower than for earlier models. For the price of one M1886 carbine, a collector can assemble a representative collection of M1894s; for the price of two M1866 carbines, a representative collection of M1895s.

As with previous volumes in this series, all parts are described in sequence by serial number range. All markings, dimensions and finishes plus any changes to that part are fully explained and the part illustrated with clear and concise line drawings.

Appendixes contain a history of both rifle's development plus descriptions of the Musket versions of both, serial number charts that have been revised and corrected and new exploded views.