*
The .45-70 Springfield by Joe Poyer and Craig Riesch,
5th revised and expanded edition
Three new chapters have been added to this new 5th Edition: The Officer’s Model Rifle, .45 Caliber; The Model 1886 “Experimental” Carbine, and The Model 1906 Fencing Musket. Each of the new chapters contains a complete description of how each differs from the standard .45-70 Springfield Rifle and Carbine. New information, never before published and full color illustrations of the various models have been included.
Every part and every change to that part of the .45-70 Springfield Rifle and Carbine made by the U.S. Army’s Ordnance Department is described in photos and drawings. Dimensions and finishes are listed for each part in both the text and tables. For instance, seventeen different rear sights were used on the .45-70 Springfield trapdoor rifle and carbine. Each sight is carefully photographed and the differences noted. Then each rear sight is matched to the specific serial number range in which it was used. The same technique was used on lock plates, barrel bands, trigger assemblies, stocks, ramrods, etc., covering every part of the rifle and carbine.
The chapters on accoutrements and tools have been greatly expanded with descriptions and photos to cover all issued to the soldier. Bayonets, scabbards and frogs are described and matched to years and serial number ranges of issue. The authors also show how it is possible to determine if a .45-70 bayonet was newly-manufactured, or was a Civil War-period bayonet that had been swaged to fit the new rifle. Hunting and intrenching knives, bayonets, carbine slings, front sight covers, ammunition belts and cartridges boxes, etc. receive the same treatment.
All markings and inspection markings are explained and illustrated with photos. A new serial number listing has been developed which takes into account the 22,500 "starred" carbines and integrates them into overall production so that serial numbers and cartouche dates can at long last be matched correctly.
Separate appendixes provide production totals, an exploded view, disassembly and cleaning, how to determine if a .45-70 has been refinished or a carbine made from a rifle, a chart of finishes by part, and special sections on the Cadet rifles, starred receivers (where they came from and why), the rod bayonet rifle, and the commercial trapdoors.
Serbian and Yugoslav Mauser Rifles
by Branko Bogdanovic.
(ISBN 1-882391-35-7)
Few realize it but an obscure little Balkan country which
had recently gained its independence from the Ottoman Empire, played a
profound role in the development of the Mauser rifle. Serbia's purchase
of the Model 1871 rifle came just in time to save the Mauser company from
bankruptcy. It became the Serbian Model 1880. Among other innovations
for which Serbian designers were responsible was the famous "ring-of-steel"
which provided complete support for the cartridge base, and which was
introduced into the Gew.M1898 rifle in 1905. Serbia, later renamed Yugoslavia,
also helped develop the "intermediate-ring" Mauser action.
Yugoslav Mausers - Models 1924-52C (C with an breve
--"v" diacritical mark), Model 24/47 and Model 1948 - are prized collectors
items. Mr. Bogdanovic's book is the first in English to provide a complete
discussion of these, and every other "Yugoslav" Mauser rifles
from 1880 to the present, including all sniper rifles, hunting and target
rifles and .22 sporting rifles. In Serbian and Yugoslav Mauser Rifles,
each model is discussed in its own chapter. All serial numbers are presented
by year. All markings are presented and translated and all finishes and
changes to all models are described in text and charts and well illustrated
with both photographs and excellent drawings for clarity.
These are the rifles that proved so deadly to the Nazi
occupiers in World War II in the hands of the famous Yugoslav "partisans."
Branko Bogdanovic is a well-known European gunwriter
and has written several books on firearms as well as dozens of magazine
articles. He is also a writer and researcher for the Zastava Arms Factory
in Kragujevac, Serbia; a member of the Advisory Board of the National
Military Museum, Belgrade, Serbia; and a researcher for the Ministry of
the Interior.
The AK-47 and AK-74 Kalashnikov Rifles and Their Variations by Joe Poyer
(ISBN 1-882391-33-0)
This book contains the most complete and up-to-date examination
of the famed Kalashnikov rifle yet that every shooter and collector needs. The book
provides a part-by-part examination of the AK-47 and AK-74 rifles and describes in
detail all the major variations between the 7.62 x 39 mm AK-47 and ARM. Also the
5.45 x 39 mm AK-74, AK-74M and AKS-74U, and the new Century series AK-101
THRU AK-108 rifles and submachine guns now being produced in the Russian Federation.
Also described in detail are all the national variations of the
Kalashnikov rifles, including the Bulgarian, Chinese, Egyptian, East German,
Hungarian, Iraqi, North Korean, Polish, Romanian, and Yugoslavian manufactured
Kalashnikov rifles in both 7.62 and 5.45 caliber. A separate chapter describes all
clones of the Kalashnikov system from the Belgian FNC through the Israeli
Galil to the Swiss STg.90 series.
Other chapters include: 1)a complete history of the rifle's development,
2)a short biography of Mikhail Kalashnikov, 3)descriptions and use of purpose-built
telescopic sights for the Kalashnikov rifles, 4)accessories and tools issued to the soldier,
5)ammunition carriers from vests to pouches, and 5)various types of Soviet and Russian
ammunition. Also described are the Soviet and other 6)national sniper rifles and
7)the new Russian An-94, the replacement for the AK-74.
Appendices contain information on how to identify models and national
origins of entire rifles, as well as parts, by markings and finishes, serial numbers,
assembly/disassembly, cleaning and maintenance, operation, troubleshooting, accessories,
parts suppliers, and the legal considerations of owning or assembling an
"assult weapon" under the various federal laws - its easier than you might think.
Swiss Magazine Loading Rifles 1869 to 1958 by Joe Poyer
Vetterli and Schmidt-Rubin Rifles and Carbines
In 1869, the Swiss government adopted the world's first successful magazine loading rifle for their army. In the latter half of the 19th Century, Prussia was the military power to be feared and the Swiss, living right next door, were determined to guarantee the integrity of their borders.
The Vetterli rifle was a clever Swiss design that combined the spring-loaded magazine tube and cartridge elevator of the Winchester Model 1866 and the bolt action of the Dreyse needle-fire rifle. It provided the Swiss infantryman with eleven shots as fast as he could work the bolt.
By the end of the 1880s, the Vetterli had been made obsolete by the march of technology. A new rifle design using a straight pull system was developed. The Model 1889 underwent major redesigns ending in the K-31, one of the finest, most accurate bolt action infantry rifles ever developed. The promise of the magazine loading rifle was fulfilled: the Swiss were able to avoid invasion and involvement in two world wars and one cold one.
Swiss Magazine Loading Rifles, 1869 to 1958 by Joe Poyer is the newest book in the "For Collectors Only" series. It describes, on a part-by-part basis, all the models of both the Vetterli and Schmidt-Rubin rifles including infantry rifles, short (Stutzer) rifles, carbines and cadet models. All markings and codes are explained and tied to models and serial number ranges. Also included are exploded views, ammunition details, assemble/disassembly instructions, maintenance and trouble shooting.
The Swiss rifles are not only extremely accurate and a great deal of fun to shoot, but their wide range of variations makes them a great collectible.
The American Krag Rifle and Carbine, 2nd Edition, Revised. by Joe Poyer, edited by Craig Riesch
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.
The Model 1903
Springfield Rifle and its Variations "3rd Edition, Revised and Expanded"
by Joe Poyer Edited by Ed Furler, Jr.
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.
SMLE (No.1) Rifles Mk I and Mk III, 3rd Edition Revised
by Charles R. Stratton
The British Enfield No.1 Rifle (Mk I through
lshapore 2A/2A1) is not only one of the world's finest battle
rifles, but also one of the longest serving from Africa's colonial
wars through World Wars I and II and Korea to the conflicts of
the Middle East. The British Tommy and the troops of the former
British Commonwealth counted on their Short Magazine Lee-Enfields
for nearly 90 years, and many are still in use today. Skip Stratton,
who maintains the Enfield Rifle Research Internet web site and
is a collector of long standing, has written a superb book that
provides a well-organized, detailed look from the collector's
perspective at this fine rifle series.
Dozens of charts and illustrations take you
through seven manufacturers on three continents and seventy years
of production to identify each variation of every single part
of the rifle. Stratton shows you how to determine which parts
are correct for each manufacturer and each period of manufacture.
Is that Lee-Enfield pre-World War I, World War I, World War II,
or post-World War II manufacture? British or Commonwealth? Original
or arsenal reconditioned? It takes more than the date on the action
body to determine that. And what do all of those codes and inspection
marks and cyphers mean? Do they help detemine the age of the rifle
and its parts? Yes, they do, and all are listed in the books'
158 pages and shown in more than 90 illustrations and photographs.
Also included are descriptions of accoutrements, cleaning tools,
and bayonets issued to the British and Commonwealth soldier with
his Short Magazine Lee-Enfield. Serial numbers, codes, markings,
cyphers - this book has it all in an easy-to-use layout.
British Enfield Rifles Volume 2, No. 4 and No. 5 Rifles, 3rd Edition
Revised by Charles R. Stratton
Charles (Skip) Stratton, has done an outstanding job- again. He presents
the No. 4 and No. 5 rifle part-by-part. Every single model, including the sniper
rifles, target and match rifles and training rifles, manufactured in the U.K.,
Canada, the U.S., Republic of South Africa and Pakistan, is thoroughly described.
NEW!
British Enfield Rifles, Volume 4, The Pattern 1914 and U.S. Model of 1917 Rifles
by Charles R. Stratton
Charles R. Stratton continues his very successful
series on collectible British military rifles with the little
understood, 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. 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 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 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-14 that were fielded in both wars, the Pedersen device
developed for the M1917, and the accessories that were issued
with the rifle to soldiers of both countries, including ammunition
belts, bayonets, tools and cleaning equipment. Separate appendixes
provide an exploded view and nomenclature, production statistics,
ammunition descriptions and sporting rifle derivations.
The demand for this book has been so great
that the author and publisher decided to skip over Volume 3
in the series which will deal with the original "Long Lee"
rifle for the time being. Volume 4, The Pattern 1914 and U.S.
Model of 1917 Rifles is being published out of sequenc to
meet this demand. ISBN 1-882391-29-2, 5.5 x 8.5 inches, perfect
bound.
NEW! The M16/AR15 Rifle, A Shooter's and Collector's Guide by Joe Poyer.
The M16 has been the nation's military rifle
since 1964, longer than any other military rifle. During those
36 years, it has been carried in combat and on peacekeeping missions
by American, allied and friendly soldiers to every corner of the
world.
The civilian version, the AR15 rifle, has been
manufactured in the hundreds of thousands by more than a dozen
different companies. It is the current National Match Service
Rifle and the most popular target match rifle in use today.
The M16/AR15 Rifles
by Joe Poyer provides a detailed examination of this famous rifle
in both its military and civilian versions. Following a history
of its development and the evolution of military tactics that
guided its design, a comprehensive part-by-part examination of
the rifle is provided.
Markings and codes for military and civilian
rifles and carbines are deciphered and a six page table lists
all models by all manufacturers currently in production, with
specific features.
For those interested in competition, three
AR15s were custom-built; a spacegun for long range bench rest
matches, a service match rifle that complies with all current
OCM and NRA competition rules and a .22 rimfire AR15 rifle that
is not only amazingly accurate but is legal in California and
other states that ban large capacity magazine, centerfire, semiautomatic
rifles. The design and building process is thoroughly described
for those wishing to build their own match rifles.
The M16/AR15 rifle is the last military rifle
that Americans will be allowed to own. The M16's replacement,
which incorporates a 20 mm grenade launcher, is already well-advanced
in testing and is due to be introduced by mid-decade. But the
AR15 rifle will remain the national match service rifle far into
the foreseeable future.
The book is illustrated with over three hundred
photos and drawings, is 8 x 10.5 inches in size, perfect bound
and 134 pages in length.
The Swedish Mauser Rifles, "2nd Revised Edition"
by Steve Kehaya and Joe Poyer
The writing team that brought you "The SKS Carbine" has done it again with the "Swedish Mauser Rifles. " One the earliest military surplus imports into North America after World War II, more than 300,000 of these beautiful rifles are now in private American and Canadian hands and another 75,000+ in European gun racks. Yet, only two books have been written about this finest of all Mauser rifles, one in German and the other directed more toward shooters than collectors.
"The Swedish Mauser Rifles " provides the “Fore Collector’s Only” part-by-part examination for every one of the14 different models of this fine military and civilian match rifle. Every marking, every code is explained. A new, first ever list of serial number ranges by year has been compiled. All military and many civilian accessories are included with photos. Line drawings illustrate every part to provide the clearest view. A new color insert provides photos of the various models.
Also included is a discussion of production methods and total rifles produced for each model. Serial numbering is clarified between carbines and rifles (many share the same serial number). Each model is discussed in detail and illustrated with photos.
The target versions of this very fine rifle are analyzed and photographed. A complete discussion of the various sniper rifle models are included (with photos) up to the present PS90 based on the AWS Sniper Rifle. Ammunition types are listed and performance data is included. Appendices discuss production methods and totals produced; the obscure m/39 and /40 rifles, the development of the Swedish arms industry to the present, a short military history of Sweden, the composition of Swedish steel - which did not change from 1894 to the end of production in 1944 - and assembly/disassembly and trouble-shooting. We think this book will be a major contribution to the field of arms collecting.
"The Swedish Mauser Rifles" contains 263 pages packed with information and illustrations and photos. Perfect bound with four-color cover.
The M1911 Complete Owners Guide, Volume 1," by Walt Kuleck
Walt Kuleck has done it again. His “Complete Owner’s Guides” (M1 Garand, M1 Carbine,
M14 and AR15) are the last word on the care and preservation of collectible firearms. His
new book for the Model 1911 covers every aspect of caring for the Model 1911 and Model
— and all the information applies to every other Model 1911style pistol by Colt or any other
manufacturer — from problems with safeties to failures to feed to broken grip screw bushings.
Virtually every problem that can occur with the Model 1911type pistol is covered and Walt
offers immediate fixes that most everyone can handle. He also provides tips on such problems
as a small but growing crack in the receiver that does not yet interfere with the function or
safety of the pistol: solution, in most cases it can be fixed by drilling a tiny hole at the end of the
crack to prevent it growing further. He discusses magazines and how to determine a good one
from a bad one before purchasing; how to deal with springs that have lost their tension, how to
select a slide stop that fits the shooter’s hand, and a hundred an one more problems. Additional
chapters include “Magazine, Up Grade, Holsters, Ammunition, and Shooting (including a section
entitled “How to Win A Gunfight”). A highly recommended text for the shooter and collector.
The M1911 Complete Assembly Guide, Volume 2," by Walt Kuleck and Drake Oldham
Everyone knows how to disassemble and reassemble a Model 1911type pistol. Or think they do.
When I had my own gun store some years back, I lost track of the number of John Browning’s
pistols that were brought to me in a box to put back together. And even those who may know
how, seldom do it properly and the result is a collection of illfitting parts that wear faster than
they should and malfunction far to often. The M1911 Complete Assembly Guide not only
teaches the correct way to disassemble and reassemble any Model 1911, but how to improve the
old warhorse.The M1911 Complete Owner’s Guide,
Volume 1 , Volume 2 should be on the bookshelf of every professed Model 1911 collector and
shooter.
The "For Collector's Only"
series proudly presents - The SAFN-49 Battle Rifle. A Shooters &
Collector's Guide For years, collectors of military rifles have
puzzled over the variations of the FN-49 semiautomatic rifle.
Manufactured only for a short time and used by only a few countries,
it nevertheless holds an important place in firearms development
as the predecessor and proving ground for the world-famous Fusil
Automatique Leger, the FAL.
The SAFN-49 (Saive Automatique, Fabrique Nationale
Modèle 1949 to give it its correct name) was developed
at Fabrique Nationale in Herstal, Belgium in the mid-to late 1930s
at exactly the same time as the American M1 Garand and the Soviet
SVT38/40. Dieudonné J. Saive, the rifle's designer developed
a tilting block system that locked the bolt against the breech
by allowing it to drop down against a hardened steel step. But
the Nazi attack on, and occupation of Belgium precluded its use
in World War II where it surely would have ranked in importance
with the M1 Garand and far ahead of the G41 and G43 German semiautomatic
battle rifles that preceded the MP44.
Saive and members of his staff fled to England
in 1940 and worked with British weapons designers during the war.
In 1944, work resumed on the new rifle, now designated the EXP1
and which was being seriously considered as a replacement for
the Enfield No. 4 bolt action rifle. The allies liberated Belgium
that autumn and shortly thereafter, the Belgian design team returned
home to help repair the damage to the FN factory caused by the
retreating Nazis. The new rifle was rechambered for the .30-06
but it proved too powerful for the gas system as it was then designed.
By the time the problem was solved, the British had moved on to
a British design. Undeterred, FN decided to market the new rifle
as the SAFN- 49 in both semiautomatic and full automatic versions.
They also produced a limited number of sniper rifles and a very
few commercial sporting versions.
The SAFN-49 was manufactured for production
in four calibers (.30-06, 7.92 mm Mauser, 7.65 mm Argentine and
7 mm Mauser.) The rifles were purchased by Belgium, Luxembourg,
the Belgian Congo, Indonesia, Brazil, Venezuela, Columbia and
a few for testing in other countries. Less than 200,000 were sold
before it was replaced in the FN line by the famed FAL. In the
meantime, the new battle rifle served in the Korean War with the
Belgian Brigade and in the civil wars that rocked Central Africa
in the late 1950s and early 1960s.
The first SAFN-49s to be imported into the
United States appeared in the early 1960s and may have been the
sporting versions in .30-06 caliber produced by FN from military
contract overruns. These were sold through Browning Sporting Arms
and represent the rarest of the SAFN-49 variations. Small quantities
of SAFN-49s in .30-06 caliber marked AB (Armee Belgique) and AL
(Armee Luxembourg) on the receiver ring were imported from time
to time but the largest number appear to have been in 7.92 Mauser
which were manufactured for the Egyptian Army. The 7 mm Mauser
rifles manufactured for Venezuela have also appeared in quantity.
In the mid-1990s, a few hundred SAFN-49s rebarreled to 7.62 mm
NATO also appeared on the American market. These were Argentine
Navy rifles which had been converted from 7.65 mm Argentine.
SAFN-49 Sniper rifles are quite rare in the
United States and it is difficult to determine whether or not
a particular sniper rifle was manufactured originally as such
or if a telescopic sight and mount were installed after importation.
"The SAFN-49 Battle Rifle" is a brand new book from North Cape Publications which
provides answers to this and other questions. The be first book
published in English, and perhaps in any other language. Writing
about FN-produced firearms is quite difficult as, unlike many
American companies, the FN factory does not make their records
available to the public nor do they provide much, if any assistance
to writers and historians. In spite of this, the author appears
to have done a very good job quantifying the SAFN-49. Chapters
provide a history of the development and use of the rifle, the
usual part-by- part description for which North Cape Publications
has become well-known plus chapters on shooting the rifle, accurizing,
maintaining, assembling and disassembling it and making repairs.
Also, included is a chapter on sniper rifles which provides the
first description of the FN factory- supplied telescopic sight
and mount this reviewer has ever seen.
Of great interest to collectors and owners
of the SAFN will be the seven page chart which provides a side-by-side
comparison of every SAFN-49 part and its markings, by caliber.
Also, the sectioned view of the rifle and bolt assembly, plus
a new exploded view. The book is profusely illustrated with photographs
and drawings of the SAFN-49 and its parts, including the select
fire trigger assembly.
The "For Collector's
Only" series proudly presents - The Mosin-Nagant Rifle, 5th Revised and Expanded
Edition by Terence W. Lapin
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.
The M14-Type Rifles, A Shooter's and Collector's Guide,
3rd Edition The M14-Type Rifle, 3rd edition, revised and expanded, by Joe Poyer ($19.95). The M14 rifle was the last semiautomatic battle rifle adopted by the U.S. military. It lasted less than ten years before being replaced 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. This new, revised and expanded 3rd edition describes the use of the M14 rifle and its sniper variations today by all four branches of the U.S. military, plus the U.S. Coast Guard.
The M14-Type Rifle provides a detailed history of the rifle's development and use, particularly today in Iraq and Afghanistan where the high-powered
7.62 x 51 NATO (.308) cartridge is ideal for long range sniping and for penetrating body armor and light vehicles. The M14 rifle and its two sniper variations, the M21 and M25, are described on a part-by-part basis. A survey of all current civilian semiautomatic M14-type rifles and components available today is also included as a separate chapter and brought up to date. Included also are the Chinese variations of the M14. The history of the development and use of the M14 in Vietnam is discussed showing how it led to the development of the sniper variations.
The book also serves as a guide for shooters who want to restore an M14 to original condition or build a superb match rifle from the civilian versions.
Various receivers and parts kits are discussed. 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 National Match rifles with specifications, 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 gun smithing services. Finally, the current legal ramifications of owning a semiautomatic rifle is explained.
U.S. M1 Carbine: Wartime Production (6th Edition, Revised
and Expanded!) $22.95 by Craig Riesch.
The 6th edition of the best selling "bible" of the World War II M1 Carbine
has been updated with new information from the previous edition. The changes
between the 6th and 5th editions are listed on the last page of the book.
M1 Garand 1936 to 1957, 5th Edition, Revised & Expanded by Joe Poyer and Craig Riesch. The most famous of all American battle rifles,
the M1 Garand is described on a part-by-part basis, by serial number range
and manufacturer. From the gas trap rifles through the M1C, M1D and MC 1952
Sniper, National Match, Navy 7.62 x 51 mm NATO, British, Danish, and all
lend lease rifles, the text and illustrations have been up dated and new
information added.
This revised
and expanded guide to the "greatest battle implement ever" (General
George Patton) describes the entire range of M1 Garand production in text and
quick-scan charts-dimensions, markings, finishes and changes by serial number
range-in the manner our customers have come to expect from North Cape Publications,
Inc. Any Garand can be analyzed in minutes to determine if it is "as manufactured" or
to replace parts or rebuild the rifle to return it to its original condition
and increase its collector's value. Every part by each of the four manufacturers-pre-World
War II, World War II and post-War II-is analyzed and described. The book also
provides the most complete analysis yet of the World War II M1 Garand as well
as the M1C, M1D and MC 1952 sniper rifles. Included is a thorough discussion
of their telescopic sights and mounts to pinpoint which one is correct for a
particular period. The U.S. Navy's 7.62 x 51mm NATO rifles, all British, Danish,
and other Lend-Lease M1 Garands are described. A classification structure for
National Match Rifles has been devised which permits the collector to first determine
whether or not a particular M1 Garand is a National Match rifle, and then to
determine when it was assembled. We have also included the War Department's World
War II list of subcontractors and the markings. This will aid in identifying
correct, World War II parts.
The SKS Carbine $19.95, 4th Revised and Expanded Edition
by Steve Kehaya and Joe Poyer. 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
Nation's manufacture.
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 4th revised and
expanded edition of The SKS Carbine.
The "For Collector's Only" series
proudly presents - Winchester Lever Action Repeating Firearms, Vol. 1, the
Models of 1866, 1873 & 1876
by Arthur Pirkle.
The famous "Big Three" of
lever action repeaters are completely analyzed part-by-part by serial number
range in this first new book on these fine weapons in twenty years.
"This book is truly for the serious collector... Mr. Pirkle's scholarship
is excellent and his presentation of the information.. is to be commended."
The first new book on these earliest Winchesters in twenty-five
years, and the first to provide a complete, part-by-part description including
dimensions, finishes, markings and variations. The venerable, and very
collectable
"Yellow Boy," the "Gun the Won the West" and the scarce
Model 1876 are completely analyzed and described in text and charts. All
serial number lists have been revised and are included, courtesy of U.S.
Repeating Arms Company.
Vol. 2, Models of 1886 & 1892
by Arthur Pirkle,
Continuing his outstanding study of
the Winchester lever actions, the first in twenty years Mr. Pirkle provides
a part-by-part by serial number range description of these wonderful rifles.
He sets new standards with every book.
The second in this study of Winchester lever action repeaters,
the first in twenty five years, covers the extremely popular John M. Browning-designed
Models of 1886 and 1892. These are currently the hottest collectible Winchesters
because of their affordability. As in Vol. 1, Pirkle describes each model
on a part-by-part basis by serial number range complete with all finishes,
markings and changes to each and every part. He also provides detailed appendices
to assist the collector.
The "For Collector's Only" series
proudly presents - Winchester Lever Action Repeating Firearms, Vol. 3, The
Models of 1894 and 1895 by Arthur Pirkle.
This is the third volume in Arthur Pirkle's major new study
of the Winchester Lever Action Repeating Rifles, the first in more than 25
years. As in the two previous volumes, the Models of 1894 and 1895 are examined
and described on a part-by-part by serial number basis. All dimensions, markings,
finishes and any changes to a part are listed complete with its serial number
range of use. The Model 1894 has 66 parts, the Model 1895, 62. With very few
exceptions, each part was changed at least once during its manufacturing life,
and sometimes, more often. These changes make it easy to determine the authenticity
of a Winchester Lever Action Rifle. Parts are described so thoroughly that
you will be able to differentiate between "Winchester-manufactured,"
after-market or reproduction parts.
Winchester Lever Action Repeating Rifles, Vol. 3, The Models
of 1894 and 1895 provides a complete and detailed description of every one
of these changes. Experienced collectors know that the value of the firearms
in their collection depends in large part on their authenticity. Know that
your Winchester lever action repeating rifle is correct; if it isn't, let
Arthur Pirkle show you how to replace incorrect, or worse, reproduction parts.
Campaign Clothing, Field Uniforms of the Indian War Army,
1866-1871 by Lee A. Rutledge
Mr Rutledge traces the development of the familiar Indian
War period U.S. Army uniform from those worn during the Civil War through
its evolution to meet the conditions encountered on the plains, deserts and
in the mountains of the western United States in the immediate post-War period.
Through the use of first-person accounts, General Service records and period
photographs, Mr. Rutledge provides text and identification and charts a true
picture and understanding of the inadequate uniforms worn by the underarmed
garrisons west of the Mississippi.
A Guide Book to U.S. Army Dress Helmets 1872 to1904 Mark Kasal and Don Moore
In 1872, the Franco-Prussian War had recently ended leaving
the new German nation the strongest military power on the continent. So impressed
were the worlds military officials with the lightning-quick German military
victory that almost overnight French influence on tactics and uniforms was
replaced with a strong Germanic flavor.
The United States Army and its leaders were no exception.
In the midst of developing and adopting a new uniform for officers and enlisted
men, the Prussian influence was most evident in the new dress helmet issued
in 1871. It had a high crown with a rudimentary front brim and a sloping rear
brim that quickly earned the nickname, lobstertail. It was crowned with a
spike for foot troops or a horsehair plume for mounted men. It looked so much
like a German dress helmet of the time that the U.S. Army military attache
to the American Embassy in Paris was booed on the streets by Parisians who
thought he was a German officer.
The M1872 Dress Helmet has intrigued collectors and military
historians ever since. It was one of the most colorful dress helmets ever
worn by American Army troops. Cavalry plumes and cords were a lemon yellow
color and the plumes dangled well below the rear brim. A plaited cord was
attached to the helmet and looped around the shoulders and chest to keep the
helmet from being lost when mounted on horseback or in a high wind. Artillery
troops wore bright red cords and plumes or polished spikes and Signal Corps
soldiers wore orange and white later, all black cords and plumes. Even the
Corps of Indian Scouts had their own distinctive white and red cords and plumes.
In 1881, the height of the crown and the length of the rear
brim were reduced to make the helmet more comfortable to wear. Other branches
and units of the Army received permission to "customize" their helmets
with their own distinctive insignia, expanding the variations available to
the delight of collectors nearly a hundred years later.
The decorative helmets were worn by the U.S. Army including
such notables as George Custer, John J. Pershing, Phil Sheridan, James W Forsyth,
William T. Sherman, Alfred Terry, Ranald McKenzie, Nelson Miles and even Tom
Mix til 1904 when they were replaced in that year by a flat, peaked cap and
much of the pomp and color went out of the military.
"A Guide Book to U.S. Army Dress Helmets 1872 to 1904"
describes both the Model 1872 and Model 1881 dress helmets in exhaustive detail.
Separate chapters describe reproduction helmets and helmet parts which have
appeared over the past several decades and tells how to determine which parts
are real and which are reproductions; also how to clean, restore and care
for helmets and tips on finding collectable helmets and parts at shows and
on the internet. Numerous photos of helmets and helmet parts are included
as are eight full pages of color plates showing correct enlisted and officers
helmets for study. Also included is an extensive gallery of period photographs
showing the helmets as worn by troops of the time.
U.S. Winchester Trench & Riot Guns, 2nd Edition
Revised by Joe Poyer. Describes the elusive and little-known "Trench
Shotgun" and all other combat shotguns used by U.S. military forces.
"U.S. military models 97 and 12 Trench and Riot Guns, their parts,
markings [and] dimensions [are examined] in great detail... a basic source
of information for collectors." C.R. Suydam, Gun Report.
All U.S. combat shotguns are examined and described part-by-part
by serial number range. Winchester Model 97 and Model 12 trench and riot guns
are described fully by serial number range. In addition, military trench and
riot guns manufactured by Remington, Ithaca, Savage, Stevens and Mossberg
are also described, complete with factory and Ordnance Department markings,
serial number ranges, finishes and special points of identification. Combat
shotguns in use through the Vietnam War to today are also described.
Other books available from North Cape Publications are Listed
Below
Spencer Repeating Firearms By Roy M. Marcot
We have managed to obtain a very few copies of the original edition of Roy Marcot’s famous book on the Spencer repeating rifle and carbine published in 1983 and the most authoritative work on this famous Civil and Indian War firearm. These are new and in the original wrapping. They have been in storage for twenty years by a well-known Civil War carbine collector and expert. They have now been released for sale. These are the last known brand-new, unopened books from the original edition. They command prices in excess of $300 on the collector’s market.
Those of you familiar with the book know that it covers in detail the development and manufacture of all Spencer repeating rifles and carbines and their accessories from 1858 to 1868. Also included are Christopher Spencer’s other famous firearms inventions, the Roper Repeating Rifles and Shotguns and the Spencer Slide Action Shotgun. The descriptions and photographs are superb.
As noted above, we have a very limited number of these original, unopened books
from the first edition. Each will include an autographed label by the author to
apply to the book if you chose to open it.
Spencer Repeating Firearms 
