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Forums10
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Jul 28th, 2025
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Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 134 Likes: 4
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 134 Likes: 4 |
The thread of book recommendations has been a popular one from the number of posts. How about directing it back to a more gun-specific topic? What books do you feel are important to have in a general reference library for a gun enthusiast-- both general and more specific? For instance, if someone were to suddenly decide they were interested in guns and wanted to begin to acquire as much knowledge as possible, what books would you recommend they buy to begin their quest? What books are "must haves?"
Shane Robinson
Joplin, MO
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,672 Likes: 4
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,672 Likes: 4 |
Get a current "Blue Book of Gun Values." The prices aren't always dead on but it will give you an idea of relative values.It seems many beginners get a chance to score a really good gun but don't realize what a good deal is being offered and pass. X amount of cash might seem like a lot but when the gun is worth 5 times that it pays to know what a ballpark value is.
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 5,187 Likes: 68
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 5,187 Likes: 68 |
Strictly for basic gun collecting...
Cartridges of the World
The Rifle in America - Philip Sharpe
Shotguns of the World = Carder
Bolt Action Rifles - Frank De Haas
The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson
The Book of Colt Firearms - Wilson
My problem lies in reconciling my gross habits with my net income.
- Errol Flynn
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 80
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 80 |
The 5 book singleshot series by Grant,
Frank DeHaas singleshot books,
The Winchester books by Maddis, ....
Just keep going to gun shows & buy a book each time.
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Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 3,205
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 3,205 |
Get a current "Blue Book of Gun Values." The prices aren't always dead on but it will give you an idea of relative values.It seems many beginners get a chance to score a really good gun but don't realize what a good deal is being offered and pass. X amount of cash might seem like a lot but when the gun is worth 5 times that it pays to know what a ballpark value is. Over rated and over priced!  It is basically worthless. 
Ole Cowboy
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,672 Likes: 4
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,672 Likes: 4 |
I disagree because it does show that a .410 Parker CHE is worth more than the same gun in 12 guage and on and on with many different models of discontinued firearms. I agree that the prices are off but we are talking relative value and I think it is the best reference to be found in one volume on guns one is likely to run into. Flayderman's is the best for antiques,many of which not one person in a 1000 will ever see let alone have a chance to buy.
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Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 3,205
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 3,205 |
Whatever. There are a lot of better ways to get there with a lot less misinformation.
Last edited by Don Moody; 07/12/11 06:35 AM.
Ole Cowboy
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 5,187 Likes: 68
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 5,187 Likes: 68 |
I agree with RDH that The Blue Book is a great quick reference to research relative values and model differences for guns which you have no specific volume. I use mine all the time.
Having said that, Don is absolutely correct that it's way overpriced and it's actual valuations are a year old the day the new book is released, they are worthless. These days the only way to get a good idea of value is to do searches of completed auctions on internet auctions sites.
I still use my 1995 edition of the Blue Book, I just ignore the actual values listed, I'm only interested in how they relate to each other. Older Blue Books are available at gun shows, flea markets and book sales. Right now there's a 1999 edition on eBay for less than $5, shipped. It's all you'll need.
My problem lies in reconciling my gross habits with my net income.
- Errol Flynn
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 678 Likes: 15
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 678 Likes: 15 |
I would add a couple of classic gunsmithing books to the list of basics for a newbie. James V. Howe and Dunlap immediately come to mind. How can one understand the gun if one doesn't know what goes into creating it?
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Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,409 Likes: 4
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,409 Likes: 4 |
In no particular oder:
The Shotgun Handbook by Mike George
Vintage Guns for the Modern Shot by Diggory Hadoke
Winchester Shotguns & Shotshells by Stadt
For wonderful pics Winchester Shotguns by Dennis Adler
Winchester's Finest the Model 21 by Schwing
Winchester An American Legend by RL Wilson
The History of Winchester Firearms by Thomas Henshaw
The Better Shot by Ken Davies'
Shotgunnin g The Art and the Science by Brister
Shotguns & Cartridges for Game & Clays by Gought Thomas
The Shotgun A shooting instructor's handbook by Michael Yardley
EVERYTHING written by Don Zutz
Modern Sporting Guns by Austyn
Heyday of the Shotgun by David Baker
Everything by Geoffrey Boothroyd
Everything by Michael McIntosh
Oops, tired of typing.....
Ask Michael Petrov he has extensive what to have list.
If I was forced to own one book it would be Shotguns & Cartridges for game & clays by Garwood.
If I had to own only one gun it would be Winchester Model 12. Mine is used for: fowling, turkey, deer, and property defense when laser designator/super light module is attached to the magazine tube. The 3" version is fearsome weapon even when empty!
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