Customer Reviews

Antique Firearms Assembly/Disassembly: The comprehensive guide to pistols, rifles & shotguns

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The old show biz adage goes, "always leave 'em wanting more..." and that is unfortunately what this volume does. Everything contained in it is top notch information on 66 elderly and antique handguns, rifles, and shotguns, primarily handguns. If there is any deficit to the book, is that rifles got short shrift with only 16, shotguns with 5, and that this isn't volume 1 of 4, 5, or 6. It would be helpful for a prospective buyer to be able to see the table of contents before buying, just to make sure that it will be of use, that the book covers guns that the buyer has. My only disappointment is that I have only one of the 66 guns covered, though that is somewhat balanced by the other information and guns should I ever come into contact or possession. Four stars because I like it, I just wish there was more...

I purchased this book on Amazon.com because I have a deep interest in antique firearms and was very much aware of the reputation of the author as both a first class gunsmith and as a first class writer. Between his verbal descriptions and excellent photographs, Mr. Chicoine has the ability to instantly involve me in the antique arm being described; from it's unique history to it's special mechanisms and design. I know of no other writings on this subject that can boast the thoroughness and depth of this book. I only wish it was longer and could include a few more of the antique firearms that it describes. Perhaps we could prevail upon Mr. Chicoine to write a sequel, Antique Firearms, Part Two. I have several other volumes written by Dave Chicoine and in every case, they are the very best available on their respective subjects.

Dave Chicoine is both a talented gunsmith and a talented wordsmith. This combination has produced a book that is both easy to read and technically helpful. Too many gun books are simply regurgitation of other works. This book contains instructions that are found nowhere else! The photographs are plentiful, well-done, and helpful. As a working gunsmith myself, I find this book essential in my shop. I thought enough of it to buy a second copy for library of the gunsmithing school where I teach. I recommend "Antique Firearms Assembly/Dissassembly" without reservation.

Bill Jacobs
Bolt&Barrel Gunsmithing
Greenwood, SC

David Chicoine knows his antique firearms. I own a couple of Uberti replicas of Civil War Era Colt Revolvers. Uberti provides a generic owners manual for disassembly that provides little information that is helpful to a new owner. This book provides the details that you need to know.

Before taking apart a replica or original model of weapon of a design reflecting the craftmanship of 159 years ago it's not a bad idea to get some specific instructions, with step by step photographs, exploded views and a parts listing, with diagrams to show you the way. Chicone even gets into some recommended tools to use, plus provides some learned techniques that could save you both time and money.

I own mostly replicas of these old firearms but before I would even dream of putting a screw driver to an original, I would study this book.

Both books I ordered arrived in great condition, and contained
everything I was looking for!