Classic Handguns of the 20th Century: A Shooter's and Collector's Guide [Paperback]

David W. Arnold (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 2004

This high caliber reference offers readers a dynamic colourful depiction of handguns significant to days gone by. More than 20 models from the 1900s are covered - the Colt SAA, Smith & Wesson.357 Magnum, Walther P-38, Beretta 92 - reminiscent of the days of gunfighters and cowboy action heroes. Based on the series of featured 20th century handguns from Handguns magazine, each chapter will include thorough coverage of a specific model, including historical significance of the model; technical specifications; timeline of design changes, variations, finishes and material; information on derivatives and clones; collector values; and handling and operating characteristics. Full-colour historical photographs offer readers a nostalgic glimpse into the past life of popular 20th century handguns.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

David W. Arnold has been on staff with Handguns magazine for more than 15 years. With experience in the military, David found himself stationed in South Africa as tank crew commander. He also has previous experience in the security industry (in the United States and South Africa).

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Krause Publications; 1st edition (March 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0873495764
• ISBN-13: 978-0873495769
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,218,112 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Almost Like Holding the Guns in Your Own Hands, March 4, 2005

By 

SeattleGuy (Seattle, WA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Classic Handguns of the 20th Century: A Shooter's and Collector's Guide (Paperback)

I thought this is a wonderful book. There are terrific close-up photos of the guns from different angles which are the next best thing to actually holding them. In addition there are exploded diagrams, historical background, and stories about individuals who are particulary associated with each gun. I only wish the book was longer, more in depth, and had more examples of these classics . (The S&W K-22 .22 caliber revolver is one of my favorites that wasn't in the book, for example.) - - I hope the author comes out with additional editions covering other firearms presented in this same style and format. I would definitely buy them. - - - (Note: I'm a very picky buyer - 4 stars is an extremely high rating for me.)

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Helpful and well written, January 27, 2006

By 

Ken (North Carolina) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Classic Handguns of the 20th Century: A Shooter's and Collector's Guide (Paperback)

This text discusses approximately twenty categories of handguns (plus variations within each category) during the specified time period. Writing, photography, and graphic illustration is excellent. The level of detail is extremely helpful to the beginner. Those more experienced with handguns, who have works that specifically deal with their favorites, may find it less informative, though they may still enjoy it as a general historical overview, and for the quality of the photography and graphics. There are some noteworthy omissions (such as the Colt Model M or "pocket hammerless"), but this is still a fine overview.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars classic handguns of the 20th century, October 26, 2005

By 

M. D. Arnett (Kentucky) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Classic Handguns of the 20th Century: A Shooter's and Collector's Guide (Paperback)

very nice book, the information for the included handguns was very informative. I was able to learn some things about a couple of S&W handguns I owned which was very interesting.The book is a good read for anyone interested in some of the more famous and popular handguns of the 20th century.