Collecting Classic Bolt Action Military Rifles [Hardcover]

Paul Scarlata (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0917218965 | ISBN-13: 978-0917218965 | Publication Date: October 15, 2001 | Edition: First

The untimate guide to collecting bolt action military rifles of the world, with lots of shooting information, too. Over 400 photographs printed on coated paper show you the details you need to see to identify rare and valuable types. Clearly describes all of the various bolt action systems used by the different nations and how they differ from one another.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Both veteran and budding collectors will find it immensely educational and absorbing. -- Magnum, The Shooters' Magazine

Each gun is illustrated in outstanding overall pictures...these pictures themselves are worth the price of the book. -- Gun Report, October 2001

About the Author

Paul Scarlata is a regular contributor to dozens of shooting and gun collecting magazines worldwide.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 280 pages
• Publisher: Andrew Mowbray Pub; First edition (October 15, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0917218965
• ISBN-13: 978-0917218965
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #286,400 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book on collecting bolt actions!, October 26, 2003

By 

Ibrahim Mussa "End_of_Days" (San Francisco, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Collecting Classic Bolt Action Military Rifles (Hardcover)

I bought this book after collecting rifles for a few years, it is in fact the ONLY contemporary book to cover the history and development of all the major manufacturers and models in such detail and with great pictures too. The chapters of the book are well planned and as I find myself exploring a new area of collecting, I read the relevant chapter again. After collecting German bolt actions for some time I got interested in Lee-Enfields and the discussion and pictures of these rifles was very helpful in getting a good coverage of the rifles and models. It can also be helpful to the more experienced collectors, some time ago I came across a rifle in a store marked as a Greek Mauser. I know what a Greek Mauser looks like and this was not one, it is marked 'Breda 1927' on the side of the receiver. After perusing Mr. Scarlata's book I came across a whole section including pictures of the rifle, it is a Mannlicher Schoenauer 1903/14 rifle. Scarlata explains how in 1926 the Greeks signed an agreement with Societa Anonima Ernesto Breda of Brescia Italy for 100,000 of these rifles which were delivered in 1929. He also mentions that there is some speculation that the rifles were in fact produced by Steyr and assembled and finished in Italy so as to bypass restrictions imposed on the Austrians by the Allies after WWI. If you are at all interested in the history and development of bolt action rifles you need this book.

29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Collecting Classic Bolt Action Military Rifles, October 23, 2002

By 

Brett Olin (Lewiston, Idaho United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Collecting Classic Bolt Action Military Rifles (Hardcover)

I couldn't disagree more with the earlier review. This book is quality work. Mr. Scarlata does a good job describing the primary weapons of the major and minor powers of the late 19th to the middle 20th century. He then goes on to describe the major variants of each type. As Scarlata desribes the firearms, he points out with word and photo the unique features that he and, hence, you will find interesting. I almost didn't buy the book because of the earlier review. I'm glad I did. If you want to know everything about every variation of the US Krag get Brophy's book. If you want good meaty info on most of the world's bolt rifles here is the place to start. By the time you need more information on your rifle of interest, just flip to the comprehensive bibliography in the back of the book.

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Book, June 30, 2005

By 

Clark B. Timmins "q-25" (West Jordan, UT USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Collecting Classic Bolt Action Military Rifles (Hardcover)

This is an excellent text and hits the target dead on (right in the old 'X'). It captures the fun and spirit of "milsurp" collecting and covers all of the major areas in sufficient detail for a typical collector.

It's true that if you're a specialist collector in a particular area you will want additional reference materials--but this book does not set out to be the encyclopedia of firearms minutia. Instead, it's an enjoyable look into the collecting world. Having said that, it still provides a goodly supply of solid details that match my other (more encylopedia-like) reference works.

It focuses on the types and classes of rifles that collectors are likely to come across in today's environment, and stays right on topic throughout. It also has a few pages on rifles that you won't likely come across... but would sure like to!

Filled throughout with excellent photographs, and each major rifle's "stats" are called out in a highlighted box.

The physical production of the book is beyond reproach--you really are getting fine quality in a book that will last. The writing is easily accessible, though at times a bit too chatty for my tastes. Aside from a few minor typographical errors (reference to an antique Winchester Model 1985, for example) the read is enjoyable and just plain fun. With a good editor the 2nd edition will be a true classic.