Customer Reviews

The Complete Black Powder Handbook (Rev ed)

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

 

 

There is a "fog" of myth and misinformation surrounding muzzleloading. Sam Fadala cuts through the fog. Using his own experiences and testing based on scientific method he presents a wealth of information for anyone interested in black powder shooting and hunting. Begins with the basics and goes on to in-depth coverage of many aspects of muzzleloading. A great source of information for those just getting started; valuable reference source for more experienced shooters. This book is very "user friendly". It flows naturally from subject to subject in Dr. Fadalas very "readable" writing style. I would unhesitatingly recommend it to anyone.

The book gives good instructions for a beginner to learn how to handle a black powder weapon. The best chapters are on cleaning and loading the weapon. Overall, I would suggest it for a beginner.

Dr. Sam Fadala is one of the top authorities on firearms of all kinds, particularly muzzle-loaders. He writes about them in a direct, entertaining manner and cuts through many of the myths that surround shooting blackpowder firearms. A beginner can't go wrong reading Fadala, and those who have been in it for a while can learn a lot too. Highly recommended.

I bought this book with just an interest in muzzleloading. Then I went to a long gun store and had some long talks with the store owner who has many years in muzzleloading experience. Every tip, explanation, anecdotal experience he shared with me on buying, loading and shooting a muzzleloader was in this book. I particularly appreciated the emphasis on safety with black powder guns. By the time I decided on a gun and purchased the accessories, I had confidence and comfort in being able to load and shoot safely and correctly. This is the ultimate book for learning about muzzleloaders.

This book contains black and white photos. It covers many aspects of black powder to include history of, bullet casting, ballistics and cleaning. After reading this book I felt confident in my ability to properly load and fire my black powder rifle.

Sam Fadala is the dean of muzzle-loading hunting. He is one of the few writers to approach the subject from the scientific point. Fadala covers it all from shooting, cleaning, repairing, tune ups, ballistics, do-it-yourself, and more. He even covers some of the history and examines some of the folklore of black powder. If you are serious about hunting with a muzzle-loader, get Fadala's books !

An excellent book for anyone who is even remotely interested in blackpowder shooting or hunting and an essential book for someone who is already blackpowder shooting and hunting.

I had to respond to the reviewer from Ballston Lake, NY who referred to my review as sounding "unobjective" and like a "PR blurb from a friend of the author". I don't know Sam Fadala, and have never met him. I don't work for his publishers. I HAVE been involved in the muzzleloading hobby for over twenty years. Fadala knows of what he speaks, I should know, since I've "been there and done that". Oddly enough Ballston Lake NY, you said that you HAD NOT READ this book. I suggest you READ the book and gain more knowledge and experience. Fadala has spent more hours in actually testing and using these firearms than the majority of "gun writers" pounding a keyboard today. Oh and by the way, I'm not related to Fadala and NOBODY is paying me for this review.

This is a great book and would be a good resource to anyone trying to get an over-all picture of the sport.
I did feel like some of the material was a little dated. Most of the photos look as if their from the 1950-1970s time frame, also there is no mention of former or present competition events, which in light of a rich tradition is very sad indeed.
A warning, I have seen the price of this book cover a very wide spectrum, look hard and long, shop well and save some money. Still the book is well worth the price I paid for it (under $25.00 in soft cover).
Hope this helps!!

The first two reviews on this look like they were done by a PR person who was coordinating favorable reviews by friends of the author. They don't sound objective, nor do they sound like a review a book reader might make--but rather one done by somebody paid to write nice little blurbs on book jackets. The book itself may be good--I haven't seen it--but I'm struck by the similarly worded "PR" flavor of the first two reviews and am now skeptical about the book. I'd much rather see a few sample pages from the book itself than read what looks like a PR blurb.