Customer Reviews

The Complete Blackpowder Handbook

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

After repeat borrowing the first edition of this book from my local library, I was thrilled when this 4th edition became available. Sam Fadala answers more questions I had in this edition than in the previous ones. I personally could have done without the chapter on hunting. But at the same time I did appreciate the chapter about the historical background of the big-bore guns. The only improvement I would like to see is a chapter about "kit guns". I.E. who might consider buying a gun this way, which skills are essential and what are the pitfalls.
Overall I find this book very informative. The chapters are organized in a fashion that make it your choice if you'd like to read up on a single topic or read this work front to back. Judging by the used prices for the first edition, this book was a classic a while back and to me it has become a "must read" item for anyone who considers getting into the black powder thing. Thanks, Sam Fadala!

This book was very informative, but "long winded". This is more a collection of articles than an organized, coherent, book-format approach to the subject. The reading is interesting and it is clear that the author knows his subject, but I struggled to quickly gain the knowledge that I was seeking. This being said, I'm not sure that there is any better resource available. So, if you like me, are new to the subject of blackpowder and you'd like to gain knowledge from a book rather than trail and error, then you don't have much choice. Suck it up and read on... not unpleasant, just verbose.

Your opinion of this book will depend on your other resources. If you don't have the time and/or access to the Internet, this book will go a long way to helping you get started in black powder shooting. If you have time to lurk in some of the blackpowder chat rooms, and to read other on-line resources, you'll get more, newer and specific information for free. The writing is clear but gets a bit repetitive at times, and there were too many commercials for certain products in the text for my tastes. If you can get this book from your local library, check it out first to better decide if its worth your money. I probably would not have bought it if my local library carried it.

I'm no expert on muzzleloading, but I've done a bit of it and I've sure got a number of books on the subject. This tome by Dr. Fadala is the most well-rounded of them all. If you're looking for one to start with, here you go: all the basics about a wide variety of muzzleloading/black powder topics. Fadala's been writing these for decades now, and this one is the most up-to-date. Now (at the end of 2010) it could use a little revision (a few new powders, primers, etc., on the market), but there's no reason you'd need any other book to start.

It's also a pretty fun read, and it's broken down very well by subject matter into pretty succinct chapters. Easy to pick up and find what you need. Good for just killing a few minutes or a lazy winter weekend - if you know someone just getting into muzzleloading, this would make a great gift. If you are a muzzleloader and just want to pass the time and learn a bit (we can all learn a bit), then pick it up for yourself.

If you've read any of Sam Fadala's work before, you won't be surprised. If you haven't, you'll find this to be a thorough treatise on the topic that will answer all your questions and make you an expert in no time. Sam covers every aspect of muzzleloading both traditional and modern, and provides a rich history of the firearms, the accoutrements, and the lore. I have every edition of this book and will continue to buy new ones because Sam always adds new information about the latest aspects of the sport. It's always a great read that you will refer to over and over again when you need to clarify something in your own mind. This is truly the muzzleloader's "bible."

The main problem with this book is it is very poorly organized. The information seems to have been cut and pasted from various articles, with a very weak link of information within chapters. Many times, there are Pictures with captions in Chapters which have nothing to do with the subject of that chapter.

Some sections are completly useless and somewhat elitist in terms of information. For example, in many cases, the information is of the order "The powder horn is easy to use, so no explaination is necessary".

I would not recommend this book as a reference to blackpowder shooting, as the information you would be looking for is too difficult to locate.

yes it is complete as the title says lots & lots of information,very usable and easy to read

The Complete Blackpowder Handbook is a useful resource for shooters like me with an interest in muzzleloading and other black powder firearms. The technical data and general information is interesting, especially if you don't know anyone else with an interest in these guns.

But there are a few things I found disapointing. There was far too much information on hunting. I am not a hunter, and don't mind the subject, but more info on historical (civil war etc) firearms would have been good.

But overall it is a good book and a useful resource.

Good book - lots of historical information as well as practical application. Covers the gamut of blackpowder weaponry.

I've just started getting into muzzleloaders and this book has answered a lot of my questions. Filled with facts.