Customer Reviews

The Gun Digest Book of the AR-15

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Sweeney gives a lot of information, most of it interesting and valuable. The comparative benefits of the AR, the AK and various calibers are well analyzed.

Unfortunately, Sweeney also knows where his bread is buttered (hint - it is not by the readers who bought his book). Sweeney admits that he got a lot of free goodies from the gun manufacturers (presumably in the expectation that he would write favorable reviews) and he delivers. The readers bought the book in the expectation that Sweeney would write the whole truth about what he learned testing guns; unfortunately, the writer short changes us there. All reviews are either favorable (very) or bland. We can infer that the bland reviews mean that there wasn't much good that he could find to say about those products, but I don't pay $20+ dollars for a book to read between the lines.

On a couple occasions, Sweeney discusses interesting topics, but stops short with the explanation that the public does not need to know that kind of sensitive information. Once again, I don't pay a writer to tell me that I am not entitled to know what he knows; I pay him to tell me what he knows. If he keeps the information to himself while being paid for the book, he is not delivering on the bargain.

Buy this book on the remainder shelf for $5, or better yet, get it from the Amazon used book department where I am selling my copy. You don't need this book on your permanent shelf.

Regarding AR-15 Volume #2
Most of the reviews here are clearly for the first volume which I also enjoyed thoroughly. I could hardly wait for volume 2 to become available. However it was quite a let down. It was virtually void of the technical information Patrick usually provides and instead was filled with quips and comments. He spent too much time trying to be funny and or arrogant instead of providing his usual first class reviews. Editing left a lot to be desired as relevant pictures were often pages away from the text they supported. I have many of Patrick's books, but,I definitely would not recommend AR-15 Volume 2, sorry Patrick, you let us down with this one.

I am very disappointed in Gun Digest Book of the AR-15 Vol 2. I found volume 1 enjoyable and informative, however volume 2 is neither of these. My main impression from reading the book is that it was thrown together in a hurry just to get it published. The topics of the chapters are presented with very little detailed information being given.
I have read other books and many magazine articles by Patrick Sweeney and know he is very knowledgeable and usually is able to give the reader useful information in a way that is enjoyable and easy to understand. However, this book falls well short of his normal standards.

I own and shoot AR-15's and M4's. I've read some dynamite books like Black Rifle and Black Rifle II, so I may be spoiled.

Patrick Sweeney has produced what I would call a good first book for AR-15 owners. It covers all the basics you need to know, but I always found myself disappointed after each chapter. I always expected a lot more detail on each topic.

Many of the photos in this book are pointless, and they are often way to large. It seems as if it were an attempt at occupying real estate in the book in place of the additional detail I was looking for.

This book bit pricey, but like I said, it's a good first book to get one acquainted with the AR-15.

I found Vol 1 well written and very informative. However, this volume reads like it was rushed to capitalize on the success of Vol. 1. I would try other AR-15 books first. Try Volume 1. If you really need something new buy it, but do not expect it to be as well written as volume one.

Unfortunately, Amazon lists both volumes together, even though they are two separate books. Both are worth reading if you like good rifles and good prose.

I love Sweeney's writing style, but I must agree with the other reviewers that there isn't as much information here as some people would like. For those seeking raw data about the AR-15 rifle, some other, drier text might please them more. For folks who are looking for an entertaining read and some good information along the way, this may be just the book.

Sweeney does indeed ask us to read between the lines. The problem is that very few people have the money to buy and test all these rifles, and so they rely on the manufacturers to loan them rifles and give them test ammo. Any writer who is unkind to the manufacturers will find that he can't get guns and rifles any more, and that makes it impossible to write the book. So, Sweeney quite wisely gives us all the information we need without offending anyone. He just says that he requested rifles from all the major makers and that if a certain company's product wasn't included in the book, that meant that either it didn't pass muster or the company didn't feel confident enough in their rifles to send one for evaluation. That's enough for the consumer to make up his mind. When Sweeney sees something unflattering in a rifle, he points it out, but does not unduly criticize the maker.

If you need to know all the "nuts and bolts" of how to build or maintain your rifle, this isn't your book. This book is more of a collection of tips and tricks from a fellow who knows his subject well. It also covers the "personalities" of the different rifles that are now on the market. Sweeney is interested in assisting his reader in choosing the proper rifle for his application. Don't buy an M4 clone with a carry handle if you actually need a varmint rifle. That sort of thing. He addreses the subtle differences between one feature and another; between one application and another. An excellent read!

The primary value of this effort is the evaluation of manufacturers which have changed in the two years between volumes. Otherwise this is a disorganized mess, with some of the poorest proofing I have seen in years. Typos appaar on almost every page. All of the real meat on the AR-15 is in the first volume and that is the one to buy. Leave this one in the bargain bin.

I bought this book without too many expectations, thankfully.

The author may indeed have used many AR-15 pattern rifles, but I find the book to be chock full of opinion and speculation. There are very few hard facts in here. The few facts that are present are of little consequence.

Still, it was reasonably entertaining, and it isn't very expensive.

This book is not going to be a valuable resource for any novice builder or collector. It is only an entertaining read for those who know their gear.

In short, this is simply A BOOK, that happens to be about certain AR-15s and certain parts for AR-15s. This is not THE BOOK of anything at all. For most, it is going to be a waste of time.

I am new to AR gun, but it's seem to be a general coverage of stuff regarding AR-15.

I was hopeing for more about take-down and servicing.

This book is full of useful information and tips for owners of an AR-15. The photographs are also helpful for identification of parts and accessories. This book is a valuable reference and worth the purchase price, if only for checking yourself when breaking down your rifle.