Guns of the Old West: An Illustrated History [Hardcover]

Dean K. Boorman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2002 | Series: Salamander Book

An illustrated survey of the guns that influenced the pioneering era of the old west.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A fascinating, informative volume which is especially recommended for antique gun collectors and western history buffs." --Wisconsin Bookwatch

"packed with illustrations, descriptions and photos, rendering it a useful source for anyone interested in Western history."-- New Mexico Magazine

From the Back Cover

In the remote parts of America's Western territories during much of the 1800s, law and order was overextended or even nonexistent. A man's best friend was often his gun, and it became an integral part of his life. Guns were used by some such as hunters and settlers for self-protection and their very salvation, and by others as a means to impose their will, legally or otherwise. There can be no doubt that the exploration and exploitation of the Western frontier that began in 1804 was inextricably linked to the development of the firearm. It is certainly true today that firearms are associated with the Old West more than with any other era of American history. That Old West period, which ended officially in 1890, saw gun design and manufacture improve dramatically, such that the "taming of the West" could be accomplished with grit and determination, and also with reliable firearms. It is not surprising to learn that very often those firearms were Colts or Winchesters, since these were the gunmakers who achieved more than most in technological development and manufacturing prowess, pioneering the revolver and the lever-action rifle, respectively. Both companies laid claim to the accolade "The Guns That Won the West," and with some justification. But there were many other gunmakers, of course, whose contribution to firearms development (and therefore the opening of the West) was significant. This fabulously illustrated book presents specially commissioned images of all the most important handguns and shoulder arms in use during those often exciting and certainly turbulent times. Within these pages are the pistols and revolvers, rifles and carbines used by the hunters, the settlers, the lawmen and the lawless, the military and the showmen. All are interestingly described in accompanying essays written by an acknowledged expert in the field.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 132 pages
• Publisher: The Lyons Press; 1st edition (October 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1585747025
• ISBN-13: 978-1585747023
• Product Dimensions: 11.7 x 8.2 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #851,481 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Mixed, April 2, 2003

By 

bill runyon (Indiana) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Guns of the Old West: An Illustrated History (Hardcover)

A "mixed review" is about the best possible for this book,
because there is such disparity between the good and negative
elements. The photos are fabulous, which much detail and
well-informed captions, and that part is clearly the best
part of this book. Most photos were taken of gun collections
in famous museums, mainly the Gene Autry museum in L.A., and
the Buffalo Bill Museum in Cody, WY, so the guns themselves
are rare and usually documented in a way that clearly sets them

apart from what most of us will ever see. Anyone who has ever
tried to photograph a gun will have their breathe taken away
by the clarity and beauty of these photos, and they have to
be seen to be believed. Any student of the Old West, or of
firearms, will want to study these photos and relish the
details.
Unhappily, the text doesn't seem to have as much detail or
accuracy. Many old legends are repeated, seemingly without
verification, and some of them are rather discredited now.
So the stories have to be read with an open mind, knowing
that further reading would be required before forming an opinion
of some of the historic figures of the Old West.
So there is an odd mix in going through this book, but the
photos alone make this an interesting and worthwhile project.

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Especially recommended for antique gun collectors, March 4, 2003

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Guns of the Old West: An Illustrated History (Hardcover)

Guns Of The Old West: An Illustrated History by firearms expert and historian Dean K. Boorman (President of the Armor and Arms Club of new York) is detailed guide to the revolvers and firearms of America during the course of its frontier years. Black-and-white as well as color photographs present examples of numerous guns and gun-related memorabilia, thereby enhancing a thorough history describing the evolution of guns and the relentless advance of a technology that changed how wars and individuals on the American frontier fought for their lives. Guns Of The Old West is a fascinating, informative volume which is especially recommended for antique gun collectors and western history buffs.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent photos book., June 29, 2008

By 

Katherine Pfeiffer "Kata" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Guns of the Old West: An Illustrated History (Paperback)

This is a great book for anyone who does not already own a collection of books on guns of the Old West. For the money it is SPECTACULAR! The book is color throughout. The only black and white material is actually from the 19th century and includes fine period photos of people with the guns being discussed as well as old drawings and correspondence. The text is brief and works as companion to the photos. I would recommend this to anyone with a new interest in this topic.