Customer Reviews

The Italian Gun

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2 star:		(2)
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This book has some beautiful photographs of some very fine Italian guns but lacks consistency in the text describing the manufacturers. For instance, the piece on Renato Gamba tells us what he USED to do but not really what he's doing now except to say that he makes fewer guns and sells a line of clothing. Nor does he explain why Gambas are in the "best" catagory. Likewise, the section on V. Bernardelli basically gives us slightly more than a list of the guns produced by that company (now out of business) but not anything about what makes those guns "Best" either. No photographs of Gambas, or Bernardellis and no illustrations or diagrams that explain or show the features of the F.illi. Rizzini triggers and actions even though the text describes them as being innovative.. The Beretta section has a good section on the 470 Silverhawk but no mention at all of the earlier Beretta Silverhawk produced in the 1960's or why Beretta chose the same name for their new release which closely resembles the earlier model.

I appreciated the attempt to bring some of the more human-personal elements of the people who manufacture these great guns into the topic with anecdotes and even a recipe. However, the Authors' credibility in recognizing the highest level of quality becomes questionable when they included the receipe for raviolli which calles for "canned" pumpkin.

I'll keep the book, it will sit on my shelf and I will refer to it on occasion but it could have been much, much more.

the book contained too many generalities ie. gunpowder development, gun fit ,. and not enough specfics concerning serial numbers and their dates of manufactuer .Very little information concerning Bertta high grade guns ie what were the predessors to the So, 5,6, and 9 when were they manufactured, and why were they discontiniued ,what were the changes? the same for other manufacturers. A great deal of the book was nothing more than a catolog available at most gun stores. the section on engraving was excellent as were the photographs. I don!t belive the book was worth the effort to assemble ,or worth the money .

This has to be one of the best books on fine firearms I have ever read. Reading this book is a sheer pleasure. The photographs are about the best I have ever seen. It has been said the Italians make the best shotguns. This book explains why and how. Not only are they mechanically perfected, but they are works of art. To see Bulino style engraving is to think you have been transported to another world, where art, form, and function have come together. For those who enjoy firearms, own an Italian shotgun, or desire to this is a book you must possess. Sadly, one of the manufacturers listed in the book, Vincenzo Bernardelli, is no longer in business. They went belly up awhile back. Pity, as they made very nice shotguns for those who couldn't afford to buy something like a Piotti. A very well written book.