Customer Reviews

Jane's Guns Recognition Guide 4e

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

 

 

Very imformative and up to date, with relevant facts and a summary for each weapon. On the negative side though, there are WAY to many grammatical errors, it was as if the author could'nt speak English. But since grammar is not important in this type of book it is negligible. In terms of selection of firearms virtually every mass-produced firearm after 1940 is included; the only I can recall thats not in the book is the Walther P99.

Upon reading the multiple reviews pertaining to the other editions, I managed to obtain the previous editions, as well as this and the 5th edition. Once I finished comparing and contrasting, I was left feeling like I had paid too much for the newer (3rd, 4th, and 5th) editions. Each edition is an improvement over the previous one, but with the stated purpose of being primarily for law enforcement/military personnel I think Jane's would be better sticking with that mindset when selecting firearms for inclusion/deletion in upcoming editions and by compiling a separate book dealing with hunting-target firearms. All in all, pick up one (or more) older editions if you can find them at a yard/book sale and a more current one for general quick reference. I highly recommend not buying one hastily, as you will feel wanting once you start looking through it. Save up your money and buy a few better works like Pistols of the World and John Walter's Rifles of the World. They're a lot better books.

Good reference for the price listed (used). Good format. I would prefer another design of the content, but it is ok.

FIRST THOUGHTS:

I decided to read this volume to distract myself while chaperoning my spouse and youngster during a sultry day at Six Flags theme park. After about 30 minutes I realized that the book had to be put away as I found people passing by me either gave me a thumbs-up or a head shaking frown. Can I be sure it was the book? ANSWER AFTER THE REVIEW!

ABOUT THE BOOK: LOOKS LIKE A J.C. PENNEY CATALOG FOR GUNS WITH EDITING ERRORS

ORGANIZATION OF "JANE'S GUNS RECOGNITION GUIDE:

GUN TYPES - PISTOLS, REVOLVERS, SUBMACHINE GUNS,BOLT ACTION RIFLES, AUTOMATIC RIFLES, SHOTGUNS, MACHINE GUNS;

-* MFG. INDEX, BRAND NAME INDEX - Pages 419-464

Within each gun-type, aphabetical organization by country is used. Essentially, 1 gun gets 1 page with a color photo and also includes a short blurb about the piece and a blue-outlined section at the bottom titled, "SPECIFICATIONS & OPERATIONS".

WHAT IT IS: A BASIC COMPREHENSIVE IDENTIFICATION GUIDE

There are a lot of guns in this neatly organized reference, but it provides minimal info per gun. Essentially, one can quickly and reliably identify most any piece that may be encountered in the world today or during most of the twentieth century. Having said that, if you are looking for ballistic information you will have to look elsewhere.

SO WAS IT THE BOOK OR MY DEODORANT?

Having moved away from the foot traffic to sit in the shade, after becoming a little self-conscious of the unwanted attention I seemed to be getting, a woman, about 30 or so, who had been waiting in line to get a tattoo-like rub-on, was staring at me and moving toward me. "You must be a gun dealer?" She stated rather proudly. I replied, "No -- actually I am an anti-gun activist." She looked me over, now, as if expecting to see what was wrong with me that she had missed the first time and walked away without speaking again.