Customer Reviews

Standard Catalog of Military Firearms: The Collector's Price and Reference Guide (Standard Catalog of Military Firearms: The Collector's Price & Reference Guide)

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1 star:		(2)

 

 

I am not an expert, but I do have a collection of: German, Russian, Swiss, Turkish and American military firearms and the popular dedicated reference books for each. What I see missing most from Standard Catalogue of Military Firearms is accuate market values. Prices listed for commodity Milsurp firearms are 2x - 3x market value, even if compared to the past two years. Missing also is the value by country of origin or arsenal and not much attention paid to the glut of inexpensive imports sold through various Milsurp outlets. As an example what is refered to generically as a 1903/38 Turkish Mauser, could actually be conversions made from 1890, 1893, 1903, 1905 carbine, G 98 and the Czech 98/22 Mausers in both small, large ring and hybrid action/barrel.

The Model 1895 Nagant revolver is, again, listed at twice to three times the accepted market value and without discerning the price difference amongst Milsurp models based upon production date, arsenal and configuration. These late production refurbished revolvers were not only made at the Soviet arsenal Tula, they were also made at Izhevsk and marked accordingly. The cartridge for the gun is listed as only the 7.62mm, a label that applies to several cartridges; it is the 7.62x38mmR.

The book is a good source for general identification, which is more than a small accomplishment, it just isn't a very good price guide for buying and selling firearms. It's easier to go to an auction site and spot check as an opportunity arises and reference books dedicated to a more narrow category of firearms will provide a lot more informatio.

Krause Publications, along with Phillip Peterson have outdone themselves in preparing and publishing this 4th edition of what has quickly become a required book in the firearm collector community. As in the previous editions, there is ample discussion and numerous photographs of the listed firearms, and the variations of and much historical context on most of the major models covered. An added bonus in this new edition is the pictorial rich addition of a guide to military bayonets!

As with all collector guides, prices are really dependent on what someone is willing to pay for an item, and the over all economy at the time. The fall in property values and a general slowing of purchase power occurred during the production phase of the book and many models are a little over priced in the late 2007 market (especially the price of transferable machineguns). But this is rather refreshing as the prices are usually undervalued by the publication date of most collector guides.

For the firearm collector interested in military style weapons, this book is an enduring and valuable reference that should be on your bookshelf, or better yet, by your side at the next estate or firearm auction you attend.

If you have any interest in C&R collecting or hold an FFL then this periodical should be a well-worn tool on your bookshelf.

This book provides a useful reference for a military collector, including accurate descriptions for the cases of "What do I have here?" A collector must be warned that the prices shown are Retail, and quite probably not the price one should expect if trying to sell an item.

Great reference for all military arms collectors. It covers rare models and variations that are not in other books. It also lists bayonets, clips, and magazine info. A "must have" for the hobbyist or investor. The only negative, if it can be classed as one, is that it is all black & white with no color illustrations and sometimes they are too small.

As many of the reviewers pointed out, just a basic description of the weapons. Variations of individual weapons may be pointed out, but prices for those variations aren't necessarily mentioned. It typically only refers to the primary manufacturer of a weapon, even though other arsenals may have supplied the same weapon (which can mean a substantial pricing difference), the variations probably won't be there or barely mentioned. Also remember this is a MILITARY gun book, if you have a commercial version of the weapon or import for civilian sale it is most likely not there at all(AK-47s, AR-15 etc). I also expected some mention of importers and their markings to help identify the weapons. You can get as good or better information from most of the gun forums on the internet.

This book was bought because military firearms were not includes in the regular book "Standard Catalog of Firearms" That book refers you to this book when a military firearm is encountered.
Prices I found in this Military book were opulent at best. Most of these guns do not go for the prices listed. This book however is an asset for reference. As far as price guide, you have to start somewhere but always research what you are buying or selling.

When buying this catalog I had high expectations. But while reading I became somewhat dissapointed.
Maybe the prices for many weapons are correct if you're living in the USA (which I doubt when visiting the internetsites of US armsdealers), but when living in Europe like me, they are exaggerated. To give an example; An pre 1968 Israeli UZI in excellent condition won't cost $ 15000. They go for about $ 1500.
On the other hand, prices of some weapons are to low. Since the Swiss Model 1889/1896 rifle is extremely rare, even in Switserland, you don't buy this weapon for about $ 450 or less. At a Swiss auction this type of rifle in good condition was sold in 2008 for $ 2000!
When it comes to the pictures in the catalog I was dissapointed again. Many weapons are not shown. Why not? I can understand you don't show pictures of every Mauser which looks like any other Mauser, but there are weapons which are unique in apparence, such as the Czech Model 52. At least in one case the wrong weapon is shown! The weapon shown under the Swiss SIG 550 is not a SIG 550 but a SIG AMT!
Last but not least, some highly desireable weapons are not even mentioned. An example for this is the Stoner AR10.

Despite the flaws this catalog can be nice for new collector-kids on the block to gain some basic knowledge. For those who are long time collectors there is nothing special about the catalog.

A very good book on the military firearms. A lot of pics and descriptions of military firearms from all over the would. A lot of good reading here for information about variations of different models pistols and rifles also machine guns.

Product was received quickly and in excellent condition. It was exactly as advertised. Well worth the cost. Would consider purchasing additional books by same author.