Customer Reviews

Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson

5 star:		(63)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Covers all S&W manufactured firearms, including rifles, shotguns, and submachine guns, up through 2001. This is a much expanded version of the first edition. IF you have the 1st edition, you still need to buy the 2nd edition... .there is just that much more info on model variants, and more photos. If you are a SW collector, you will sleep with this by your pillow. One of the best reference books devoted to S&W I have seen, more comprehensive info on the models than Roy Jinks' History of S&W, each variant of each model is explained in detail, with stock number, changes made, ways of identifying each variant, some serial number info, lots of photos, etc. The info on non-handgun products is about 10 percent of the book, and it covers even the S&W handcuffs. The info on the handguns is what this book is about, and it does an outstanding job. I'm an S&W wheelgun lover, and this is one of my most valued books. And the short history of the company is fascinating as well. IF you like Smith & Wessons, you absolutely must put this book on your shelf.

From the author of IMPORTED MILITARY FIREARMS 1866-1899:

I wish that all such books were as good as this one-- including mine! Everything is laid out logically, with good pictures, so that it is very easy to quickly find your piece without knowing much more than "its an S&W". All the stats are there plus a lot of minutia, which might bore the average reader, but if you happen to have one of those things, you just can't get enough of it. Also, the irreverant writing style goes a long way towards offsetting the dry nature of a reference.

There is not much I can add beyond Mr. Irwin's review except to say that Supica and Nahas have written a highly thorough, readable, and entertaing text that S&W collectors and fanciers will find very useful for years to come. It only goes up to late 1995 however, so certain newer guns like the model 696 are not covered. I would still say that it is a treasure trove of good information, but for S&W company history, Jinks is the undisputed authority. This book is more of a product overview, so keep Supica and Nahas right next to Jinks on your bookshelf.

The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson has proven to be a useful tool, offering better illustration of models and expanded listing of models and details over the more general guides. By comparison, the Standard Catalog provides 70 pages of Smith & Wesson listings, while the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson provides 432. The authors, Jim Supica and Richard Nahas are recognized as long standing experts in Smith and Wesson firearms, in both model identification and value.

The authors did an excellent job of identifying factors unique to S&W in value determination, including how S&W collectors might differ from others. Section One, as an example, covers S&W frame sizes and side plate screw counts, pinned and unpinned barrels and hand ejector models as they relate to model identification. Engraving is organized by artist, by time period and by source. NRA condition classifications are extended further into finish and factory refinish, modifications, serial number integrity and grips. I did not realize there was such a big market for S&W stocks. Not only are stocks addressed, but so are manuals and boxes.

The organization is good. Not appearing strictly in model number order or date of production, S&W revolvers are broken into groups such as "Tip Up", "Top Break", "Single Shot", "Early Hand Ejector", "Modern Hand Ejector", "Semi-Auto....". It really isn't so difficult for even a novice to navigate and there is a good solid model number index at the back of the book. Covered firearms are all S&W handguns through the S&W 460 and S&W 500 chambers, long guns, boxes, cases, and even AR 15 types of current production. Individual model entries are not sketchy. As an example, just one line listings of Model 10 specials and variations went on for two full pages. Model descriptions are very full, unique characteristics in product or packaging indicated, dates of production and production counts are present in each case. To some extend, branded general merchandise is also covered; knives, belt buckles, etc.

The book is an excellent value.

Although not all of the information is complete, this is the best reference book on the market for S&W collectors and owners. If you are interested in the history of your favorite handgun, or even it's date of birth, this is the book for you.

I hope there are future versions of this book. It would be fantastic if the authors continued to fill in the voids and issued a new version every couple of years.

I had the previous 2nd edition of the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson and used it extensively for research and information on S&W firearms. When the new 3nd edition was released I thought I'd better buy it to stay up to date and because it includes newly researched information on newly released S&W firearms. The new 3nd edition is infinitly superior to previous editions. It is printed on a high-quality grade of paper and bound in a heavy hardbound binding with an attractive dustcover that really sets it off. The book includes all color photographs and detailed and extensive information on all Smith & Wesson firearms and products to date. Information on history, description, serialization, condition, and production is all contained in this book. It is a MUST book for any serious collector or firearms enthusiast. My hat is off to the authors for this fine addition to their excellent line of books on Smith & Wesson.

I have the previous edition too. A fellow S&W collector told me about the newest edition and this one is the best so far. You cannot seriously evaluate a Smith and Wesson without the information in these catalogs. Model numbers, model names, correct markings, screw placement, correct grips. If any of these mean anything to you buy this book.

While you may not be able to fix the exact date of manufacture, you can get close enough and use this edition to identify any of the "Smiths" that you own. Also gives info on the many or possible variations within a given model during its various manufacturing periods. Very pleased with the quality and content of the this 3rd edition and it is hard bound and not as originally advertised on Amazon web site as paperback. Pre-ordered it with one other title before it came out and received it about a month ago (just before Christmas). Worth the wait and certainly cheaper than the price you'd pay at any of the gun shows.

Bonus was that I even got a reply to a comment/query that I sent to one of the authors. Very helpful and will take a fair amount of time to get through from cover to cover, but that is time that will be enjoyed while passing this winter. Then to have for a great reference.

A must have for anyone interested in Smith & Wesson revolvers. Well put together and easy to find the information you are looking for. I can't believe how much information is in this book. I should have bought this years ago.

I own each edition of jim supica's SW standard catalog books. Each edition is little better than the last edition. This edition adds color photographs (great photos). The only fault I have found so far is double print on pages 243 and 246, so my copy is going back to border's books this afternoon. Amazon had a better price, but I was standing in borders when I saw it. otherwise it would have been 5-stars.