Customer Reviews

Weapons Tests And Evaluations: The Best Of Soldier Of Fortune

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Kokalis's Weapons Tests and Evaluations is an interesting read for armchair tactical operators. The book is a collection of various stories and weapons reviews that Kokalis wrote during his tenure at Soldier of Fortune magazine. As a collection, the articles date from 1982 to 2000, with many of the articles coming from before 1990. Because of the dates of when the articles were originally written, Kokalis skips many newer designs. At the time, Kokalis professes to be the first or one of the first to review some of the systems (AGS-17, etc).

It is somewhat difficult to review the book without commenting on Kokalis's blatent disregard for journalistic or scientific integrity. As a 'journalist', he tought courses in small arms handling and secured ammuntion and parts. Kokalis makes much ado about following military specifications for the M16A2 evaluation, but admits to changing the specification to evaluate other critera.

The book is a good read, but should be taken with a grain of salt or two. Kokalis isn't shy about his opinions; by the end, it's obvious that he has an axe or two to grind.

For most of us, the closest we will ever get to many of the weapons reviewed is in the pages of Jane's Infantry Weapons. If we're lucky, we will see it in a museum. Kokalis provides useful qualitative information that most of us simply don't have access to about the weapons he reviews. So often, gun reviews gush over every product. Kokalis, especially in his early reviews, isn't afraid of calling a spade a spade.

A series of articles reprinted from 'Soldier of Fortune' magazine from the 80's and 90's. In today's time the articles are a mixed bag. For instance, there is no coverage of the large number of guns that have come out in the last half dozen years.

For instance there is a lengthy article on the M60 machine gun and its faults. And another on the M60E3 version that is highly praised. In reality, subsequent use of the E3 has shown it to have almost as many new problems as it fixed on the original guns. Most front line units have replace their M60's with M240's.

One nice thing, the author does not hesitate to state his opinions, and his opinions seem to be based on actual testing. As a result this gives a refreshing tone to the articles. You might agree with him or not, but at least he seems to have some basis for his views. So many magazines seem to simply report from the press releases sent out by the manufacturers.

Conclusion. Great reading for us arm chair types. But please put out a second edition to cover the newer stuff.

The author is the #1 best "been there" combat arms authority in the world. His tests are excellent. This book is a keeper to be read and re-read for years and years.

Detailed and technically accurate discussions from the quintessential gun writer, Peter Kokalis, on modern weapons. Too bad he is no longer with with SOF.