The Complete Blackpowder Handbook (Paperback)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

A one-stop shop for blackpowder and muzzleloading fans, this comprehensive fourth edition contains practically everything on blackpowder guns, shooting loads, shooting games, and new developments. View today's guns, expanded hunting-load recipes, and equipment advancements to stay on top of this fast-moving and ever-expanding sport.

A valuable reference and teaching tool for blackpowder users of all ages, the handbook teaches readers the histories of blackpowder guns, how to shoot blackpowder rifles, handguns, and shotguns, and correct cleaning and maintenance measures vital to the longevity of these guns.

Hunters, shooters and history buffs will find this book enjoyable and educational as they explore the early firearms that helped win our nation's freedom and helped keep food on the settlers' tables.

-All-inclusive reference on every important facet of blackpowder and muzzleloading
-Latest information on shooting loads, in-line rifles, handguns, shotguns, and equipment

-Educational tool for all hunters, shooters, and history buffs
-Author is one of the nation's leading authorities on blackpowder guns and shooting

Product Details

• Paperback: 413 pages
• Publisher: kp books; Enlarged 4th edition (October 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0873492943
• ISBN-13: 978-0873492942
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #274,047 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

44 of 44 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Revised and expanded - more "complete" than ever, January 22, 2002

By	Lothar Erkens (Edwardsville, IL USA) - See all my reviews

After repeat borrowing the first edition of this book from my local library, I was thrilled when this 4th edition became available. Sam Fadala answers more questions I had in this edition than in the previous ones. I personally could have done without the chapter on hunting. But at the same time I did appreciate the chapter about the historical background of the big-bore guns. The only improvement I would like to see is a chapter about "kit guns". I.E. who might consider buying a gun this way, which skills are essential and what are the pitfalls.
Overall I find this book very informative. The chapters are organized in a fashion that make it your choice if you'd like to read up on a single topic or read this work front to back. Judging by the used prices for the first edition, this book was a classic a while back and to me it has become a "must read" item for anyone who considers getting into the black powder thing. Thanks, Sam Fadala!

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars "everything you always wanted to know about blackpowder..", October 21, 2005

By	W. Relihan "Bud" (Jacksonville) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book was very informative, but "long winded". This is more a collection of articles than an organized, coherent, book-format approach to the subject. The reading is interesting and it is clear that the author knows his subject, but I struggled to quickly gain the knowledge that I was seeking. This being said, I'm not sure that there is any better resource available. So, if you like me, are new to the subject of blackpowder and you'd like to gain knowledge from a book rather than trail and error, then you don't have much choice. Suck it up and read on... not unpleasant, just verbose.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars So-so book, March 16, 2006

By	honest guy (Akron, Ohio) - See all my reviews

Your opinion of this book will depend on your other resources. If you don't have the time and/or access to the Internet, this book will go a long way to helping you get started in black powder shooting. If you have time to lurk in some of the blackpowder chat rooms, and to read other on-line resources, you'll get more, newer and specific information for free. The writing is clear but gets a bit repetitive at times, and there were too many commercials for certain products in the text for my tastes. If you can get this book from your local library, check it out first to better decide if its worth your money. I probably would not have bought it if my local library carried it.