The Gun Digest Book of the AR-15 (Paperback)

~ Patrick Sweeney (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Hunters, military enthusiasts, self-defense experts and target-shooting competitors alike will find favor with a reference devoted to a firearm touted as one of the best small-caliber rifles ever invented. The Gun Digest Book of the AR-15 delivers details about the evolution of the rifle from its introduction to military action in the 1960s to its popularity at today's competitions and training centers.

This book provides 500+ photos, details on function, barrel options, caliber, weight for various models, and an explanation of AR versus AK. In addition, tips on cleaning and maintenance, information about myths surrounding the AR-15, key legal information and results of product tests from today's major manufacturers are covered.

-More than 500 detailed photos help with identification -Catalog listing with specifications for each model assist in collecting and active shooting

-Results of product tests for many major models offer valuable insight for users

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Gun Digest Books; 2 edition (September 23, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0873499476
• ISBN-13: 978-0873499477
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.7 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #462,556 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Sweeney gives full value to gun makers, not to his readers, November 21, 2007

By	Stephen Fleischer (Monument, Colorado) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Gun Digest Book of the AR-15, Vol. 2 (Paperback)

Sweeney gives a lot of information, most of it interesting and valuable. The comparative benefits of the AR, the AK and various calibers are well analyzed.

Unfortunately, Sweeney also knows where his bread is buttered (hint - it is not by the readers who bought his book). Sweeney admits that he got a lot of free goodies from the gun manufacturers (presumably in the expectation that he would write favorable reviews) and he delivers. The readers bought the book in the expectation that Sweeney would write the whole truth about what he learned testing guns; unfortunately, the writer short changes us there. All reviews are either favorable (very) or bland. We can infer that the bland reviews mean that there wasn't much good that he could find to say about those products, but I don't pay $20+ dollars for a book to read between the lines.

On a couple occasions, Sweeney discusses interesting topics, but stops short with the explanation that the public does not need to know that kind of sensitive information. Once again, I don't pay a writer to tell me that I am not entitled to know what he knows; I pay him to tell me what he knows. If he keeps the information to himself while being paid for the book, he is not delivering on the bargain.

Buy this book on the remainder shelf for $5, or better yet, get it from the Amazon used book department where I am selling my copy. You don't need this book on your permanent shelf.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Patrick let us down, September 7, 2007

By	V. Morgillo (NW Ohio) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Gun Digest Book of the AR-15, Vol. 2 (Paperback)

Regarding AR-15 Volume #2
Most of the reviews here are clearly for the first volume which I also enjoyed thoroughly. I could hardly wait for volume 2 to become available. However it was quite a let down. It was virtually void of the technical information Patrick usually provides and instead was filled with quips and comments. He spent too much time trying to be funny and or arrogant instead of providing his usual first class reviews. Editing left a lot to be desired as relevant pictures were often pages away from the text they supported. I have many of Patrick's books, but,I definitely would not recommend AR-15 Volume 2, sorry Patrick, you let us down with this one.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Not as good as it should be., July 12, 2007

By	R. Winkle - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Gun Digest Book of the AR-15, Vol. 2 (Paperback)

I am very disappointed in Gun Digest Book of the AR-15 Vol 2. I found volume 1 enjoyable and informative, however volume 2 is neither of these. My main impression from reading the book is that it was thrown together in a hurry just to get it published. The topics of the chapters are presented with very little detailed information being given.
I have read other books and many magazine articles by Patrick Sweeney and know he is very knowledgeable and usually is able to give the reader useful information in a way that is enjoyable and easy to understand. However, this book falls well short of his normal standards.