Civil War Firearms: Their Historical Background And Tactical Use (Hardcover)

~ (Author) "The attack rippled down the line, leaving trampled cornfields and burning farmhouses in its wake..." (more)
Key Phrases: rifled arms, combustible cartridges, sharpshooter battalions, Civil War, New Jersey, New York (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

In Civil War Firearms: Their Historical Background, Tactical Use, And Modern Collecting And Shooting, Joe Bilby (columnist for the Civil War News) has laid out each major sub-division of Civil War firearms with its own chapter including descriptions of all significant models, their technical evolution , and their actual use on Civil War battlefields. Bilby has done a unit-by-unit study of firearm use, and shows that performance and employment of Civil War weapons often differed from popular conceptions. Bilby utilizes technical data and descriptions regarding the firing range tests of surviving firearms and modern replicas in order to evaluate Civil War battlefield tactics. Civil War Firearms is a significant and important contribution to Civil War studies, and of great value for antique firearms collectors. -- Midwest Book Review

This lavish and well-crafted book is the definitive history of Civil War firearms, from muskets to rifles and handguns to carbines. Columnist and firearms historian Joseph Bilby has produced a comprehensive and detailed study of the handguns and shoulder-fired weapons used by Confederate and Union soldiers throughout the war. With flair and style, Bilby describes the technical evolution and tactical employment of these deadly firearms, with fascinating coverage of surprising unconventional use. Each firearm is presented, along with a guide to collecting and safely firing relics and reproductions. Bilby's expertise and research shines through in this rich history. -- From Independent Publisher

Product Description

The popular Civil War News columnist has written a unique work, combining technical data on each Civil War firearm, an often surprising treatment of their actual use on the battlefield, and a guide to collecting and firing surviving relics and modern reproductions.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 252 pages
• Publisher: Da Capo Press; illustrated edition edition (August 21, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0938289799
• ISBN-13: 978-0938289791
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 7.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,296,028 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great book for collectors and historians, August 13, 2000

By	Shawn Smith (Cumberland Gap, TN United States) - See all my reviews

The book covers the history of and tactics used for several Civil War firearms. These guns include smoothbores, sharpshooters, repeaters, and several others. Joseph Bilby's research into the historical aspect of each weapon is excellent and worthy of praise. Bilby also provides an invaluable supply and information list near the end of the book. Collectors will find this part of the book very helpful for locating pieces to add to their collection.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent work on Civil War arms, March 7, 2001

By	Matthew Nelson (West Oneonta, NY USA) - See all my reviews

Jo Bilby's work on Civil War Firearms is invaluable. I have referred to my copy numerous times and it has become dogeared with use. Mr. Bilby is a kind and highly intelligent man who has done history buffs a great service by providing this book. If you enjoy this book also check out his other works: "Mr. Bilby is the author of Three Rousing Cheers: A History of the 15th New Jersey Infantry from Flemington to Appomattox, Forgotten Warriors: New Jersey's African-American Civil War Soldiers, Remember Fontenoy: The 69th New York and the Irish Brigade In the Civil War and co-editor, with Steven O'Neill, of My Sons Were Faithful and They Fought: The Irish Brigade At Antietam...

0 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars cumbersom reading, June 16, 2006

By	Michael N. Ryan (Bel AIr, Maryland USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

For those currently playing soldier with these weapons this is a good book to have but for the historian it has little real value.

Cumbersom and difficult in reading.