The Complete Encyclopedia of Pistols and Revolvers

by A.E. Hartink

Book Overview

This extensive and useful encyclopedia is specially written for sport shooters, weapons collectors, and government officials. Inside readers will find: an extensive glossary of technical terms and types of ammunition, complete with full color illustrations Information on arms manufacturers and makes of pistols from around the world; detailed descriptions of each weapon, often accompanied by its history and development Information on handguns of the...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0785815198
• ISBN13: 9780785815198
• Release Date: January 2013
• Publisher: Chartwell Books
• Length: 464 Pages
• Weight: 4.89 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.3" x 8.8" x 12.0"

Customer Reviews

Very comprehensive

This book contains pretty much everything you'd want to know about pistols. The glossary of different terms regarding handguns is very helpful. Models of different manufacturers are listed in alphabetical order, but I really wish the top of every page would say what manufacturer the chosen page tells the reader about. This would have made searching a lot easier. But overall, a very good book.

Most comprehensive handgun reference book in the world.

Extremely well done piece of work. Provides a short history of each handgun manufacturer, then covers most of each manufacturers major models, with photos, and a short "bio" on each model. Finally, and this is the good part, shows what changes were made thru the years to some of the more important models. I've been an avid handgunner for 45 years, and I learned a lot from this book. It is well worth twice whatever you have to pay for a copy. When United Airlines lost my original copy, I immediately went out and bought another. One of the most valuable books on handguns I have owned, along with "Classic Handguns of the 20th Century", and Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, 2nd edition".

Excellent Reference for pre-2002 Pistols & Revolvers

Found this book by accident and it is absolutely the best book I've seen on a large variety of handguns. Not only are most photographs in color, but the cover a HUGE variety of handguns including various models from each manufacturer. All of your favorites are here, Glocks, HKs, Walthers, S & Ws, Colts, etc. are found in this book. Also another great addition left out by so many other books of its type is the glossary in the back that defines parts and terminology used by gun makers and users. Simple anwers to terms such as "Blued", "Extractor", "Flame-Hardened", "Muzzle Energy", etc. This is a must have book for the expert and novice alike in who owns or is considering owning a handgun. I highly recommend this book.-

Finnaly the real thing!

By contrast to a lot of other encyclopedia,directories, guides, etc. this is a realy valuable source of information for pistols and revolvers. It also includes non-american handguns. The graphic quality is excellent. Almost every item has its picture, in colour and of very good quality. My only sugestion is to specify more clearly the type of the handgun (military, service, self-defence, sport, hunting, competition, etc.)

The Recognition guide

Definitely the best on-the-shelf guide to handguns. Comprehensive, many pictures, detailed specs. If you're in some serious studies, this is a must-have.