Anthony North - Böcker

This is an illustrated historical reference guide to military, law enforcement and antique firearms from around the globe. It contains the world's most important small guns from the medieval hand cannon and the matchlock handgun to the Luger P08 and today's FN P90. It features famous small arms including the Colt.45, the Browning High-Power M1935, the Smith & Wesson and the Sten submachine gun. It incorporates 180 specially commissioned photographs and artworks, including cutaway diagrams to show internal components and gun operation. Expertly written by leading professionals in their field, this is essential reading for anyone interested in the history of small arms, gun manufacture and war. This comprehensive encyclopedia of small arms is both an authoritative reference work and a stunning visual directory. This book, illustrated with 180 photographs and diagrams, looks at early weapons, then brings readers up to date with the arms that have shaped the conflicts of the last 150 years. Old weapons are often objects of beautiful craftsmanship, both in their workings and their ornate inlay, carvings or metalwork. Just as impressive are the sleek, light and efficient modern designs.Written by military experts, this is an essential handbook for anyone interested in the history of small arms, gun manufacture and conflicts of war.

This fully updated encyclopedia of small arms is an authoritative reference work featuring two stunning visual directories. The chronological survey of arms development looks at the origins of firearms, beginning with gunpowder and developing through handguns, matchlocks, wheel-locks and flintlocks. It outlines each of the advances in gun technology such as the percussion principle and the beginnings of the modern cartridge system. It also describes the introduction of mass production methods and the craft of the gunmaker. The 20th century and beyond is dominated by the manufacture of arms for major worldwide conflicts, and the rapid development of submachine guns in the period between the two World Wars. Modern arms are explained in detail, covering the materials, mechanics and technology used including the rise of Super Magnum revolvers and pistols, and the personal defence weapon. The main part of the book is made up of two illustrated directories. They present an unparalleled photographic guide to the most significant small guns. Grouped according to country of origin, the entries focus on the salient features of each gun and the military and technological context in which the gun was developed. Special information boxes accompany each entry with specification details such as calibre, magazine capacity, barrel length and unloaded weight. A comprehensive list of manufacturers and a glossary is also included. Written by leading experts in the field, this superb guide will be essential reading for anyone interested in the history of small arms, gun manufacture and conflicts of war.