What do you think?
Rate this book
Smith & Wesson Hand Guns
“The story of Smith & Wesson handguns and their evolution is one of the hallowed tales of American firearms’ history,” according to the firearms writer Jim Casada. Anyone who collects Smith & Wessons or is simply interested in their backstory will cherish this book.
Though originally published in 1945, more than half a century ago, Smith & Wesson Hand Guns remains the source for Smith & Wesson enthusiasts. It is an authoritative reference and has remained, for over five decades, the cornerstone upon which Smith & Wesson research rests. This work is foundational, supported by sixty-three detailed illustrations showing the handguns, the unique hammer mechanism, and facsimile reproductions of vintage advertising copy.
The first twenty-four chapters of the book, which tell the story of Smith and Wesson and the development of Smith & Wesson handguns, are very informative. After the reader becomes familiar with Smith and Wesson’s history together, as well as their creation of a business, illustrations exhibiting Smith & Wesson handguns will show rather than tell of their magnificence. Finally, descriptions of different caliber guns are given, where readers will gain invaluable information regarding Smith & Wesson handguns. For any Smith & Wesson enthusiast or collector, this work is impossible to put down.
Though originally published in 1945, more than half a century ago, Smith & Wesson Hand Guns remains the source for Smith & Wesson enthusiasts. It is an authoritative reference and has remained, for over five decades, the cornerstone upon which Smith & Wesson research rests. This work is foundational, supported by sixty-three detailed illustrations showing the handguns, the unique hammer mechanism, and facsimile reproductions of vintage advertising copy.
The first twenty-four chapters of the book, which tell the story of Smith and Wesson and the development of Smith & Wesson handguns, are very informative. After the reader becomes familiar with Smith and Wesson’s history together, as well as their creation of a business, illustrations exhibiting Smith & Wesson handguns will show rather than tell of their magnificence. Finally, descriptions of different caliber guns are given, where readers will gain invaluable information regarding Smith & Wesson handguns. For any Smith & Wesson enthusiast or collector, this work is impossible to put down.
- GenresHistory
256 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1945
32 people are currently reading
212 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 of 1 review
May 9, 2024
Originally published in 1945 "Smith & Wesson Hand Guns" is a classic in the world of firearm publications. For many decades after it's publication it was the reference book for Smith & Wesson collectors. In the past twenty-five years that situation has changed and this book is now a historical artifact, but still of real usefulness if one collects Smith & Wesson handguns made before and during World War II.
In addition to covering the many different models made by Smith & Wesson the book also covers the history of the company and an overview of firearms technology as it related to Smith & Wesson. For me this book was a necessary addition to my firearms library. As a collector of double-action revolvers (Smith & Wesson and Colt) I have learned that it's essential to have an extensive library to go with one's collection. I have been told that for every handgun I buy I should strive to buy at least one or two books. Even in the age of the Internet books can be very useful to a collector.An easy read with a down to Earth homey style and illustrated with sixty-three photographs and diagrams. Recommended.
In addition to covering the many different models made by Smith & Wesson the book also covers the history of the company and an overview of firearms technology as it related to Smith & Wesson. For me this book was a necessary addition to my firearms library. As a collector of double-action revolvers (Smith & Wesson and Colt) I have learned that it's essential to have an extensive library to go with one's collection. I have been told that for every handgun I buy I should strive to buy at least one or two books. Even in the age of the Internet books can be very useful to a collector.An easy read with a down to Earth homey style and illustrated with sixty-three photographs and diagrams. Recommended.
Displaying 1 of 1 review