Textbook of Pistols and Revolvers: Their Ammunition, Ballistics and Use

by Julian S. Hatcher

Originally published in 1935, Textbook of Pistols and Revolvers is a treatise on handguns of the early twentieth century. Written by Major Julian S. Hatcher, an expert on the subject of firearms of all sorts, readers will gain invaluable insight into everything to do with handheld firearms of the 1930s.

In his introduction, Hatcher emphasizes that he has made an earnest effort to make this book accessible for both novices and experts. Novices who know nothing whatsoever about firearms and their use can easily learn from this book, while experts will find a technical reference book where “the results of many experiments with pistols and revolvers and their ammunition are tabulated in convenient form.”

Covering such subjects as the different methods of shooting and using hand firearms; their mechanism, care and repair; their interior and exterior ballistics; the peculiar suitability of the different kinds for various purposes; the relative effectiveness or stopping power of the various calibers and types of gun and ammunition; and many more, this book is an immense store of knowledge on early handguns.

Genres: Nonfiction

560 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1935

About the author

Julian Sommerville Hatcher, was a U.S. Army major general, noted firearms expert and author of the early twentieth century. He is credited with several technical books and articles relating to military firearms, ballistics, and autoloading weapons

Reviews

[Checkman · Rating 4 out of 5]

General Hatcher's entire Army career was spent with the Ordnance branch (weapons, ammunition, armor, vehicles, etc). He was a firearms enthusiast and had a gift for technical matter. He was involved with the development (not the invention - that's different) of most of the small arms used by all of our service members (Navy, Army, Marines, Coast Guard) as well as the training programs from 1912 - 1947. In other words his work had a direct impact on the small arms carried and used in World War I, World War II, Korea and to a lesser extent Vietnam. That's quite a legacy.

However in addition to his official duties General Hatcher was also a firearms enthusiast who enjoyed collecting firearms, hunting and participating in the shooting sports. "Textbook of Pistols and Revolvers" was one of the first books dedicated to the subject of handguns. At the time that it was published there were many books about rifles and shotguns and the various shooting sports as they related to rifles and shotguns. However handguns received little attention. This was changing by the mid-Thirties and Hatcher was one of those leading the charge. This book is considered to be a seminal work and even in 2014 you can learn much from reading it.

Though definitely a technical book it has a flow and actually is very easy to read. Hatcher was aware that he was writing for firearm enthusiasts who probably did not have his years of experience or a degree in Engineering (U.S. Naval Academy (Annapolis); Class of 1909). It is loaded with photographs and line diagrams that illustrate the various mechanical principles as well as things like holsters, grip adapters, ballistics and so on. If you are a hardcore, dyed-in-the-wool gun enthusiast then this is the book for you. If you are also a fan of classic firearm literature and enjoy the history of firearms/development.....well you get my point.

An excellent addition to one's firearms library.