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Chassepot to FAMAS: French Military Rifles, 1866 – 2016
Ian McCollum's Chassepot to FAMAS: French Military Rifles, 1866 – 2016 is a reference guide for historians, researchers, enthusiasts, and arms collectors alike, detailing the progression of French military rifles from the first paper-cartridge Chassepot rifles in 1866 through the FAMAS – the last military rifle to be made in France. This book is the first English-language work to comprehensively cover the subject, and includes all major models of French rifles.
532 pages, Hardcover
Published March 1, 2020
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About the author
Ian McCollum
9 books18 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Please see: Ian McCollum
Ian McCollum is the founder, editor and presenter of Forgotten Weapons, a web site and video archive founded in 2010 and dedicated to preserving firearms history. He holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology from Purdue University, and is a Technical Advisor for the Association of Firearm and Toolmark Examiners, a board member of the National Firearms Act Trade and Collectors' Association, and the American liaison to the Federation of European Societies of Arms Collectors. He has also written for Armament Research Services, Popular Mechanics, American Rifleman, and others.
In addition to being an avid practical shooting competitor, Mr. McCollum studies the history of firearms development and practical use. His work with firearms includes a particular specialty in French arms which has led him to a deep interest in collecting these weapons. He hopes this work will help give these arms the recognition and appreciation they deserve, and so often do not receive.
Please see: Ian McCollum
Ian McCollum is the founder, editor and presenter of Forgotten Weapons, a web site and video archive founded in 2010 and dedicated to preserving firearms history. He holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology from Purdue University, and is a Technical Advisor for the Association of Firearm and Toolmark Examiners, a board member of the National Firearms Act Trade and Collectors' Association, and the American liaison to the Federation of European Societies of Arms Collectors. He has also written for Armament Research Services, Popular Mechanics, American Rifleman, and others.
In addition to being an avid practical shooting competitor, Mr. McCollum studies the history of firearms development and practical use. His work with firearms includes a particular specialty in French arms which has led him to a deep interest in collecting these weapons. He hopes this work will help give these arms the recognition and appreciation they deserve, and so often do not receive.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
April 1, 2020
As the title suggests Chassepot to FAMAS covers French military rifles from 1866-2016. What is the most impressive about this book is how the author balances the breadth and the depth of that coverage. For breadth, almost if not all, variants of each rifle are examined. For depth, photographs, histories, mechanic, tabulated data, and relevant notes are provided for each of those individual variants. Even without a particular interest in France, this book was captivating. Ian McCollum's passion shines through each page. The photographs alone make this book worth a look and add tremendous value, especially for collectors. To reiterate and summarize, the amount of detail revealed inside the pages, all while covering a broad subject, brings something for anyone interested in small arms development, history, mechanics, and/or collecting. I look forward to the next publication from Headstamp Publishing.
June 20, 2020
Wow.
Definitely the most niche book I've ever read. I've been watching Mr. McCollum's YouTube channel (Forgotten Weapons) for years now and appreciate his passion for the mechanical and historical nature of firearms. In some case (especially with French stuff), his enthusiasm is infectious. So, when he announced a reference book, I knew I had to get it. I have no French rifles, I have no collection, and with the world shut down due to a pandemic, I'm probably not gonna go shopping for a MAS 36 at Cabela's anytime soon.
Although, that does sound fun.
Anyways, McCollum's passion shines through here. This is part dry reference book, part manual, part photo portfolio (some seriously fantastic photography), and part historical account. I was fascinated. The French's loopy and often nonsensical path to all their different rifles seemed silly, and still does, but McCollum lays everything out so clearly that you find yourself, in reading about the odd inclusion of rifle grenade capabilities in a rifle designed in the 1970s, remembering that they really like them all the way back to the Lebel and it all comes together in your head and you feel smart.
Fascinating stuff. Great things are sure to come from Headstamp Publishing.
Definitely the most niche book I've ever read. I've been watching Mr. McCollum's YouTube channel (Forgotten Weapons) for years now and appreciate his passion for the mechanical and historical nature of firearms. In some case (especially with French stuff), his enthusiasm is infectious. So, when he announced a reference book, I knew I had to get it. I have no French rifles, I have no collection, and with the world shut down due to a pandemic, I'm probably not gonna go shopping for a MAS 36 at Cabela's anytime soon.
Although, that does sound fun.
Anyways, McCollum's passion shines through here. This is part dry reference book, part manual, part photo portfolio (some seriously fantastic photography), and part historical account. I was fascinated. The French's loopy and often nonsensical path to all their different rifles seemed silly, and still does, but McCollum lays everything out so clearly that you find yourself, in reading about the odd inclusion of rifle grenade capabilities in a rifle designed in the 1970s, remembering that they really like them all the way back to the Lebel and it all comes together in your head and you feel smart.
Fascinating stuff. Great things are sure to come from Headstamp Publishing.
September 2, 2020
A stunning book with the greatest level of thought put into small details.
The information is very structured, but reading it does feel like a story, so it doesn't feel like a technical data reference book.
Photography and the layout deserve dedicated praise since the photos, the descriptions are very cleverly done.
Just one downside to this all is the physical book itself - I spent a bit more than a month reading it ( really enjoying it) and the decorative gold on the covers did rub off where the hand most often touches the book. I have not dealt with many books with decorative gold inlay, but those that I do have are more than two decades old and the decorations are as good as new. Perhaps it is something to expect and normal....
The information is very structured, but reading it does feel like a story, so it doesn't feel like a technical data reference book.
Photography and the layout deserve dedicated praise since the photos, the descriptions are very cleverly done.
Just one downside to this all is the physical book itself - I spent a bit more than a month reading it ( really enjoying it) and the decorative gold on the covers did rub off where the hand most often touches the book. I have not dealt with many books with decorative gold inlay, but those that I do have are more than two decades old and the decorations are as good as new. Perhaps it is something to expect and normal....
August 30, 2021
The best and most easily accessible reference book in English for French rifles. Those used to Ian's straightforward and enthusiastic explanations on his Forgotten Weapons videos will find the same level of quality within this book, backed up by the most amazing photography. Ian expertly weaves the demands of both expected audiences (historians and collectors) into vivid and detailed looks into all aspects of each service arm (design, production, usage, markings, serial numbers, etc). Headstamp Publishing came out strong with its first offering.
July 20, 2020
Immaculately photographed, and meticulously researched. Truly a thing of beauty.
February 1, 2021
lots of information and pictures
May 6, 2021
Excellent detail, information, and photography in an exquisite package.
January 26, 2022
It is a reference book of the highest quality. Gun Jesus brings a thorough look at French military rifles of the time frame listed. All printings are of the super high hardback with excellent image quality that really makes the information easy to see and understand what is being talked about. The information is of the highest quality and goes into the great minutia you would hope to have from a work like this. Intended for the collector of firearms, gun history nerd, or someone who generally has an interest where an understanding of 18th/20th century French rifles would enhance your experience there is no alternative. You won't be disappointed.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews