Handguns

by Jim Supica

The notorious outlaws of the Wild West used them with devastating effect. Pirates threatened prisoners with them. Soldiers still take them into battle. Police officers, security guards, and private citizens carry them. Designed to be fired with just one hand, handguns revolutionized the art of war. Discover the fascinating history of handguns in this comprehensive new title. Handguns takes aim at the history and evolution of handguns, from early Chinese hand canons to today's high-tech weapons. This fascinating book features more than 200 full-color photographs of the world's most celebrated handguns from key manufacturers. Look down the barrel at some of the most celebrated models of all time, including Smith & Wesson's Model 29 made famous by Dirty Harry. Discover top handgun manufacturers like Smith and Wesson, Beretta, Heckler and Koch, Inc., Springfield Armory, and Taurus International. Learn about different types of handguns, including single-shot pistols, multi-barreled pistols, revolvers, lever-action pistols, and semi-automatic pistols.

144 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2010

About the author

Prior to taking on oversight of the National Firearms Museum and NRA Gun Collector Programs, Jim Supica was an antique gun dealer, peddling old iron through his mail order catalog, website and auction business. He holds Juris Doctorate and Bachelor degrees from the University of Kansas. In 2020 he retired as Director of the NRA Museums Division after a dozen years.

Jim is author or co-author of six books on firearms. He's written numerous articles on gun collecting, including regular columns for American Rifleman and Shotgun News; is a contributing editor for the major firearms price guides; and appears on television, radio and webcasts.

Supica served eight years on the NRA Board of Directors, including stints as chairman of the Publications Policy Committee and Vice Chairman of the Gun Collectors Committee. He is a past president of the Smith & Wesson Collectors Association and Missouri Valley Arms Collectors Association, a former board member of the Colt Collectors Association, and a member of American Society of Arms Collectors and other collecting and shooting clubs. Jim collects 19th century big frame S&W revolvers and serial number one guns.

Reviews

[Chandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gorgeous little book, with lots of pictures, which was my main incentive for purchasing. Good basic information.