The Colt New Service revolver was manufactured from 1898 through 1943 in a number of commercial and military models, with standard and Target versions offered in the civilian models. Over 356,000 were made, in a total of eleven standard chamberings. Experimental models were also made up in .22 rimfire, .22 Hornet, and .41 Special. Examples of all these models and chamberings are depicted and discussed.

In addition to the standard versions of each model, which were available in blue or nickel finish with 4-1/2", 5-1/2" or 7-1/2" barrels (7-1/2" standard on the Target Models), a variety of special-order features were available. These included special finishes (gold and/or silver plating); various grades of factory engraving; and grips of ivory, mother-of-pearl or stag, either plain, checkered, or carved, usually with steer head or eagle motifs.

The 165 distinct model/versions depicted include some really rare and interesting New Services, beginning with serial nos. 0 and 1, plus the very first Target Old Model and numerous other factory special orders with custom features, including specially-marked versions as used by the U.S. Border Patrol and various police agencies.

In addition to a brief historical introduction and individual chapters on each of the models, including the top-of-the-line Shooting Master and the radically bobbed "Fitz Specials", plus chapters on Famous Users and Aftermarket Modifications, the author presents expert commentaries and reasoned analyses throughout on the value and usefulness of the New Service in the field and as a personal defense weapon, plus frank critiques and comparisons with contemporary Smith & Wesson products.

The Colt New Service is one of today's hottest collectibles, with auction sales consistently realizing the high catalog estimates or better. Here is a well-reasoned, entertaining and profusely-illustrated guide to these popular revolvers - the most complete study of the New Service ever published.

Times were different then. The stock market crash of October, 1929 heralded the worst depression in American history. At the same time, one-handed target shooting was considered by many to be a very popular and highly respectable pastime.

In January, 1932, Colt's introduced their hand-fitted, premium-grade National Match Government Model pistol. Eminently suited for target shooting, the National Match carried a sticker price of $40.00 in the days when a brand-new Government Model cost $21.00 or $22.00. Perhaps this is why they were made for only eight short years, and why they may well be rarer, in terms of numbers produced, than the Colt Paterson or Walker. Includes 20 spectacular color photos of factory-engraved guns and other authenticated upgrades, including double-carved ivory grips!

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The M1 Garand was arguably the most respected service rifle in US history, and a veritable library of books has been written about it.

However, this is the only book that tells the complete, in-depth story of the rarest Garands of them all: the initial 80 Model Shop rifles, made under the personal supervision of John Garand himself in 1934 and 1935; and the first 50,000+ production "gas trap" M1s, made between August, 1937 and August, 1940.

There were only three men who knew all the intimate details of the highly classified M1 project: John Garand; his Chief Model Maker, J R "Red" Stimson; and Art Tuttle, John Garand's personal "Troubleshooter". The respected Garand authority Billy Pyle was fortunate enough to be befriended by the latter, and this groundbreaking study is the result.

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Thomas B Dugelby's celebrated The Bren Gun Saga, now long out of print, originally appeared as a Collector Grade title in 1986. In terms of numbers of pages and illustrations, this revised and expanded edition is nearly twice the size of the original.

Includes: the forerunners of the Bren, the excellent ZB series of light machines guns produced at the Zbrojovka Brno (Brno State Arsenal) in Czechoslovakia; the trials which led to the adoption of the Bren (BR for Brno, EN for Enfield) in 1935; manufacture and improvements during World War II; all models of the .303 calibre Bren; all the postwar 7.62mm NATO conversions (L4A1-L4A9); postwar developments in Czechoslovakia, and an expanded history of the ZB and Bren guns in China, including translations of Chinese markings; plus a full reprint of the last and most comprehensive British Army Bren Handbook.

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The Sten was born of sheer necessity in the bleak, dark days after Dunkirk, when Britain stood alone against the might of Hitler's Wehrmacht.

Over four million Stens were eventually produced, primarily in Britain, but with satellite production in Canada and New Zealand, plus a distinctive Australian Sten derivative called the Austen. In addition, Resistance groups in occupied Denmark, Norway and Poland produced hundreds of clandestine Sten copies and clones. Even the Germans themselves produced several models, including an exact copy called the Potsdam Gerät. In more recent years, several commercial manufacturers in the United States have also made copies of the Sten.

This classic, in-depth study includes clear photos of all models and markings, and provides identification of all gun assemblers, component types and manufacturers. In addition, contents include chapters on: How the Sten Works; Sten Myths Exploded; Notes on Armourers' Repair Procedures; Accessories and Ancillaries; and much, much more.

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