A complete compendium of rifles and shotguns through the ages. A "rifled" firearm is one in which the projectile is made to spin as it travels up the bore. The term "rifle," however, was originally applied to muskets to differentiate them from the earlier smoothbore weapons and is used today to designate the infantryman's personal weapon, fired from the shoulder or the hip, or, in some modern weapons, from a bipod. The rifle has also been used by sportsmen to kill larger game and was also used as a working tool by cowboys and trappers during the period of Western Expansion. It progressed from being a muzzle-loader to a breechloading, bolt-operated weapon, then to a semi-automatic weapon, and finally to a lightweight "assault rifle." The emphasis throughout these developments has been in increasing the rate of fire, reducing the weight and making the weapons more accurate, simpler to fire, more reliable, and easier to maintain. The shotgun is a smoothbore weapon originally developed as a hunting device for killing fast moving, flying or running prey. Loaded with shot (many small projectiles) the chances of hitting a moving target was greatly enhanced. Like the rifle, the shotgun has undergone similar progression from muzzle-loader to breechloader, bolt action, and finally semi-automatic mode. The weapon has also seen military use in trench warfare and special operations as well as riot suppression by the police. The Illustrated Catalog of Rifles and Shotguns shows the reader over 500 longarms of all types form the early flintlocks of the revolutionary period, the percussion cap rifles and repeaters of the Civil War, the famous rifles and shotguns of the Wild West, the standard infantry rifles of two World Wars, to the present day with Assault Rifles, and combat shotguns, together with state-of-the-art sporting rifles and shotguns. Each entry has a color photo along with a description and a technical specification. It is arranged in alphabetical order within five historical periods: Historic, Civil War, The Frontier, Two World Wars, and Modern, plus a separate comprehensive Shotgun section.

Shooters, collectors, hunters and anyone else who buys, sells or trades firearms will benefit from the Standard Catalog of Rifles & Shotguns. This is the only long-gun pricing guide on the market that includes photos to assist with identification. More than 5,000 photos and detailed descriptions, plus six pricing grades make this the most comprehensive collection of firearms data anywhere. 5,000-plus photos Six condition grades assist in accurate value estimation Special 8-page color gun gallery section

Written by a technical expert who has fired many of the guns featured, this book includes wide and varied assemblage of weapons from each of the world’s major manufacturing countries. The Illustrated Directory series provide readers with a fully illustrated, comprehensive reference book packed with timelines, historical facts, and images designed to inform and excite. At 512 pages packed with information and photographs, this book is a necessary addition to any enthusiast's library. Complete with full specification table with each entry including type, origin, caliber, and size, The Illustrated Directory of Guns is the most ambitious and lavishly illustrated history of guns for the collector and enthusiast. It shows in clear, detailed photographs and text over 1500 guns with separate sections on Pistols, Revolvers, Rifles, Shotguns (military and sporting), Machine Guns, and Submachine guns. A few featured include: Remington Smith & Wesson Winchester Glock Vickers Mauser Browning Colt Beretta And more Organized A-Z by country and gunmaker's name, the book clearly shows the different types of gun which the world has used to hunt, wage war, break and defend its laws, hone its sharpshooting skills, and fire purely for the fun of it. The book also features an introduction on each section, which gives a brief history of the development of that particular kind of firearm.

The beautifully photographed catalog tells the story of gun development in striking detail and features stunning close-ups of key weapons, from muskets, pistols, revolvers and rifles to shotguns, machine guns and modern machinery.

The Only Illustrated Gun Values Guide with over 7,800 Photos For more than a quarter-century, Standard Catalog of Firearms has been the leading illustrated guide to guns and their values, offering more for firearms enthusiasts and collectors -- more photos, more prices, and more guns! We've updated this edition with the newest entries from today's manufacturers of handguns, rifles, and shotguns, plus the latest values from a wide range of experts, editors, and auction houses for virtually every gun made or sold. 2022Standard Catalog of Firearms is a must-have guide to commercial firearms, past, and present. Inside You'll Find: More than 1,200 manufacturers and 18,000 models 7,800+ photos with extensive descriptions Updated values in six condition grades for more than 100,000 prices 16-page full-color photo section showcasing engraved custom guns Firearm trade names covering more than 150 years of gun history Whether you're a serious gun collector, a casual gun-show trader, a hunter or recreational shooter, if you buy, sell or trade firearms, Standard Catalog of Firearms is the best insurance you can buy!

Profiles more than one thousand gun models, including antiques, military weapons, and others, providing color photos, technical specifications, and details on their origins, performance, and use.