Book Review
The Complete Blackpowder Handbook, 4th edition, revised and expanded, by Sam Fadala. 2001, 416 Pages, Soft cover, 500 b/w photos, 8-1/2 x 11, Price: $24.95 plus $4.00 P&H from Krause Publications, Dept. BNP, P.O. Box 5009, Iola, WI 54945-5009. (800) 258-0929. ISBN: 0-87349-292-3
Anyone who has ever had much to do with black powder guns and shooting will be familiar with Sam Fadala's work as an author. Sam has had more than twenty books published and likely thousands of articles under his belt, all relating to this subject, he is certainly one of the most easily recognized, and respected experts on that subject alive today.
Bullet 'N Press reviewed the 3rd edition of The Complete Blackpowder Handbook back in 1997 and in that review we highly recommended it as the best source book available for black powder shooters. This new 4th edition carries on that tradition but it is really a completely new book in almost every respect. For somehow who wants to get started in the sport but isn't sure where to find all the right information and advice, look no farther; you will find anything and everything you need to know in these pages. Fadala carefully explains all the basics: From how blackpowder functions, to how to use it safely and how to clean it up after shooting; nothing is left out. His chapter "How blackpowder guns work" for instance is the best beginner's primer I've ever read. . .he managed to pack a heap of good info into a small space.
There is more information here in this one book than I have ever seen compiled about charcoal burners, as a textbook I think it will prove to be an invaluable tool for anyone involved in black powder shooting, quite regardless if he is a beginner or seasoned veteran; there is something for us all to learn here. From the well detailed history of blackpowder weaponry to how to actually load, shoot and then properly clean them. The reviewer especially enjoyed the excellent chapters covering accuracy, black powder cartridges and the new chapter on cowboy shooting. Fadala's explanation of rifling twist is one of the most concise explanations of what rifling is and why it works that we've ever seen.
At the rear of the book you will find comprehensive source lists to guide you to where you can find today's blackpowder guns and accessories, periodicals and magazines, shooting organizations, as well as a truly wonderful list of valuable reference books for your library. What's the bottom line? I consider this the textbook of blackpowder shooting, on top of that; it makes for a very pleasant and smooth read. For all those who have an interest in any aspect of black powder shooting, think of The Complete Blackpowder Handbook, 4th edition as a must have: It does it all!
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