Standard Catalog of Military Firearms 4th edition: The Collector's Price & Reference Guide by Phillip Peterson, Paperback, 518 pages, 1500 photos. Price: $29.99. Order this book online from Gun Digest Books Books an imprint of F+W Publications, Dept. BNP, 700 East State St., Iola, WI 54990 (715) 445-2214, ISBN 10: 0-89689-477-0
Earlier editions of this book were written and presented by the well known author/editor Ned Schwing, who followed the established pattern of Standard Catalog of® Firearms. This 4th Edition has been edited by Phillip Peterson who has altered the content somewhat, taking into account how and where many of the military surplus rifles we find have come to the U.S.. Now bayonets have been included and I find them a welcome addition to this already complete volume.
Previous editions of Standard Catalog of Military Firearms have become known as being the "illustrated catalog of nearly every known military firearm". The book's scope begins with the early cartridge weapons of the 1870s and walks the reader through history to encompass everything up to todays modern military weaponry. All weapons have been catagorized according to their country of origin, then sorted out by weapon type. There is excellent coverage, including submachine guns, machine guns, handguns, rifles, shotguns and now, bayonets.
This updated, 4th edition of Standard Catalog of Military Firearms is available in bookstores now. It offers "more detail for the military firearms collector, shooter and history buff". . . and includes special sections about important types of military weapons like Mauser, Lee Enfield, and other small arms that advanced collectors and beginners alike will find helpful.
From the start, Standard Catalog of Military Firearms has always been a thoughtfully presented, well written price guide and this 4th Edition, though presented slightly differently, is no exception.
As military price guides go; this is terrific! I stand on what I have stated before: A great reference book for military weaponry, made even better! This book is a welcome addition for any military collectors library and should be considered a cornerstone for all firearms dealer's, police armorer's and library military reference shelves.
This book gets four stars!****