swbook-reviews

Published May 2004, here is what the public has to say so far about this book: *unsolicited reader responses, updated 4/09

* From: RBrecht3@comcast.net To: SWCA@yahoogroups.com Date: Tue, 18 May 2004 10:28:57. Subject: S&W Chicoine's outstanding new book on No.3s.
Hi Everybody - Dave Chicoine's new book is out. WOW! This is such an achievement that I don't quite know what to say about itcredit to the early . With a forward by Jim Supica, and generous and seminal work of Roy and the help of Rick Nahas, Charley Pate, Bob Neal, and many other SWCA members, it sure made me awfully proud to be in the SWCA. If you want a copy autographed by Dave, go is a must. If you love the 19th century S&Ws, this book serves both the novice and experienced collector superbly . . . photography that provides a new standard . It is engaging, fun to read, full of of excellence for such books, and it is a world class presentation #1418 http://www.Brecht-Collection.info. Bob Brecht, PA

From the foreword. “A truly remarkable book. . .outstanding and entertaining. . .a must have book for Smith & Wesson enthusiasts, as well as a standard reference for gunsmiths and Cowboy Action Shooters. . .a true joy.”
Jim Supica, Old Town Station. KS

* May 24, 2004 Awesome, Awesome, Awesome, Awesome! David, The two autographed books were delivered this morning late. Obviously I have not read this puppy but I have had the opportunity to examine it closely and my preliminary judgement is, HOLY COW!!!! It's Awesome. Truly impressive. Congratulations on what will definately become THE definative work on #3 Smiths. Great Job! John Watts, OH: and more from John. . .; Tue, 25 May 2004 01:03:00 -0400; To: S&WCA Subject: S&W Dave Chicoine's new book on Model 3's is here.; Smith & Wesson: Sixguns of the Old West has arrived. My copy was delivered today and Bob Brecht's rave review of a week or so ago is not exaggerating one little bit. It is so fine, and so very hard to put into words. After the absolute trash that I've seen lately: (content removed) this is a real breath of fresh air. I can't imagine anyone with an interest in 19th century Smiths not wanting a copy of this magnificant tome. It's going to take some time to work through it but I can hardly wait to get started! I'll bring my copy to Dallas if anyone wants to look through one plus I've got a few volumes to peddle if anyone wants to get a copy fast. FYI, I'm doing this as both a public service and as a favor to author Chicoine. After looking this puppy over I really don't think he's going to need any help. Very best regards, John Watts S&WCA
still more. . .
Since I received my copy on Monday, I've had the opportunity to really get into parts of his book and it will not disappoint. The photography is first rate, the drawings are superb, both in their clarity and simplicity. The text is wonderfully descriptive and easily read. Dave knows how to tell a story and how to make a point. My interest lies primarily in historical connections and in that the book excells, but for background on the replicas, (like why the Cimarron Schofield failed) how close to an original Scofield is S&W's new offering (not very), etc. this is great stuff. There's a whole chapter on ammmunition, both old and new and all sorts of identification information/photographs and all arranged in an easy to use, clear and comprehensive manner. He's got the room to do it all as it's a large volume with over 475 pages. I'm still really impressed. And no wonder it took so many years to complete.

* 5-28-04. DAVE, Your book is OUTSTANDING, TO SAY THE LEAST! MAN ! I AM IMPRESSED - BIG TIME ! I don't know where too start in it, it really is overwhelming, if this isn't a classic in the making, I'm a monkeys uncle! I dearly thank you for the most kind compliments, and my guns used too I love it!!!! I love those modern tintypes, I'm going to be up ALL NIGHT reading this. I'm off to post on. . .the "cowboy boards", the book is GREAT and available. John Culligan, NY

* 6-2-04 Dave; After I got home yesterday your new book came in the mail. What a great looking and reading volume! You re-inspire my interest in S&Ws. What am I doing messing around with Colts and Sharps anyway? And please pass on my praise to your son. His drawings are excellent. You and your wife must be proud. The whole book reads like a family affair. Art Tobias, CA


* 6-5-04 Hi Dave, Just received your book and I LOVE IT!!! You have 'outdone' yourself on this one and, although I am no 'gunsmith', I have learned a great deal just from browsing through the chapters. Now I have to get out some of my 'six-shooters' and look them over side-by-side with your book...Frankly, I think it is a bargain at $75..Best wishes, Mario Pancino, CA

* 6-5-04. G'day Dave, The book arrived yesterday, thank you. And that was the afternoon gone! It is really superb. You have created a truly great book. I loved how you have dedicated it to your grandchildren. Isn't being a grandfather wonderful? I have one granddaughter & the second grandbaby is due on the 4th July. I already had your gunsmithing book which has proved tremendously useful. Down here at the bottom of the earth, parts aren't always easy to obtain, so I do a lot of making & adapting. I think that I am the world's southernmost S&W collector. Once again my congratulations. Regards, Martin Smith, New Zealand


* 6-5-04 Dear David, Thanks for a great book on my favourite firearm - the number three! Best regards, Peter Aubin, GB

* 6-10-04, in a telephone message: Wonderful job on the new book, it's terrific! Terry McGrath

* 6-11-04. Hi David, The book is FANTASTIC -- in my opinion & in the unanimous opinions of several SWCA members I visited with about it. Jim Supica

* 6-14-04. David, I'm on about page 250 of your book, S&W Sixguns of the Old West, and all I can say is, "Wow." My opinion: a must-have reference for anyone with an interest in 19th Century American firearms, whether they are collectors or not. It's well worth the investment to add it to one's library. Well done, Squire! Congratulations. Skip Baker

* 6-16-04. David, congratulations on your latest literary production. It is, without a doubt, the most definitive study of the early Smith & Wessons that I have seen to date. I whole heartedly commend your unequivocal success with Smith & Wesson. Les Lynch

* 7-13-04. Dear Mr. Chicoine, I've received your excellent book and I want to thank you for the outstanding manner in which you delivered it. It arrived only days after I received your confirmation e-mail and it has been a source of enjoyment ever since I opened the first page. Thank you for your diligent and precise work, which will be an asset to any collector or enthusiast throughout time. Respectfully, Woz...Michael J. Wozniak

* 7-16-04 I didn't know you were going to make my Ludwig Loewe 3rd Model Russian a celebrity. S&W Sixguns of the Old West, page 127. NEAT!!!! Good pictures too!!! Great book!!! Bob Elser

*7-18-04 It do look good! Great, everything anyone who collects S&W would want! Floyd Oydegaard (Black Bart)

*7-21-04 Wonderful, I just love it! I'm thrilled to see it finally all done. (telephone conv.) Will Dunniway

*8-2-04 Wonderful work! Very professional illustrations, supurb! (telephone conv.) Robert Carroll

*8-3-04 I'm not going to leave it alone until I've read the last page. It's even better than all I could imagine, really a gold mine for the collector an the shooter. Congratulations for this great contribution to our little world :o) Cheers, Stephane Rabier, from France.

*8-5-04 Terrific! It teaches you how much you don’t know, and that alone is worth the price of the book. A cornucopia of valuable information. (telephone conv.) Paul Milligan

*8-12-04 David: I purchased your great volume on my favorite firearm. Love it. I have everything I could find about the great guns of Smith & Wesson but yours really covers my favorite. thanks Mick Moran S&WCA # 1669

*9-11-04 Mr. Chicoine, Picked up my copy of the book today and I am so pleased. Bill Dunniway shared his advance copy with me earlier, so I knew what to expect (and was delighted you included the tintype of Floyd Oydegaard and I playing poker!) But the book is even better than I remembered and I’ve already learned a lot about my favorite shootin’ irons. Again, thank you for a wonderful, practical, informative and entertaining work. Richard Staley

*9-13-04 Dave, I completed my review of your master-piece on Smith & Wesson and forwarded it along with 2 photos to Tex and Cat Ballou of the Cowboy Chronicle. The first photo was of the cover, and the second photo of a page I selected that demonstrated, to my satisfaction, the fine attention to detail throughout the book and a good example of the extraordinary photos and graphics. I also likened your book to the same quality as R. L. Wilson's books on Colt--I did so, because it is a valid comparison. I don't know how many years you spent on writing this book, but 10 or more would not surprise me. Thanks again. Pete Padone (Palaver Pete).

* Dave, thank you for writing your book on S&W Sixguns of the Old West. It helped me to figure out what I believe to be the problem with my revolver. The cylinder rotates freely when my hand is not on the trigger and the revolver is not cocked. I haven't tried to disassemble it yet, but after looking at the drawings of the New Model No. 3, I have concluded that I have a broken or missing cylinder stop spring. Thanks for your help, Pat Watson

* Tue Oct 5, 2004 12:32pm: what a great surprise,

I didn't expect such a lavish tome. If there ever were such a thing as a definite book "Smith and Wesson: Sixguns of the Old West" has to be the ONE. David R. Chicoine, the author, does not miss a thing. He even covers the esoteric, but interesting "History of Gun Metal Finish." Also, a number of Grubber's (John Culligan) guns from his collection are pictured in this important book. Grub, you must have a great collection. Once again many thinks. I feel honored in being the recipient on this great book. Larry Dean

* Oct. 14, 2004 David: I have just invested in your book on the S&W Model 3 series - a really superb publication. I wish all collectors' books were of such high quality. Best wishes, Stephen Beresford

* Feb. 2, 2005. It is truly an excellent book, can't put it down! David Myers

* Feb. 17, 2005 Just got on last friday an exemplar of "Smith and Wesson sixguns of the Old West", by David R. Chicoine, Mowbray Pub., P.O. Box 460, Lincoln, RI 02865 (USA)...Can also be ordered on www.amazon.com or www.buffaloarms.com, among other. This tremendous book of 478 pages contains absolutely everything about the S&W no 3: history, construction, replicas, servicing, enterchangeability of parts, troubleshooting, and some very interesting hints about the ammo and reloading. Not so cheap at $75. but absolutely vital, in my modest opinion.(No, no, I'm not paid by the publisher to promote this book ) Have started to read it, no way to stop me!!! Pecos Bill, Switzerland

Author's note: or you can buy an autographed copy from me just click here

* March 25, 2005. Hi David Just wanted to tell you that I just received your book on S&W's from Amazon...as a S&W SA collector and Schofield aficionado, I congratulate you..your book is wonderful and a welcome addition to my library. all the best to you...Your book is terrific! Sixgun Shorty; Scott Meyer

* Aug. 23, 2005: David, In my ongoing research/describing & photographing of the guns in my collection I have had numerous times when setting up my references to dig around in your S&W Sixguns of the Old West. That really is one hell of a fine book. JW

* Sept. 2, 2005: Dear David, You may remember me from previous correspondence when your book 'S&W Sixguns of the Old West' was published. I have now read it many times and regard it as the all time classic tome on S&W firearms.
I hope you don't mind me taking the liberty of asking your advise, but I recently acquired a #3 First Model Russian with the strain screw missing (very annoying!) and wondered if you could tell me where I might be able to obtain a replacement strain screw. Many thanks in anticipation, and thanks for a great book.
Kind regards, Peter Aubin (Great Britain)

* Nov. 25, 2005 Dave, - I already have . . ."S&W Sixguns of the Old West". This is a great book and you are to be commended on it! I got it almost as soon as it came out (or I should say my wife got it for me as a gift). Rob Power

* Jan. 23, 2006 Dave , Just received the copy of your Smith & Wesson Sixguns of the Old West. I have just scratched the surface of it and it is excellent. Thanks for the quick delivery. Regards, Steve (Gunslinger)

* Jan. 30, 2006 Hi David, Got your book (S&W Sixguns of the old west) a few weeks ago and what a great book that is. Finally I have found a book that goes deep into the model 3's. I have most of the other S&W books but this is by far the best. So thank you for sharing your insights and letting me learn more about my hobby. Again, thank you for writing a great book I know I will be spending many enjoyable hours in the future reading it. Petter Romming

* Feb. 8, 2006 Mr. Chicoine: I have a copy of your latest S & W (Smith & Wesson Sixguns of the Old West) book in my library and learned a great deal from it. It is a great reference and I found it very interesting and enjoyable to read. Chris Lyga.

Dear Mr Chicoine, Several years ago I bought your book "Gunsmithing, Guns of the Old West", which I really enjoyed, and still continually use as a point of reference. I am particularly interested in the Smith & Wesson No. 3 series, both American and Russian and recently purchased your latest book "Smith & Wesson Six Guns of the Old West". Although I am not naturally mechanically minded, I wanted to thank you for all your efforts in producing such a comprehensive, quality book, written in a relaxed but hugely informative way. The variations in the American and Russian models can be most confusing, but, thanks to you, I am finally getting to grips with them........................I think! All the best. Ron Serlin (England)

I think your latest book Smith & Wesson Six Guns of the Old West is great. It really is a definitive reference work for collectors. Bob Dozier

I love your books and especially the S&W as I have 4 Uberti Schofields and 2 Russians, an original S&W Russian and a Model 3 in Russian, as well as a Baby Russian and a a few later SA 38's, and a 32.. I made a cylinder catch for the Russian based on information from your book. R.C. Flint

David: Apples to oranges, indeed! That book is a monster work of information and insight. Thanks for your efforts to create it! D. Kern

"Chicoine's book is exceptional, and a favorite of mine. If you have any interest in the Model 3 you NEED this book. If you have a general interest in S&W's or the Old West, you will enjoy this book. I helped Dave a very small bit on this, and it goes far beyond SCSW". Jim Supica (from S&W Forum April 2009)