A Must for S&W Fans: Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, 3rd Edition
Written: Apr 24 '07
Product Rating:
Pros: Highly useful updating of an essential book
Cons: None at all, except I get longing for more Smith & Wessons
The Bottom Line: Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, 3rd Ed is a significant upgrade of the previous edition. Essential for enthusiasts, collectors, and antiquarians
George_Chabot's Full Review: Jim Supica and Richard Nahas - Standard Catalog of...
Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, 3rd Edition, by Supica and Nahas
Well, the second edition of this essential book is sold out and can only be gotten on the used book market, but luckily for us gun fanciers, the 3rd Edition of Supica & Nahas' bible for Smith & Wesson collectors and enthusiasts is well worth the money for the upgrade. This review refers to the new 3rd Edition, published by Guns Digest Books, in 2007.
The new edition is significantly expanded and improved over what was already a benchmark in the firearms information industry. It is about 50% larger in terms of pages, and all photographs are now in color. Very impressive, indeed.
Smith & Wesson has manufactured revolvers in Springfield, Massachusetts since 1852. The company has built a world-class reputation for quality designed and built firearms. Today, many enthusiasts have realized the designs and workmanship have significant worth in terms of pride in American products and a lively collectors market has sprung up in antique and classic Smith & Wesson revolvers.
Smith & Wesson can boast many firsts in handgun manufacturing, including the first revolver chambered for fixed ammunition, the 22 caliber Model 1, which was a favorite during the American Civil War. The powerful magnum calibers 357, 41, and 44 were also Smith & Wesson innovations. More recently the firm has introduced a 500 Magnum revolver, the most powerful handgun yet. All of these represent opportunities for the collector, enthusiast, hunter, or shooter.
Over the years, Smith & Wesson have produced some 800 different models of handguns. When you add the variations of finish (blue, nickel, or stainless steel) barrel length, sights, and so on you have probably millions of possibilities. A good reference book detailing the entire line is extremely helpful to the gun enthusiast to know actually what he has in his hands, or is looking for.
The Third Edition of The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson is exactly the book that the collector or enthusiast is looking for.
Authors Jim Supica and Richard Nahas have gathered and collated a mountain of data and list all known models and variations of S&W guns, listed according to model and year of manufacture. There are current prices for each in six grades of condition. A range of serial numbers is also included to zero in on the exact year of manufacture, since many models were produced for decades. Historical notes and records of production are also included. Many models are also represented in hundreds of excellent color photographs that aids greatly in identification and verification of authenticity. There is also a full color section of some highly collectible deluxe examples guaranteed to make a firearms aficionado swoon with envy.
The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson is a large format (8 1/2" X 11") hard-cover volume consisting of 430 pages. This book is very helpful to the casual enthusiast as well as the dyed-in-the-wool Smith & Wesson expert. In fact, this book is the first step to becoming an expert, if that is your aim. It is the bible of S&W firearms.
You can check that old revolver your grandfather may have left you, or the one in your desk or sock drawer. Who knows what you might have? With the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, now you can know for sure. Antique dealers will also find this an essential tool.
List price is $39.95 but is available many places via Internet at under $30.00, including free shipping at some sites, which makes it an even better deal. The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, is a great bargain and sure to please gun fanciers, collectors, shooters, antique hunters, or fans of Americana.
Clearly details 752 Smith & Wesson models, knives, holsters, ammunition and police items with complete pricing information, illustrated glossary and i...More at HotBookSale
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