Civil War Firearms: Their Historical Background, Tactical Use and Modern Collecting and Shooting

by Joseph G. Bilby

The popular Civil War News columnist has written a unique work, combining technical data on each Civil War firearm, an often surprising treatment of their actual use on the battlefield, and a guide to collecting and firing surviving relics and modern reproductions.

Genres: Civil War

252 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

About the author

Joseph G. Bilby is Assistant Curator of the National Guard Militia Museum of New Jersey. A graduate of Seton Hall University, he served as a lieutenant in the 1st Infantry Division in Vietnam. He has received the Jane Clayton Award for contributions to Monmouth County (New Jersey) history and an Award of Merit from the New Jersey Historical Commission for his contributions to the state's military history.

Reviews

[George W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a surprisingly easy read. I was primarily interested in the 1861 Springfield, and multiple BP cap & ball revolvers of the Civil War period.
Nonetheless I read the entire book and enjoyed it.
If you are a Civil War fan, Black Powder long gun or revolver shooter, re-enactor, N-SSA member this book is a must have. Written in the mid 1990’s it is dated, and many of the suppliers listed in the back of the book are now out of business.
The Bibliography is extensive and lists many books about the Civil War.

[Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

For such potentially dry subject matter, this is a remarkably easy and quick read. Great intro to the subject matter.