Small Arms Of The World: The Basic Manual Of Military Small Arms

by Walter H.B. Smith

The classic reference. Began in World War II as a reference for U.S. military personnel.

Genres: Military History, Military Fiction, History

896 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1943

Reviews

[Checkman · Rating 5 out of 5]

For the individual interested in modern military small arms, this book is the place to start. It's also an excellent addition to any technical library. It has an easy to follow presentation, with good quality black and white photographs, comprehensible diagrams, and solidly written text.

I have both this edition (1969) and the edition from 1959 that I value for the excellent coverage of now-obsolete firearms, special emphasis on World War 2 firearms (both allies and axsis), and a comprehensive history of firearm development through the centuries.

I highly recommend this book as the starting point for a good understanding of the small arms field, or as plain old good reading for the relatively technical-minded gun enthusiast.

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

W.H.B. Smith's Small Arms of the World is the seminal book for military historians, writers,and military re-enactors desiring a detailed reference for early 20th Century fireamrs. The heavily illustrated book provided detailed information about each weapon including disassembly and assembly instructions. As a young firearms geek, I often checked out the book from my library in order to prepare for a military career. I've used that knowledge since then to add an air of authenticity to my writing. This is an excellent work, but has not been updated since the mid 20 Century.