Best coffee table firearm book

TennJed · March 30, 2012, 09:59 PM

First off I hope I posted this in the correct forum.

I have a itch for a good coffee table (or bathroom if you rather) book on firearms, particulary a historical book. Something with a lot of pictures that is good to browse through. Not a text filled good read, just a simple fun book to keep out for guest to flip through. (BTW I do like to READ, but that is for another thread).

So anyone got any good suggestions?

surveyor · March 30, 2012, 10:10 PM

something along the lines of
The greatest handguns of the world- Massad Ayoob
(covers a lot of diffrent brands, both revolvers and semi-autos)

Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson- Third Edition by Jim Supica & Richard Nahas (limited to Smith and Wesson only)

come to mind..

jimbob86 · March 30, 2012, 10:15 PM

How about this:

http://www.amazon.com/Armed-America-.../dp/0896895432

I liked it enough to borrow it.

Mist · March 30, 2012, 10:28 PM

Nice recommendation on the armed America book ! Have one on the way !

Bill DeShivs · March 30, 2012, 11:30 PM

Steel Canvas by R.L. Wilson

James K · March 31, 2012, 02:21 PM

Maybe too basic, but a book called "Guns" by Dudley Pope is a "coffee table" overview from the beginning, and not too technical for the non-"gun nut" guest.

It is long out of print, but may be available through Amazon, Ray Riling, or other sellers.

Jim

zippy13 · March 31, 2012, 02:32 PM

I haven't seen his Steel Canvas, but R.L. Wilson's Winchester book is a masterpiece for the coffee table.

Winchester_73 · March 31, 2012, 03:21 PM

Axis Pistols Second ed - Jan Still

The Winchester book - Madis

The Rifleman's Rifle - Rule

Winchester An American Legend - Wilson

Colt An American Legend - Wilson

Colt Firearms from 1836 - Serven

Marlin Firearms - Brophy

Standard Catalog of Military firearms - Peterson

One Hundred Great guns - Lindsay

Encyclopedia of Firearms - Hogg

Lugers at Random - Kenyon

S&W Standard Catalog 3rd ed - Supica Nahas

Probably a few others. These are all well written, good photos etc. I have each one of these, if anyone has any questions about how good they are or anything, just ask. Many are out of print and can be expensive, IE Axis Pistols but I am glad I have each one. I like reading / knowing about many different types of firearms.

rep1954 · March 31, 2012, 03:25 PM

One of my favorites: http://www.amazon.com/Guns-American-...0&sr=1-2-spell

stu925 · March 31, 2012, 03:50 PM

Ruger & His Guns by R.L. Wilson is a good one, lots of pictures and a pretty good read if you're into Ruger guns. Gives the history of the company and showcases Bill Ruger's personal gun collection as well as guns built by Ruger.

Stu

zippy13 · March 31, 2012, 04:45 PM

Yikes, Winchester_73 has one huge coffee table.

TenRing · March 31, 2012, 05:21 PM

The Illustrated World Encyclopedia of Guns

Lots of pictures in this book and it's a good conversation starter.

bbqbob51 · March 31, 2012, 05:32 PM

R. L. Wilson actually has several and I have them all and recommend them. Here is a sample of what he has authored:
Steel Canvases
Winchester
The Peacemakers
Ruger and His guns
Colt an American Legend
The World of Beretta
Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show
Silk and Steel, a nice book about women and firearms.

Fargazer · March 31, 2012, 05:38 PM

I will second the "Armed America" book - I've given it as a gift as well as purchased a copy for myself. "Chicks with Guns" is another good book.

For more of a historical book, I'll also agree that the Smith & Wesson Standard Catalog is a good choice.

PawPaw · April 1, 2012, 06:41 AM

Then there's Gresham's Weatherby. Tom and I lived close enough that we shot together during those days and he told me that the book was designed as a coffee-table book. Lots of glossy photos and done in the tradition of coffee-table books.

I've seen them, but I never bought one. Sorry, Tom.

MrBorland · April 1, 2012, 06:44 AM

I didn't see this one yet mentioned: Hamilton Bowen's The Custom Revolver

**4V50 Gary** · April 1, 2012, 09:02 AM

W H B Smith's Small Arms of the World. It gives you the history of the weapon, how it operates, how to disassemble and reassemble and how to operate it. Plenty of pictures and highly readable text.

kraigwy · April 1, 2012, 09:05 AM

My three favorites

Military and Sporting Rifle Shooting, Cpt. Edward Crossman

Hatches Notebook, MG J. Hatcher

Textbook of Pistols and Revolvers MG J Hatcher.

10-96 · April 1, 2012, 09:07 AM

I don't know about your first book, but a good followup book it Cartridges Of The World.

EdInk · April 1, 2012, 09:43 AM

I have handful of coffee table books about firearms with nice illustrations (and some photographs) with a few specs printed next to the pictures. I have found them all at my local Barnes & Noble in the front where they have the "bargain books." I would suggest you try looking there. They always have tons of different coffee table books in that section. The books are usually priced between $8 and $20. Best of luck.

jhenry · April 1, 2012, 11:53 AM

"Thoughts on the Kentucky Rifle in it's Golden Age" Kindig and edited by Shumway. If you can find one.

"The Kentucky Rifle" Capt. Dillin and again edited by George Shumway, easier to find.

"The Rifle in America" by Sharpe. You can find it for sure.

"The Muzzle Loading Cap Lock Rifle" by Ned H. Roberts is one of my favorites.

Someone gave me "Gun, A Visual History" for Christmas. It is utter crap. The mistakes and exceedingly poor research are appalling. Whoever wrote or compiled the thing likely doesn't even own any firearms and should be flogged with nettles by a Turk.

Patriot86 · April 1, 2012, 04:48 PM

Gun Digest is not a bad one, my mother in law got the 2011 edition for both me and my brother in law. Great coffee table book.

Stevie-Ray · April 1, 2012, 10:29 PM

Quote:

W H B Smith's Small Arms of the World.

This. I've had a copy for over 30 years.

egor20 · April 1, 2012, 10:38 PM

Wrong post

Buzzcook · April 2, 2012, 08:40 PM

Get a bunch of "The Shooter's Bible" issues. Works for me.

March 30, 2012, 09:59 PM	#1
TennJed Senior Member Join Date: September 26, 2010 Posts: 1,536	Best coffee table firearm book First off I hope I posted this in the correct forum. I have a itch for a good coffee table (or bathroom if you rather) book on firearms, particulary a historical book. Something with a lot of pictures that is good to browse through. Not a text filled good read, just a simple fun book to keep out for guest to flip through. (BTW I do like to READ, but that is for another thread). So anyone got any good suggestions? __________________ Find out just how tall I am By jumping in the middle of a river

March 30, 2012, 11:30 PM	#5
Bill DeShivs Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2006 Posts: 10,987	Steel Canvas by R.L. Wilson __________________ Bill DeShivs, Master Cutler www.billdeshivs.com

March 31, 2012, 03:21 PM	#8
Winchester_73 Senior Member Join Date: December 20, 2008 Location: Pittsburgh PA Posts: 2,863	Axis Pistols Second ed - Jan Still The Winchester book - Madis The Rifleman's Rifle - Rule Winchester An American Legend - Wilson Colt An American Legend - Wilson Colt Firearms from 1836 - Serven Marlin Firearms - Brophy Standard Catalog of Military firearms - Peterson One Hundred Great guns - Lindsay Encyclopedia of Firearms - Hogg Lugers at Random - Kenyon S&W Standard Catalog 3rd ed - Supica Nahas Probably a few others. These are all well written, good photos etc. I have each one of these, if anyone has any questions about how good they are or anything, just ask. Many are out of print and can be expensive, IE Axis Pistols but I am glad I have each one. I like reading / knowing about many different types of firearms. __________________ Winchester 73, the TFL user that won the west

March 31, 2012, 05:21 PM	#12
TenRing Senior Member Join Date: December 1, 2009 Posts: 427	The Illustrated World Encyclopedia of Guns Lots of pictures in this book and it's a good conversation starter. __________________ Gun control...that's when you learn to hit where you aim.

March 31, 2012, 05:38 PM	#14
Fargazer Senior Member Join Date: October 4, 2010 Location: Chattanooga, TN Posts: 466	I will second the "Armed America" book - I've given it as a gift as well as purchased a copy for myself. "Chicks with Guns" is another good book. For more of a historical book, I'll also agree that the Smith & Wesson Standard Catalog is a good choice. __________________ NRA Life Member

March 30, 2012, 10:10 PM	#2
surveyor Senior Member Join Date: April 13, 2007 Posts: 770	something along the lines of The greatest handguns of the world- Massad Ayoob (covers a lot of diffrent brands, both revolvers and semi-autos) Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson- Third Edition by Jim Supica & Richard Nahas (limited to Smith and Wesson only) come to mind..

March 30, 2012, 10:15 PM	#3
jimbob86 Junior member Join Date: October 4, 2007 Location: All the way to NEBRASKA Posts: 8,722	How about this: http://www.amazon.com/Armed-America-.../dp/0896895432 I liked it enough to borrow it.

March 30, 2012, 10:28 PM	#4
Mist Junior Member Join Date: March 26, 2012 Posts: 3	Nice recommendation on the armed America book ! Have one on the way !

March 31, 2012, 02:21 PM	#6
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	Maybe too basic, but a book called "Guns" by Dudley Pope is a "coffee table" overview from the beginning, and not too technical for the non-"gun nut" guest. It is long out of print, but may be available through Amazon, Ray Riling, or other sellers. Jim

March 31, 2012, 02:32 PM	#7
zippy13 Senior Member Join Date: August 23, 2008 Location: SoCal Posts: 6,442	I haven't seen his Steel Canvas, but R.L. Wilson's Winchester book is a masterpiece for the coffee table.

March 31, 2012, 03:25 PM	#9
rep1954 Senior Member Join Date: July 5, 2009 Location: Mid Western Michigan Posts: 1,187	One of my favorites: http://www.amazon.com/Guns-American-...0&sr=1-2-spell

March 31, 2012, 03:50 PM	#10
stu925 Senior Member Join Date: December 20, 2010 Location: New York Posts: 953	Ruger & His Guns by R.L. Wilson is a good one, lots of pictures and a pretty good read if you're into Ruger guns. Gives the history of the company and showcases Bill Ruger's personal gun collection as well as guns built by Ruger. Stu

March 31, 2012, 04:45 PM	#11
zippy13 Senior Member Join Date: August 23, 2008 Location: SoCal Posts: 6,442	Yikes, Winchester_73 has one huge coffee table.

March 31, 2012, 05:32 PM	#13
bbqbob51 Senior Member Join Date: November 6, 2005 Posts: 775	R. L. Wilson actually has several and I have them all and recommend them. Here is a sample of what he has authored: Steel Canvases Winchester The Peacemakers Ruger and His guns Colt an American Legend The World of Beretta Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show Silk and Steel, a nice book about women and firearms.

April 1, 2012, 06:41 AM	#15
PawPaw Senior Member Join Date: December 24, 2010 Location: Central Louisiana Posts: 3,137	Then there's Gresham's Weatherby. Tom and I lived close enough that we shot together during those days and he told me that the book was designed as a coffee-table book. Lots of glossy photos and done in the tradition of coffee-table books. I've seen them, but I never bought one. Sorry, Tom. __________________ Dennis Dezendorf http://pawpawshouse.blogspot.com

April 1, 2012, 06:44 AM	#16
MrBorland Senior Member Join Date: May 31, 2007 Location: NC Posts: 2,614	I didn't see this one yet mentioned: Hamilton Bowen's The Custom Revolver

April 1, 2012, 09:02 AM	#17
4V50 Gary Staff Join Date: November 2, 1998 Location: Colorado Posts: 21,843	W H B Smith's Small Arms of the World. It gives you the history of the weapon, how it operates, how to disassemble and reassemble and how to operate it. Plenty of pictures and highly readable text. __________________ Vigilantibus et non dormientibus jura subveniunt. *Molon Labe!*

April 1, 2012, 09:05 AM	#18
kraigwy Senior Member Join Date: June 16, 2008 Location: Wyoming Posts: 11,061	My three favorites Military and Sporting Rifle Shooting, Cpt. Edward Crossman Hatches Notebook, MG J. Hatcher Textbook of Pistols and Revolvers MG J Hatcher. __________________ Kraig Stuart CPT USAR Ret USAMU Sniper School Distinguished Rifle Badge 1071

April 1, 2012, 09:07 AM	#19
10-96 Senior Member Join Date: October 19, 2005 Location: Tx Panhandle Territory Posts: 4,160	I don't know about your first book, but a good followup book it Cartridges Of The World. __________________ Rednecks... Keeping the woods critter-free since March 2, 1836. (TX Independence Day) I suspect a thing or two... because I've seen a thing or two.

April 1, 2012, 09:43 AM	#20
EdInk Senior Member Join Date: May 27, 2009 Posts: 3,968	I have handful of coffee table books about firearms with nice illustrations (and some photographs) with a few specs printed next to the pictures. I have found them all at my local Barnes & Noble in the front where they have the "bargain books." I would suggest you try looking there. They always have tons of different coffee table books in that section. The books are usually priced between $8 and $20. Best of luck. __________________ Sic Semper Tyrannis

April 1, 2012, 11:53 AM	#21
jhenry Senior Member Join Date: May 27, 2006 Location: Ozarks Posts: 1,840	"Thoughts on the Kentucky Rifle in it's Golden Age" Kindig and edited by Shumway. If you can find one. "The Kentucky Rifle" Capt. Dillin and again edited by George Shumway, easier to find. "The Rifle in America" by Sharpe. You can find it for sure. "The Muzzle Loading Cap Lock Rifle" by Ned H. Roberts is one of my favorites. Someone gave me "Gun, A Visual History" for Christmas. It is utter crap. The mistakes and exceedingly poor research are appalling. Whoever wrote or compiled the thing likely doesn't even own any firearms and should be flogged with nettles by a Turk. __________________ "A Liberal is someone who doesn't care what you do, as long as it's mandatory". - Charles Krauthammer

April 1, 2012, 04:48 PM	#22
Patriot86 Senior Member Join Date: December 23, 2010 Location: Chicagoland Posts: 1,293	Gun Digest is not a bad one, my mother in law got the 2011 edition for both me and my brother in law. Great coffee table book.

April 1, 2012, 10:38 PM	#24
egor20 Senior Member Join Date: November 14, 2010 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 1,824	Wrong post __________________ Chief stall mucker and grain chef Country don't mean dumb. Steven King. The Stand

April 2, 2012, 08:40 PM	#25
Buzzcook Senior Member Join Date: November 29, 2007 Location: Everett, WA Posts: 6,126	Get a bunch of "The Shooter's Bible" issues. Works for me.