Guns Books

. Martin Sketchley's THE LIBERTY GUN represents Book 3 of the 'Structure' series and as such as a recommended pick for prior fans who will enjoy a smooth transition to his latest adventure. Delgado and Ashala are sent to a future Seriatt occupied by a three-species race and search for a way back: ideals thwarted by an arrest and the Sinz's military needs. Perfect for fans of military sci fi.

In 2379 earth equivalent time Delgado and Ashala land on Seriatt, a planet at war between alien occupiers the Sinz (a triad species of humanoid, avian, and amphibian) vs. a native resistance movement. However, before they can act, the Seriattic insurgents capture Delgado and Ash. Their leader, Cowell, is a Vilume, one of the three genders that make up this race. The outsiders quickly learn that the seemingly invincible Sinz have made this orb their platform for the invasion of other worlds with earth on the agenda. Cowell forms an alliance with the two earthlings as they prepare for battle against the powerful common enemy as well as forming a strange romantic triangle.

However, this Sinz contingent is cut off for now from their distant homeworld, which means they have supply problems as they need basillia, a subterranean organism to survive. Structure's Commander Supreme General William Myson sends Colonel Viktor Saskov to Seriatt with a "scorched earth" strategy to eradicate the basillia and to reclaim the time gate even if that means stranding or killing two operatives. However, as several groups move against the Sinz on Seriatt from different perspectives, the time-space continuum comes under assault.

The third Structure science fiction thriller (see THE DESTINY MASK and THE AFFINITY TRAP) is a superb novel that makes a strong case how stupid people are to go to war over cultural, religious or ethical differences as everyone pays the price for these insane hostilities. The species seem odd yet genuine whether they are purebred earthlings, the three Seriatt humanoid genders, or the Sinz. Martin Sketchley makes the audience feel the planet Seriatt exist actually exists. Though the erotic scenes between two species are graphic and not for everyone, they add to an overall feel that the Sketchley universe is a dangerous real place.

Harriet Klausner

The author, John Walter, is a leading writer on military firearms. His other books include, 'Luger', 'The Luger Book', and 'Rifles of the World.'

The Luger pistol is probably the most immediately recognizable pistol in the world. I doubt if any silhouette is better known, unless perhaps it is the Colt .45 Single Action Army. The first Luger was produced toward the end of the 19th century, when Georg Luger came up with it as an improvement on the Borchardt pistol.

This book is an extensive history of the Luger, from its inception (and before) to the present. It will be of great interest to Luger aficionados, as well as to firearms enthusiasts who are merely appreciative of its unusual design.

The Luger is unlike any other pistol in current production. Yes, it is still produced and available from Stoeger Firearms Company, an American company that has owned the Luger name since the 1920s. As a matter of fact, I have one that was manufactured in Houston, Texas, of stainless steel, with a six-inch barrel.

The Germans do not call the pistol the 'Luger,' but rather, 'Pistolen-08,' because it was adopted by the German Army in 1908. The Swiss adopted it first, in 7.65 mm in 1900, with the first pistols arriving for service in 1901.

The German Army adopted it in the 9mm 'Parabellum' (for war) caliber.

The Luger is easily identified in silhouette by the unusual toggle action, on the top rear of the receiver, and the raked grip, which makes the pistol a 'natural pointer.'

This book, in addition to a detailed text concerning the history and variations of the pistol, also contains many fine photographs of specimens, many in a special center section on coated paper. There are also several detail drawings of interest, and descriptions of many of the markings of the various versions offered.

This is a book that will be especially of interest to people who are attracted to famous firearms, and of course to Luger collectors.

Joseph Pierre,
Author, Handguns and Freedom..their care and maintenance
and other books

The Luger Story covers the entire history of the Luger pistol, from the original design concept of the toggle action in the 1800's, to the last production run of pistols in the 20th century. A very interesitng volume for history-minded persons as the author includes biographical information about those persons associated with Luger development, as well as information about those companies pertinent to its manufacture. Also present is commentary on the times surrounding Luger advancement, and useful explanations are provided about what motivated development choices at particular times. The book includes an index of all Luger production runs, with relevant dates and other information, as well as a "rarity index." The result is a comprehensive volume about the Luger pistol and the facts relevant to its history.

I received this book last year as a gift for Christmas. It was very informative and it taught me several things I didn't know. It has some great photos and drawings. I liked the color section. It has some good photos. Well, after reading it, I would recommend this book to ANY F-4 enthusiast!

This is an excellent book on the F-4. Lots of technical info and lots of pictures of the F-4 in Vietnam. This book covers the F-4E and the last chapter covers the F-4G Wild Weasel in Desert Storm. The Phantom is the all time greatest jet fighter the United States military ever had. I also reccomend "Spirit In The Skies" by Jon Lake.

English shooting instructor and three time former World FITASC Champion, John Bidwell, has developed his own method of shooting which he calls Move, Mount, Shoot. It is a new form of maintained lead method (i.e., a technique where the shotgun's barrels stay ahead of the target throughout the shooting process). The appealing quality of Mr. Bidwell's method -- nicely explained and illustrated in his book -- is that it is very simple and straightforward. I will not try to explain all the facets of Move, Mount, Shoot in this review but I do like the technique and I think it deserves more attention -- especially in the United States.

In the U.S., Jon Kruger is probably the best known proponent of Move, Mount, Shoot. Currently, a sponsored target shooter by way of Krieghoff, Jon is in his early 40s I believe. However, when he was in his 30s, Jon Kruger was with little doubt one of the most successful sporting clays shooters in the U.S. -- he was unbeaten in over 40 consecutive tournaments in a 12 month period (an American record that should stand for some time). I cannot think of a better endorsement of the Move, Mount, Shoot technique than this.

Besides John Bidwell's excellent book here, that I feel should be read by all serious shotgun shooters, there is also a companion video which gives an excellent visual representation of Move, Mount, Shoot along with Mr. Bidwell's personal explanatory comments and a chance to see John actually demonstrating his technique on a variety of sporting clay targets. I think Bidwell's DVD of the same title as his book makes a great duo.
(Jon Kruger also turned out a video/DVD using Move, Mount, Shoot entitled, "Jon Kruger's Secrets to Success in Sporting Clays" by Sunrise Productions in Orlando, FL.)

Although I have not read it, John Bidwell has written another book on his shotgun shooting technique called "Shotgun Magic". Readers who enjoyed Move, Mount, Shoot would probably be well served by looking at Bidwell's second book also.

Perhaps not for the absolute beginner, but required reading for anyone who wants to excel at the various shotgun games that are available to us, especially that of English and International Sporting Clays. Though heavily focused on the "Maintained Lead" method, very good detail on shooting techniques for some specific "trouble" shots that I've been struggling with.

More importantly, this book does provide a very good and strong basic understanding of how to actually use your shotgun. Bidwell takes into account specific fundamentals like gun fit, sight picture, point of aim and impact, shot-stringing, and pattern placement. Also, a fair amount of space is dedicated to probably the most important aspect of successful shotgunning, a correct and consistent mount.

Joseph Tartaro, President of the Second Amendement Foundation, reviewed Patrick's "National Rifle Association and the Media" in Gun Week. Says Tartaro:

"Having read many of the books which have delved into the long public debate over guns and gun regulation, I can say that Patrick's book plows really new ground, and deserves careful reading by any activist engaged in that debate. The National Rifle Association and the Media offers an original approach that is backed up by careful research and analysis....This is not just a book on the NRA: it is about the role of the media in an age of enhanced public reliance on communication media."

This is an amazingly good book. I learned of it from a review in "Women and Guns" magazine that also praised the book highly. I not only second this evaluation, but also have a few things to add:

1. This is by far the most intelligent and credible analysis of the NRA and gun culture that I have ever encountered. Professor Patrick sets out to explain NRA's seemingly miraculous political effectiveness in an environment of hostile elite and media opinion. He does this convincingly, by marshalling an impressive body of hard evidence. Unlike many quite-popular books on NRA, media and gun issues, Patrick's evidence transcends the merely anecdotal. He is a social scientist and his approach utilizes systematic media content analysis, interviews and other data that cover a ten-year period. I believe the reason that major media have not reviewed Professor Patrick's book is because they are ashamed-he presents a case to which they cannot reply except by hanging their heads in shame.
2. Although the book is erudite and employs sophisticated research methods as well, it neither talks down to readers, nor does it skate above the understanding of readers who have not received graduate training in social science. Research methods and findings are lucidly and interestingly explained. The book is both amusing and educational-and the reader learns a great deal about how social scientists quantify and measure propaganda and media coverage.
3. The main conclusion is pleasantly and surprisingly counterintuitive: NRA benefits from negative media coverage. Professor Patrick believes that if it were not for negative media coverage, which has acted as a goad to mobilization, NRA and gun culture would not be in the position of relative strength and solidarity it enjoys today. Professional women like myself would not be able to legally carry concealed weapons to protect themselves in most states.
4. The book also has much to say on the role of media in modern mass democracy. Patrick points out that mass media news professionals have become increasingly important in this mass society, an exaggerated social role that he compares to the power of the clergy in Pre-Reformation Europe. Media are the interpreters of reality, the priesthood of modern times. It is a great analogy. Then, of course, the Reformation solved the problem of the widespread abuse of this power. Patrick recommends a healthy pluralistic system of voluntary associations (interest groups) that act as alternative sources of information-and he recommends that universities start training rather than ordaining journalists, i.e. filling them (and us) with a self-serving mythos of the holy journalism and turning them loose on society.

This is a professor under whom I would like to study some day.

Five stars!

For anyone, friend or foe, this is the definitive history of the National Rifle Association of America. From its 19th century beginning ("to improve and promote civilian marksmanship"), to its current battle to promote and defend Second Amendment rights, this tome presents a cogent and interesting account of the Association's mission and of its ongoing efforts in the current civil rights arena. A good read and a valuable addition to the bookshelf of any American.

Being a liberal Democrat, I joined the NRA with deep reluctance
over 10 years ago, fearing that I would be surrounded by right
wing zealots and KKK members. Instead, I found that I had
lucked into membership in one of the country's finest
organizations. This book provides fodder for anyone curious
about those reasons.

The NRA was formed after the Civil War by those who understood
that our heritage as a nation of rifle experts had declined
substantially. Personal weapons are a soldier's life insurance
and the NRA has done much in the World Wars and after to ensure
that our soldiers have the best chance possible to stay alive
through combat and come home safely.

Shooting is stereotypically a male sport, yet it is also one
in which women can compete with men with complete equality. In
fact, this book revealed that women have been competing with men
successfully at shooting sports since 1906! Since I collect
old NRA magazines, I have always been struck by the equality
with which male and female competitors have been presented in
issues I have seen back into the 1930s and 40s.

I happen to also know that the NRA accepted an NAACP chapter as
an affiliate in the FIFTIES, when chapter members were
threatened by a police force riddled with KKK members. This
vision of equality is shared by the unfairly maligned Charlton
Heston, who was an active civil rights fighter.

The NRA and its educational programs are largely responsible
for the steep drop in fatal gun accidents between 1970 and
1990, a FIFTY percent drop from 2400/year to 1200/year.

The NRA has been forced by gun hating politicians and lobbyists
to become a no-compromise lobby for our rights. It is only
sensible that they fight for our rights with the same tenacity
that the ACLU and Planned Parenthood do. Really the ACLU has
sold us out by ignoring gun rights and I feel that the NRA is
identical in value, scope and success to Planned Parenthood.
Both support freedom with responsibility and both have my praise
for this.

This account of the Mohawk Civil War, near the end of the 20th century, proves even more relevant at the beginning of the 21st, as gambling laws and Indians make new news. Rick Hornung invites the men and women whose story this is, to speak from their own places of division and betrayal. With honesty and intelligence, Hornung's report brings these people to the understanding of his readers. One Nation Under The Gun is one of the most important books for anyone brave enough to look deep inside conflict and struggle. It is a must read for the serious student of history, politics, and government.

This is bound to be a classic, one of those books scholars will use as a reference in trying to understand the transformation of Indian nations in the late 20th century. Several years before Indian casinos changed the economic landscape of the southern New England and other sections of North America, Rick Hornung was one of the first reporters on the case. In 1989-1990, he traveled to Mohawk lands, artfully documenting the Mohawks' violent civil war over the effort to build, run and maintain lucrative casinos. While most nations negotiated settlements and compacts with state and federal governments, the Mohawks refused to give up their sovereignty over reserved lands. This decision to resist and begin a new, dynamic economy is at the core of Hornung's gripping, exciting and incisive chronicle of what happens to an Indian community when it must decide between gambling or other forms of economic and political development. Adding to the complexity and excitement is Hornung's shrewd awareness of how troubles in New York spilled across the St. Lawrence River and caused an armed revolt on the streets of Montreal. Determined to let the various present their views, Hornung creates a vivid and unfrogettable protrait of a Mohawk community faced with the conflicting demands of preserving the past and securing a future. From one confrontation to the next, Hornung weaves a tight narrative of suspense and political intrigue that often erupts into violence. In his book, the Mohawks are astute and intelligent participants in the struggle to redefine their own identity in a world of loss, longing and betrayal.

Although stuffed with technical data, graphs and mathematical formulae, there is still enough lucid prose in this book to fascinate the layman. In the first section of this book, the notorious Dr Bull, and his co-author Charles Murphy, provide the most detailed look at the Paris Guns ever written. Not only have they examined hitherto unpublished material (such as the manuscript of the memoirs of Dr Fritz Rausenberger, the Paris Gun project director), they also deploy their detailed practical and theoretical knowledge of artillery to fill in those gaps not covered by any concrete (or paper) evidence. Along the way they dispose of several myths, and provide tantalising glimpses of what might have been (plans for heavier, longer-range guns, capable of shelling London from France; and a proposal for discarding-sabot shells). Add to this a remarkable collection of photographs and reconstructions, and one is left with a classic book.

The second part covers Project HARP, Bull's attempt to use heavy guns to fire rocket-assisted satellites into orbit. In the final pages, an artist's impression of Bull's projected 32 inch calibre Space Gun illustrates a retrospectively chilling forerunner of Project Babylon, the supergun Bull was building for Saddam Hussein (and which, to scotch any myths, was not the catalyst for Bull's assassination by the Israelis: it was his work on improving Saddam's long-range missiles that sealed his fate).

All in all, the definitive book on the technical development of the Paris Guns, and a must-have for anyone interested in the history of artillery.

Supergun-obsessed engineer Gerald Bull co-wrote this book before being assassinated by Isreali Intelligence for his Iraqi involvement. Two thirds of the book is a study of the huge guns constructed in France during WWI. The remainder is a discussion of Bull's own HARP program in the early 1960s. The first part is accompanied by B+W photos, while the latter has color photos of the modern equipment & testing. There are also lots of graphs and technical formulae. Probably an important reference for anyone studying this technology.

The historical research is very thorough and the writer, Jack Reynolds, has a very deep understanding of the Constitution and the important mind-set of the Founders at the time of the drafting of the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, the Constitution and the attendant Bill of Rights, and all related founding documents as well as the exquisite language used at the time. Without doubt, A People Armed & Free, provides a deep historical perspective which easily supports the 2nd Amendment as an individual right; a right recognized by the Founders to be necessary to prevent the tyranny that all governments, in time, eventually visit upon their citizens.

"Anybody who reads this book has to be convinced that we all have a right to keep and bear arms, and that the gun control people are trying to sell America a bill of goods. It is very interesting, I learned more than I ever suspected was even out there, and it was easy to read and understand."

A rigorous and dispassionate statistical examination of a topic more often distinguished by emotion than reason, Mr Kleck has created a book that everyone interested in the suject of gun control should read, and which every second amendment advocate should own.

This comprehensive study starts with an examination of the ideological nature of arguement on the subject, and thoroughly examines the nature of gun ownership and use in the United States.

Supporters of gun control have tried and failed to impugn the integrity of the author, who owes allegiance to no vested interest, and who reached his conclusuion that gun ownership has a more positive than negative effect on society in spite of his own early leanings.

Thoroughly documented, Point Blank is a required reference book for anyone with the courage to set personal bias aside, and search for the truth.

What is striking is that Prof. Kleck actually began this series of studies to "prove" that guns in the hands of citizens doesn't reduce crime. Ya see, Kleck is a liberal Democrat. He is a member of the ACLU, Common Cause, Amnesty International and supports the typical liberal agendas. When he got done crunching the data he found results that shocked him. At a minimum, Americans use firearms 2.5 million times per year in direct, face to face defenses. And that is Kleck's admittedly conservative estimate. Additionally, only 1% of the time is the thug shot, and only 0.1% of all encountered thugs are killed. Remarkable restraint, I'd say. Good people just left alone.

The bad news, Kleck received far fewer invitations to Florida State University cocktail parties. The good news, He won the Hindelang Award for the most significant work by a criminologist (in a whole bunch of years).

I would suggest that most people who would consider buying "Point Blank" would be happier getting Klecks collaboration with Prof. Don Kates titled, "The Great Gun Debate." It covers the same issues in a more digestible, less academic manner, and should be about half the price.