Classic Handguns Of The 20th Century: A Shooter's And Collector's Guide

Classic Handgun? You’ll need this book to find out what qualities, contributions and characteristics made each of the twenty handguns found within a “classic” in the eyes of noted gun historian and author, David W. Arnold. Join him on this most fascinating visual walk through the most significant and prolific handguns of the 20th century. From the Colt Single-Action Army Revolver and the German P08 Luger to the Walther P-38 and Beretta Model 92, each chapter found within this colorful, high-value book for collectors and shooters includes: • A history of the model and a discussion of its significance • Technical specifications • A review of design changes, variations, finishes and materials • Information on derivatives and clones • General collector values • Handling and operating characteristics • Loading, unloading and field stripping procedures • Exploded line drawings of the model of the 20th Century Arnold Two valuable follow-up chapters on collecting classic handguns and classic handgun ammunition round out this collective look at the handguns that became as famous as the cowboys, lawmen, outlaws and military heroes who used them. CLASSIC HANDGUNS OF THE 20TH CENTURY What makes a handgun a ISBN: 0-87349-576-4 $24.99 U.S. ($36.99 CAN) 0 CHGCcvr.indd 1 46081 00576 3 9 780873 495769 krause UPC 52499 David W. Arnold 2/26/04, 11:07:03 AM of the 20th Century David W. Arnold frontmatter-Chapter1 1 2/26/04, 12:56:26 PM Classic Handguns of the 20th Century ©2004 David W. Arnold Published by Our toll-free number to place an order or obtain a free catalog is (800) 258-0929. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a critical article or review to be printed in a magazine or newspaper, or electronically transmitted on radio or television. Library of Congress Catalog Number: 2004100739 ISBN: 0-87349-576-4 Designed by Brian Brogaard Edited by Joel Marvin Printed in the United States of America 2 frontmatter-Chapter1 2 2/20/04, 3:20:19 PM Classic Handguns of the 20th Century ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The idea for compiling this book originated several years ago when I was editor of G&A HANDGUNS, a Primedia magazine. It was decided to run a short series called “CLASSIC HANDGUNS OF THE 20TH CENTURY” that would examine some of the more notable handguns of that period. After compiling the first few articles of the series, I quickly realized I was just scratching the surface and that the only way to do full justice to the subject was to write a book. I am grateful for being allowed to use some of the material previously used