This extensive and useful encyclopedia is specially written for sport shooters, weapons collectors, and government officials. Inside readers will find: an extensive glossary of technical terms and types of ammunition, complete with full color illustrations Information on arms manufacturers and makes of pistols from around the world; detailed descriptions of each weapon, often accompanied by its history and development Information on handguns of the nineteenth, twentieth, and twenty first centuries; an extensive index to help readers find specific weapons or subjects; and hundreds of color photographs of pistols and revolvers. Listed in alphabetical order by manufacturer, the principal data for individual guns is given, along with extensive information on the development of each weapon. The book addresses all the technical terminology, such as the locking and safety systems of pistols and revolvers, as well as information on handgun ammunition. Readers will find all the important models listed in this reference book.

This book is an illustrated guide to firearms, presenting their history and important technological innovations.

A visual historical reference to over 500 military, law enforcement and antique firearms from around the world with a fascinating history of small arms from the 14th century to the present day, comprehensive directories of small arms, full technical specifications and is illustrated with more than 550 photographs and artworks. This book features world's most important small guns from the medieval hand cannon and the matchlock handgun to the Luger P08 and today's FN P90 as well as famous small arms including the Colt .45, the Browning High-Power M1935, the Lanchester and the MP38 submachine gun. Included are specially commissioned color photographs and artworks, including cutaway diagrams to show internal components and gun operation. This complete guide is expertly written by leading professionals in their field.

An illustrated guide to pistols and revolvers, including their histories, uses, manufacturers, brands and ammunition.

The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Handguns presents an outstanding one-volume reference tool for all who study or use handguns. Alexander Zhuk's meticulous constant scale line drawings are unmatched in modern-day gun literature. Drawn directly from the guns themselves wherever possible, they combine accurately observed outlines with an unerring sense of solidity.