Collecting these great historical battle rifles is great fun, but the serious novice will soon become confused, and then irritated. The Author, a veteran Mechanical Engineer, knows this, because it happened to him too. He actually wrote this book for his own use, from notes he made to avoid being cheated out of hard-earned gun-collecting investment funds, and now he shares it with you. Its Mauser Model identification procedure guides the new collector in sorting out a specific rifle identity from the world's hundreds of known physical variants, using standard photographic references commercially available to everyone. It is chock full of brand-new close-up photos, mechanical details, info on chamber crests, markings, and the historical time line of the many global manufacturers of this immortal rifle. It is written in a crusty, personal and often irreverent style (but only where irreverence is well past due!)

This volume offers an insight into the iconic Mauser family of German bolt-action rifles. Drawing on first-hand accounts of the weapons in combat and primary sources regarding their mechanical performance, this fully illustrated study charts the Mauser's origins, combat record and lasting influence. It explores the full range of Mauser rifles, beginning with the hugely successful Gew 98, which entered service in the time of the Kaiser, provided the basis for the US Springfield M1903 and equipped combatants such as the South African Boers. It also investigates the Kar 98k, which was still in front-line use with Wehrmacht troops in 1945, saw use with Mexican and Yugoslavian forces, and even played a role in the 1990s Balkan conflicts in the hands of snipers. Featuring expert analysis, specially commissioned artwork and gripping first-hand accounts, this volume is ideal for anyone seeking an understanding of these sturdy and accurate rifles' unique place in the history of small-unit tactics in the 20th century.

The second of two volumes on Mauser rifles, this full-color, illustrated book presents the design, manufacturing, development, and combat use of the various models from 1918 through World War II. Post-WWI manufacturers defined the characteristics of a future German regulation rifle derived from the WWI-era Gewehr 98. After the Nazi accession of the German government, the improved version of the Gewehr 98 was adopted in 1934 under the designation "K98k." This book presents the various models of this famous rifle, as well as the changes made to its manufacture during the Second World War. Details include close-up views of markings, as well as a serial numbers list, and a visual breakdown of the weapons. Accessories such as ammunition, ammo pouches, bayonets, magazines, scopes, and cleaning kits are featured throughout the book, as are rarely seen combat-related uniform and equipment items.

As part of its rise as a regional South American power, Chile chose to emulate the highly successful Prussian military system in the last decades of the 19th century. Prior conflicts and the prospect of war with Argentina, which came to a head in the early 1890s, can be seen as the pretext for Chile's purchase of "Prussian" military equipment, including Mauser rifles and Krupp cannons. This book summarizes important regional events, while also offering a general historical overview of Mauser developments. It will then proceed to expose the particulars of Chile's Mausers, purchases that resulted in the Model 1895, 1912, and 1935. Also detailed are the technical specifics of each of these three models and the historical events surrounding their acquisition. The result is the first comprehensive attempt at documenting these important artifacts and events, which will, it is hoped, initiate further research into this fascinating topic.

The ultimate Mauser military rifle reference, this superior guide is packed with more models, all-color photos and Mauser history is tailored to the interests and needs of firearms collectors. With more than 50 countries represented, 75 years of Mauser military rifle production is meticulously cataloged with descriptions, historical details, model specifications and markings, for easy identification by collectors. Mauser Military Rifles of the World, 4th Edition features: 1,300+ compelling color photos, including new, never-before-published photos of very rare Mausers, helpful in measuring collectability data about how and where the rifles were employed in conflict all in alphabetical format, giving readers easy access to information. Historical data, coupled with detailed color photos make this guide educational and entertaining!

George Washington insisted that his portrait be painted with one. Daniel Boone created a legend with one. Abraham Lincoln shot them on the White House lawn. And Teddy Roosevelt had his specially customized. In this first-of-its-kind book, historian Alexander Rose delivers a colorful, engrossing biography of an American icon: the rifle. Drawing on the words of foot soldiers, inventors, and presidents, based on extensive new research, and spanning from the Revolution to the present day, American Rifle is a balanced, wonderfully entertaining history of the rifle and its place in American culture.