American Hunting Rifles: Their Application in the Field for Practical Shooting, Second Edition

This book is almost thirteen years old as I write this review, but it's still quite relevant to anyone trying to sort out the dizzying legion of rifle/cartridge choices available for today's hunter. It has chapters on nearly anything relevant to gun choices for North American hunting -- chapters on cartridge classes, game types, accessories, specialized situations, etc. General Boddington (USMC, I think Reserves now) backs up all his claims with personal experience, something often lacking in the works of many of the armchair gunwriters who populate websites, blogs and chatrooms. I found Boddington's anecdotes entertaining, insightful, and well-told. Yes, many of the fancy new cartridges that have come out in the last 13 years are not covered; but who cares? Those new cartridges are mostly 'emperor's new clothes' situations. (e.g., What can the newer 260 Rem do that the older 7-08 Rem can't??? Maybe that's why no one's buying 260s right now.) If you're into hunting with and/or shooting rifles, try to read any book or article by Boddington that you can get your hands on. He is the greatest currently active gunwriter for two reasons: 1)The breadth and depth of his hunting experience (not only in America but in Africa & elsewhere) are probably unmatched by anyone living and 2)Unlike many of today's gunwriters, Boddington actually writes very well (he reminds me of a less-snooty Jack O'Connor. Of current gunwriters, I'd rate John Barsness as an equally good writer, but I'd give Boddington an edge in worldwide hunting experience.) Too many of today's gunwriters don't realize that the rootword of their profession is not 'gun,' but 'writer.' Boddington is an excellent exception. If you appreciate good writing and you're interested in hunting rifles, you'll love this book.

I bought this wonderful book a few years ago and have read and re-read it many times since then. I was eager to learn about the various hunting rifles and calibers, and was pleased to find that this book covers all the basics, and more. Not only does it go over each of the most popular calibers individually, it also covers the different rifle actions that are commonly chambered for hunting calibers. A significant plus with this book is the author's anecdotes and opinions sprinkled throughout. Craig Boddington writes well, and he has a lot of experience to share with riflemen of all levels. As I have learned over the years, every hunter or rifleman has his or her own opinions/biases as to the best (or most appropriate) caliber for each hunting situation. Craig Boddington clearly has his opinions, and is not shy about offering these to the reader. This is one of the book's assets. I find that listening to people's opinions on this matter is a great way to learn the pros and cons of each caliber. It's also a colorful backdrop to a fascinating and enjoyable sport.I sincerely hope that this book is updated soon. Since its publication, there have been several new calibers introduced (e.g., .260 Rem, .30 WSM, 7mm Rem SAUM, etc.) that I would love to see included in this book. I would without a doubt buy an updated edition of this book. Also, it would be an improvement if the included pictures would be in color. The black and white pictures included with the current addition are excellent, but color would be even better.

This is a great book for anyone interested in hunting big game. It has tons of information from an experienced hunter, which can help hunters of all game in North America.

This book covers a great deal including discussion of all common calibers, actions, sighting systems, etc. Has some really good survey data collected from North American hunting guides as well (their preferences).

If you are going to get a new gun to hunt deer, bear, moose or elk this is the book to get. Well researched, well organised and a lot of pics. Quality.