The Complete Encyclopedia of Pistols and Revolvers

This book contains pretty much everything you'd want to know about pistols. The glossary of different terms regarding handguns is very helpful. Models of different manufacturers are listed in alphabetical order, but I really wish the top of every page would say what manufacturer the chosen page tells the reader about. This would have made searching a lot easier. But overall, a very good book.

Extremely well done piece of work. Provides a short history of each handgun manufacturer, then covers most of each manufacturers major models, with photos, and a short "bio" on each model. Finally, and this is the good part, shows what changes were made thru the years to some of the more important models. I've been an avid handgunner for 45 years, and I learned a lot from this book. It is well worth twice whatever you have to pay for a copy. When United Airlines lost my original copy, I immediately went out and bought another. One of the most valuable books on handguns I have owned, along with "Classic Handguns of the 20th Century", and Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, 2nd edition".

Found this book by accident and it is absolutely the best book I've seen on a large variety of handguns. Not only are most photographs in color, but the cover a HUGE variety of handguns including various models from each manufacturer. All of your favorites are here, Glocks, HKs, Walthers, S & Ws, Colts, etc. are found in this book. Also another great addition left out by so many other books of its type is the glossary in the back that defines parts and terminology used by gun makers and users. Simple anwers to terms such as "Blued", "Extractor", "Flame-Hardened", "Muzzle Energy", etc. This is a must have book for the expert and novice alike in who owns or is considering owning a handgun. I highly recommend this book.-

By contrast to a lot of other encyclopedia,directories, guides, etc. this is a realy valuable source of information for pistols and revolvers. It also includes non-american handguns. The graphic quality is excellent. Almost every item has its picture, in colour and of very good quality. My only sugestion is to specify more clearly the type of the handgun (military, service, self-defence, sport, hunting, competition, etc.)

Definitely the best on-the-shelf guide to handguns. Comprehensive, many pictures, detailed specs. If you're in some serious studies, this is a must-have.