Black Powder Long Arms & Pistols - Reproductions & Replicas

I have just received this book today and WoW! - what a lovely book. I am not a black power shooter yet, but have a strong interest in rifles and pistols and one reason I purchased this book was to improve my knowledge on the guns to help me pick a rifle; flintlock, percussion, or modern???. Modern is out for me. One thing I will say when you first get this book you will feel you want to wear white gloves to handle it.So far I don't see that this book will teach me how to shoot the guns but I didn't buy it to do that. It will inspire you if you are into things of old. The illustrations are beautiful. The presentation of the book is well done, with the opening paper quality type being textured giving a real quality feel that is not reflected in the moderate cost of the book.This book addresses a range of historical levels and has loads of clear pictures of rifles, pistols, horns and knifes. What I like, there is a small box beside each gun picture, which just gives the reader enough historical information about each gun, which for me is great for 2 reasons:1. It is helpful for me to decide on what gun and caliber I would purchase; with the historical story I can choseto identify with.2. I like short bits of information rather that overkill, once I get the bug, then I am happy to go looking for more details so the book works well for me.This is a book the will grace my coffee table when guess come to visit. It will charm them and will be a great conversation starter. However, this book is not just something to grace your home, it a book that I will enjoy for a life time and pass unto my kids and beyond. I am looking forwards to reading it in detail and allowing it to feed me more and more information as my passion grows. If you are interested in old black powder guns no matter what end of the continuum you are at; novice like me to expert, you must get this book.HDN. Ireland.

Heavily geared to the USA market,it doesn't do what I wanted it for - i.e to compare which replica firearms represent the best value for money in terms of build quality, reliability,accuracy in use. Just a lot of 'pretty pictures' and information on where the manufacturers are located.