Shotguns
Shotguns for Wingshooting by John Barsness
An in-depth look at every style of shotgun and the correct combination of ammunition for various hunting situations. From the pump gun to the double-barrel, learn about America's most popular sporting arms. If you’re passionate about shotguns, this book is for you.
“Barsness has written the best current overview of shotguns for hunting: not sporting clays, trap, etc. He is not aligned nor does he show a marked prejudice for a particular type of shotgun like the side by side which is so prevalent today. He explains the advantages and downsides of various guns and does a particularly good job on the very important, if not vital, subject of stock design and fit. Although I think you can find much of this information elsewhere, Barsness brings it together in a very concise format and cuts through the ‘poppycock.’ Plus, the photos are great!” Mitchell Rogers (Bend, OR)
Hunter's Guide to Shotguns for Upland Game by Terry Boyer
The book takes a pragmatic approach for the average hunter looking to get the most bang for his buck and shows that hunters don't have to break the bank to buy a versatile shotgun. It discusses the best guns for various species of upland game and examines the all-important criteria for choosing a shotgun: the hunter's physique, preferred action type and gauge, gun features, price range, whether or not he's hunting with dogs, and other possible uses for the gun such as deer hunting or clay target games. Profiles of major manufacturers and models showcase a wide variety of shotguns to give readers a good idea of the relative strengths and weaknesses of available products. Once a hunter has selected a shotgun, he will discover how to use custom loads and make modifications to personalize his gun and improve its performance.
“A wise man once told me that when his skill set started to suffer, he got back to basics; a return to the fundamentals that form the foundation of so much of what we do. While this is a book of basics, the breadth and depth of the author's experience base facilitates its appeal and utility far beyond that of the beginner. Actions, chokes, loads, anecdotes, wit and witticisms- all this and more to instruct the beginner, and remind the know-it-all, of that which is important to the upland hunter: a good dog, enough gun, and days afield to reflect upon that which is truly seminal to this sojourn we call life.” Mike McDaniel (Flower Mound, TX)
Shotguns & Shotgunning by Layne Simpson
This is the most comprehensive and valuable guide on the market devoted exclusively to shotguns. Part buyer’s guide, part technical manual, and part loving tribute, shooters and hunters of all skill levels will enjoy this comprehensive reference tool.
Author Layne Simpson guides readers through the evolution of the shotgun with high-quality color photography and detailed reviews of hunting with shotguns, including chapters devoted to pheasants, grouse, turkeys, and big game. Shooters, gun hunters, and firearms collectors will explore technical aspects of shotgunning--barrels, chokes, and stocks--and the utility of various gauges. As an added bonus, he introduces the reader to several popular shooting games. Excellent resource for shooters, gun hunters, and firearms collectors. Comprehensive guide covers the technical aspects of shotguns, hunting with shotguns, the evolution of shotguns, and popular shooting games High-quality color photography
Layne Simpson has been field editor for Shooting Times Magazine for the past 20 years and has developed a large and devoted following. In addition, he has written articles for several major outdoor publications, including Gun Digest, Guns Illustrated, Field & Stream, Gun World, American Hunter, Outdoor Life, and American Rifleman. He is presently on the writing staff of Peterson’s Hunting, Wing & Shot, Wild Fowl, and Gun Dog magazines and is author of a number of books. He resides in Simpsonville, South Carolina.
“After almost 40 years, I am just returning to the world of shotgun bird hunting. As a kid, my uncle taught me everything he wanted me to know - and nothing else. This is exactly the comprehensive guide I needed to find!
“This book is about shotguns and how to use them for hunting (primarily, birds). Mr. Simpson provides a complete survey course on shotgun types and their makers, including which is good for what and how to choose. He provides the same range of information for ammunition and chokes, correlated to the shotgun type and use. He describes shotgun activities, covering all types of hunting (wild and preserve) and the various target sports. He provides not only safe practices, but how to conduct yourself politely in the field and at the range. He even dicusses clothing and accessories (e.g., glasses and ear protection).
“Mr. Simpson's writing style is very enjoyable and easy to understand. Even better, he freely shares wonderful stories of a long life with shotgunning. Oh, and by the way, its a beautiful book just chockful of stunning photographs.
“This is a great book, and the best of the dozen or so shotgunning books I've recently read!” J.D. Maher (Joliet, IL)
Shotgun Technicana by Michael McIntosh and David Trevallion
Michael McIntosh and David Trevallion, two of the nation’s foremost experts on shotguns, have gathered, sorted, and refined five years of their acclaimed columns from Shooting Sportsman magazine. They have included additional photographs, some new text, and updated diagrams.
Starting with a section on locks and actions and moving down to such crucial minutiae as spring fabrication and selection, the authors explain with extraordinary clarity and in great detail just how a side-by-side works, how today’s designs evolved, and how both modifications and repairs should be handled.
“Michael McIntosh has built arguably the most substantial body of work ever compiled on classic shotguns. "Shotgun Technicana" continues this building process for his avocation, and, in the process, McIntosh demonstrates the dedication and focus of his vocation as a literary scholar--delving into the minutia across the full breadth of his topic and using that thorough foundation to present broader conclusions about the topic at hand. With each book he publishes, he explores a new aspect of shotgunning--and we, his readers, are the richer for being able to accompany him.
“That McIntosh loves English double guns is indisputable; that he can share that affection by writing so thoroughly, eloquently, and engagingly about his topic places him in a unique category of gun writers. In this book, McIntosh teamed with David Trevallion, the noted Purdey gunsmith, to ensure that his facts and their presentation were thoroughly vetted.
"Shotgun Technicana" belongs on the bookshelf of anyone who appreciates fine side-by-side shotguns. While his primary focus is on pre-war English double guns, the insight and observation offered certainly apply to the many imitators of Purdey, Boss, and Holland & Holland models produced here by the likes of Parker, L. C. Smith, A. H. Fox, and Ithaca during the same time period.
"Shotgun Technicana" explores every facet of fine gunbuilding, from buttplate to muzzle, with comprehensive comparison and contrast--supported by detailed diagrams and photographs--of sidelock and boxlock firing mechanisms; Anson and Deeley forearm attachment hardware (you'll learn the differences between the two!); English versus French or Turkish walnut; barrel construction, regulation, and boring; extraction and ejection systems; and mechanical versus inertia firing systems. In short, McIntosh provides an exhaustive overview of the parts--and in doing so demonstrates a comprehensive appreciation for the whole--of classic English shotguns.” Steve M. (Western, New York)
Best Guns by Michael McIntosh
This is McIntosh''s classic book on shotguns in a fully revised and expanded form. Here, he covers all the finest gun makers and continues his ongoing exploration of the nature of the shotgun and the people who make them. This is an encyclopedic collection of knowledge, the best-ever guide to the world of fine shotguns.
“More McIntosh. I don't know who has the definitive work on shotguns, but this one must be close. Especially loved the section on spagetti shotguns. I can tell you up front that, for American guns, he prefers Foxes, but if you have read his works, you already know that.
“This is just more McIntosh. And that is good, even though he has ruined my life. For years I've just considered guns to be tools like drills and saws .... tools to be used but not pampered. Then I discovered McIntosh, and Italian shotguns, and life has not been the same since.
“I've been shooting Japanese. Totally reliable. Never had a problem. But it's like driving a Toyota. I want a Ferrari.
“Michael is to blame.” Mouse Hunter (Greensboro, NC)
“The book has a lot of history, and is very informative on the history of double guns, and especially detailed in that of American heritage, I read a substatial amount about auto ejectors which I understand, twisted bore and smooth bore, pretty much self explainable, but exactly what is a sidelock, what is a boxlock? How do they differ? Old or new which way is the way to go? I look forward to buying a few doubles and using them. Obviously I do not need a $10,000, or even a $15,000 plus double, but I would like one I could use in the field and have something of value down the road in the next 20 or 30 plus years. I think a few informative drawings and discriptions a little more of the understanding of the workings and parts in detail would be benefical. I am not new to firearms for I have a found respect of them and their uses in more than a few areas but doubles are fairly new to me, and with that, new terminology and parts are hard to understand without knowing what to look for.” Zoic Cimo (Pollackpines)
The Best of Holland & Holland, England's Premier Gunmaker by Michael McIntosh
Acknowledged English gun expert Michael McIntosh and former Holland & Holland director Jan Roosenburg show us the finest products ever produced by Holland & Holland. Many photos shown are firearms from private collections, which cannot be seen publicly anywhere except in this book.
“The quality of McIntosh's book is as good as the guns about which he writes. I've come to expect nothing less from him.” James Garrett (Birmingham AL)
Gunfitting: The Quest for Perfection for Shotguns And Rifles by Michael Yardley
Widely regarded as the definitive work on the design and fitting of gun stocks, the first edition covered the subject practically and theoretically, in terms of shooting vision and eye dominance, stocks for game and clay shooting, and pattern plates and the try-gun. Historical material explores how the modern gun stock evolved from the poles and planks of the first handheld firearms to the highly sophisticated designs of the modern era. The second edition includes fitting rifles, recoil, and making and finishing a gun stock.
Michael Yardley is one of the best known shooting instructors and shooting writers in England. He has been an active game shot for more than thirty years and has written and broadcast extensively on all aspects of firearms. He has hunted birds and larger game on four continents and has held height averages in various clay shooting disciplines.
“As a certified shotgun instructor, I found this book provided understandable and useful information to help me respond better to my students.” Edward Pratter
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The Orvis Guide to Gunfitting: Techniques to Improve Your Wingshooting, and the Fundamentals of Gunfit by Tom Deck
An easy-to-follow manual by one of the most trusted names in wingshooter instruction and gunfitting.
“This is the finest shooting resource I've seen since Bruce Bowlen's book:The Orvis Wing-Shooting Handbook (Orvis). My other favorite is the classic: Robert Churchill's Game Shooting as a guide to the instinctive style shooting which I believe works best for walk up style wingshooting. Tom Deck's book is done so well that a person could use it as their exclusive resource for gunfit and shooting technique. It is a nice summary of all of the techniques necessary to successfully employ the "Modified Churchill Method," including the all important gunfit. For a deeper study of that subject, I would suggest: Gunfitting: The Quest for Perfection for Shotguns And Rifles. Tom Deck's book is, however, a wonderful resource for the novice as well as the experienced shotgunner.” W. McCann (Michigan)
Heyday of the Shotgun: The Art of the Gunmaker at the Turn of the Last
Century by David Baker
As the 19th century drew to a close, the skills of British gunmakers were reaching their pinnacle. Manufacturing expertise had been honed to perfection. This text examines the guns in common use during those few years and looks at the shooting scene in general. It looks at other aspects of country life, from poacher to gamekeeper, and the type of gun available to them. Cartridges and other equipment are discussed and extracts from magazines, advertising and a complete catalogue of the era give the reader a "feel" for the time. Nowhere in the world was the shotgun a more important indicator of style, class, and social standing than in Great Britain at the turn of the twentieth century. David Baker looks at all the finest guns ever made.
“It breaks down the manufacture of the Gun into it proposed purpose with sections on the Nobleman, Gentleman, Officer, Gamekeeper, Poacher, Trap shooter, Conservative, and best of all the Wildfowler. Just what I was looking for. An Excellent introduction into a the subject of Best British Guns, with excellent photos and Plates.” Mr. T. Wylie
Vintage Guns: Collecting, Restoring, & Shooting Classic Firearms by Diggory Hadoke
At the back of many a gun cabinet lurks a neglected old shotgun. This book will encourage its owner to bring it back into service. A beautiful, fully-illustrated volume, Vintage Guns offers expert advice on collecting guns and restoring them to firing condition—on a reasonable budget. It provides practical tips on buying the right gun for restoration, and gives an honest description of the steps—and potential pitfalls—on the path to renovation. Written for the shooter rather than the historian or engineer, it covers the subject in a lively, informative manner, always with an eye toward heading to the field. Topics covered include safety, servicing and maintenance, ribs and chokes, sidelocks and boxlocks, proofing, ejectors, ammunition, and much more.
“As a dealer who specializes in upper end shotguns, I think I know more than the average sportsman about shotguns... BUT... I was amazed at the ammount of great info in this book. VERY READABLE. If you have any interest in quality side by side shotguns - get it!!!” E. Shipman (New Hampshire)
Double Guns and Custom Gunsmithing by Steven Dodd Hughes
The burgeoning popularity of double guns (both over/unders and side-by-sides) in the United States is no secret, and few gunmakers know more about them than Steven Dodd Hughes, who has been building, repairing, and customizing these firearms for three decades.
“If you are interested in fine guns and especially if you are thinking about ordering a custom shotgun this is required reading. A ‘must have’”. Mike Bailey (Huelva, Spain)
Spanish Best, 2nd Ed by Terry Wieland
In a vastly expanded treatment of the subject, Wieland provides a completely updated guide to the guns and gunmakers of the Basque Country, reliving history, going inside manufacturing facilities, discussing design and assembly, touring the region, and sampling its food, wine, and warmth. This time, there are more than 150 color photographs to accompany the text and show precisely how the guns and workrooms look. There are three new maps, as well, including one that will allow visitors to navigate Eibar like a seasoned veteran.
“Despite some minor faults, this is a very worthwhile book, both an enjoyable read and an informative source of reference. It details the recent history of Spanish gunmaking in its capital - Eibar, and its surrounding area. It also contains a tourist guide for a first-time visitor there. Illustrated with a large number of colour plates, most beautiful and many showing the quality of the fine gunsmithing available in Spain. It is competently written by a writer who has a deep knowledge of the Spanish gun trade and who clearly loves his topic. All the key aspects of current Spanish shotgun manufacture are detailed, in addition to history, materials and general information. The editing leaves a little to be desired and the title choice is unfortunate, as the writer covers far more than "Spanish Best" shotguns, including among other topics a brief chapter on Spanish express rifles.
“The book appears aimed primarily at the American aficionado and, while it takes for granted that the nuances of a Kersten fastener or the Bessemer process are understood, it assumes that the reader has no knowledge of Spain or the Basque region, no Spanish language skills and no knowledge of Spanish history or culture. It gives a potted history of Spain's Basque Region, its food, politics and the Spanish Civil War, which, while succinct and as accurate as broad brush-strokes can be, intrudes somewhat on the flow of the book and contributes little to the narrative. Indeed, any future edition would be better off with this information moved to an appendix. Any intending traveller would be better off buying appropriate travel guides for the region (e.g. Michelin Green Guide), though it is best not to expect too much by way of information on Eibar, a minor town with nothing to interest the casual tourist.
“All the main manufacturers are covered, in a very egalitarian fashion, with about 15 pages devoted to each, be they Arrizabalaga, Arrieta, Grulla or AyA. An owner, like this reviewer, of an Arrizabalaga, judged by many to be the "Spanish Best," will not be disappointed but may wonder why they do not warrant more space. Kemen merits only five pages, but then its products and history are more recent. For some readers the book will lack definitive opinion such as why some artisans follow specific designs, or why a Purdey or Holland patent is preferred to a Boss (or the contrary.) Throughout, the book is sprinkled with many interesting details, contrasting, for example, the English and Spanish approach to machinery, the manufacturing process and its timespan.
“Generally, books on guns can be divided into those for the educated shooter and those for the gun freak. Educated shooters have the "eye" to recognise beauty and are sufficiently technically proficient to understand and appreciate quality workmanship. The gun freak is an obsessive type, prepared to argue forcefully and at length about such matters as the correct number of pins for a sidelock, the procedure for an oil-rubbed stock finish, or discourse on the best type of bone to provide case-colours. Although this book falls into the category for the former, both will find sufficient to interest them. However, there are no secret recipes or processes divulged, nor are the technicana of engraving nor stock checkering discussed in any significant detail.
“The forty or so pages of appendices include a bibliography and a useful dictionary of the various gun parts with diagrams, both English/Spanish and Spanish/English, all of which will facilitate and educate the speaker of basic Spanish. Serial numbers, dates of manufacture and proof marks are also covered. Also, there are essays on buying a gun and gun fit.
“Despite its few shortcomings, this book is an informative and enjoyable read and in my view definitely merits a place in the library of any keen shot. It certainly would make a very welcome present for the owner of any Spanish gun, particularly a Spanish Best.” Kerryman (Ireland)
British Gunmakers: Historical Data on the Birmingham, Scottish and Regional Gun Trade in the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries by Nigel S. Brown
“This book gives a wealth of information on Britiish gunmakers. It is an outstanding reference guide, and it reflects a tremendous amount of research by the author. Even if you never read it, it sure looks impressive on the shelf.” Jim Garrett (Birmingham, AL)
Winchester Shotguns by Dennis Adler
Illustrated throughout in stunning detail in full color, this book features shotguns from The Dave Riffle, Gary Reynolds, and U.S. Repealing Arms Company Collections.
“I particularly enjoyed the parts on the early shotguns, especially the works of John Moses Browning and the reference to Spencer's Pump Action shotgun. Nicely written. Wonderful pictures. Very well put together. No library on firearms should be without this book.” Michael N. Ryan (Belaire, MD)
Winchester Model Twelve by George Madis
Over 250 photographs and 20,000 words telling you everything you need to know about the Model Twelve. Included is a special chapter illustrating and explaining how to repair the Model 12 and much more. A valuable and permanent reference book, which has already become the standard reference on the subject. Complete coverage of: Serial numbers, engraving, markings, grades, stocks special orders, barrels, advertising, dates of manufacture, 1912 to 1980.
“As an avid outdoorsman, but inexperienced in the many nuances of firearms, I found Madis' book to be very helpful in understanding and appreciating the Model 12 that I own. Madis describes the history, features and configurations of the Model 12 in a documentary-like style. I would liken it to looking at a factory catalog, but one written with great knowledge, detail, care and skill.
“Upon showing the book to my father-in-law and brother-in-law (both avid hunters; one of which owns a Model 12 and a Model 97), they thought the book to be the most detailed and authoritative they had ever seen. They frankly thought that such a book did not exist and were mesmorized at Madis' work. "Look at this!," they exclaimed at several pages.
“For the Winchester enthusiast, this book will be a valuable resource and worth the investment.” C. Brown (Ohio)
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