Book recommendations for a kid

bannockburn said:

Deanimator


I seem to recall using those field stripping instructions to take my Astra Model 600 apart for the first time! Extremely helpful to have with that particular gun!

Click to expand...

I'm pretty sure that I was the only kid in my 8th grade class who know how to field strip an MP40.

The Arms of Krupp, William Manchester.

A history, but not about small arms. Requires a VERY good reading ability. Over a thousand pages -if I remember correctly- but is unforgetable if the reading ability is present.

I read that one at 12 years old; Fascinating history of the family, and the company.
I have my own sample of Krupp fluid steel, c. 1926:

Deanimator said:

I'm pretty sure that I was the only kid in my 8th grade class who know how to field strip an MP40.

Click to expand...

Likewise.

May not be focused on specific WW I or II rifles but he might find lots to learn in Jim Carmichael's Book of the Rifle. Also highly recommend the Ruark books already mentioned. The book The Gun might expand his interest to the AK-47 and the M-16.

I am also a science fictioneer. Read 'Little Fuzzy' for information on the rifle suitable for Zarathustran Damnthing and Harpy.

1KPerDay said:

Look at forgotten weapons YouTube channel and search “book”. He’s done some thorough reviews.
He also recently published “chassepot to FAMAS” which is apparently a detailed history of military French rifles.

look at the vickers guide books also

Click to expand...

Beat me to it. I have a copy. Beautifully illustrated. Detailed collector's guide to markings, variants and variations, etc. Quite expensive. ($100+) Any of either Hatcher's or Canfield's works on the Garand and other WWII guns, but those are also quite expensive. I once saw a reference book, I forget the title or editor, but it was 3" thick and had an assembly drawing/part catalog for hundreds of firearms.

Unintended Consequences.

If you email me, I'll send you a pdf copy.

Rich at rabidjackal dot com

https://www.freedomsphoenix.com/Uploads/129/Media/Unintended_Consequences.pdf

I've posted this one many times.

The "Handloader's Manual of Cartridge Conversions" by John and Judy Donnelly. Also the illustrated directory of Guns by Miller. The "Gun Digest Book of Rimfire Rifles Assembly/Disassembly by J.B. Wood.

You can download this for him and see how he likes it:

https://archive.org/details/Complete_Guide_to_Handloading_Sharpe_1937

There's a ton of information in it - written at a critical point in time - between the two world wars.
Handloading/reloading is just a small part of the paper.

Also you might direct him to the Wikipedia page of Small Arms of 20th century. Not as good as a book but certainly alot of reading to get familiar with many different types of guns

MistWolf said:

I know it's not what you're asking for, but I bet your son would enjoy reading The Old Man And The Boy by Rpbert Ruark. It had a huge impact on me as a kid.

It's about hunting, fishing, old men and growing up.

Click to expand...

Yes. A strong second to Ruark....the book has had a continuing influence on my life.
Gun books: Brophy’s “The 1903 Springfield Rifle”.

I recommend the book American Rifle by Alexander Rose

http://www.alexrose.com/american-rifle
It can be found at Amazon, B&N, etc. A very well written and researched history that reads like a novel.

I also suggest "Ammo and Ballistics" by Bob Forker, "Cartridges of the World" by Barnes and "Ammo Encyclopedia" by Michael Bussard. Together the 3 cover about all that can be asked and will provide years of information. The essays alone are worth the price for the valuable information they provide.

A Short History of World War II by Stokebury was one I enjoyed. Over view but very readable.

Tales of the Gun series is a fun watch. Also, World at War is a great series if you want to get video stuff.

JCooperfan1911 said:

He’ll love this:

https://www.amazon.com/World-Encyclopedia-Rifles-Machine-Guns/dp/1846811627

Click to expand...

Ditto this reco. It's my go-to reference.