What's the best book?

[plateshooter]

What is the best book you have found for dates of mfg, value, and some history for older Remington, Winchester, and other American manufactured firearms? Can I find it all in one book?

Thanks for your replies

 

[Old Fuff]

It depends: First, how old is "older?" And would you be satisfied with a general overview, or do you want too know the exact year something was made?

There are reference books that cover a particular manufacturer in detail (Winchester, Remington, Colt, Smith & Wesson, Ruger and so on. And there are books that cover certain popular models (Colt Single Actions & 1911 pistols, Winchester lever action rifles, etc. But no one book covers everything in finite detail. If there was such a thing you couldn't lift it!

For a more general overview two books are handy - and the give you a general idea about prices, although what they show is an average. Particular guns may sell for more or less in your area.

These books are:

"The Blue Book of Gun Values" by S.P. Fjestad. (Blue Book Publications, Inc.)

"Flayderman's Guide to Antique American Firearms" by Norm Flayderman. (Krasue Publications.)

They won't do everything but they will give you a start.

 

[plateshooter]

Thanks Old Fluff, just ordered the "Blue Book". This one seems to be the place to start.

 

[Old Fuff]

I agree that the "Blue Book" is a good place to start.

I failed to mention that you can find many web-sites hosted by collectors' or uses of particular guns, or individual manufacturers, that offer excellent information from people involved in their particular field.

If you are intersted in a certain gun or manufacturer post a message here and somebody will likely come up with some links to whatever you're looking for.

 

[Dr.Rob]

RL Wilson's little blue book 'Colt's dates of MFG" is a really good source book if you like Colts. Though it only goes through 1978 or so.