Guns of the Old West : An Illustrated History

Rating:
Summary: Mixed
Review: A "mixed review" is about the best possible for this book,
because there is such disparity between the good and negative
elements. The photos are fabulous, which much detail and
well-informed captions, and that part is clearly the best
part of this book. Most photos were taken of gun collections
in famous museums, mainly the Gene Autry museum in L.A., and
the Buffalo Bill Museum in Cody, WY, so the guns themselves
are rare and usually documented in a way that clearly sets them

apart from what most of us will ever see. Anyone who has ever
tried to photograph a gun will have their breathe taken away
by the clarity and beauty of these photos, and they have to
be seen to be believed. Any student of the Old West, or of
firearms, will want to study these photos and relish the
details.
Unhappily, the text doesn't seem to have as much detail or
accuracy. Many old legends are repeated, seemingly without
verification, and some of them are rather discredited now.
So the stories have to be read with an open mind, knowing
that further reading would be required before forming an opinion
of some of the historic figures of the Old West.
So there is an odd mix in going through this book, but the
photos alone make this an interesting and worthwhile project.

Rating:
Summary: Mixed
Review: A "mixed review" is about the best possible for this book,
because there is such disparity between the good and negative
elements. The photos are fabulous, which much detail and
well-informed captions, and that part is clearly the best
part of this book. Most photos were taken of gun collections
in famous museums, mainly the Gene Autry museum in L.A., and
the Buffalo Bill Museum in Cody, WY, so the guns themselves
are rare and usually documented in a way that clearly sets them

apart from what most of us will ever see. Anyone who has ever
tried to photograph a gun will have their breathe taken away
by the clarity and beauty of these photos, and they have to
be seen to be believed. Any student of the Old West, or of
firearms, will want to study these photos and relish the
details.
Unhappily, the text doesn't seem to have as much detail or
accuracy. Many old legends are repeated, seemingly without
verification, and some of them are rather discredited now.
So the stories have to be read with an open mind, knowing
that further reading would be required before forming an opinion
of some of the historic figures of the Old West.
So there is an odd mix in going through this book, but the
photos alone make this an interesting and worthwhile project.

Rating:
Summary: Especially recommended for antique gun collectors
Review: Guns Of The Old West: An Illustrated History by firearms expert and historian Dean K. Boorman (President of the Armor and Arms Club of new York) is detailed guide to the revolvers and firearms of America during the course of its frontier years. Black-and-white as well as color photographs present examples of numerous guns and gun-related memorabilia, thereby enhancing a thorough history describing the evolution of guns and the relentless advance of a technology that changed how wars and individuals on the American frontier fought for their lives. Guns Of The Old West is a fascinating, informative volume which is especially recommended for antique gun collectors and western history buffs.

Rating:
Summary: really good. info you won't find elsewhere
Review: This is a really good book.

It has a lot of information about old guns that you simply will not be able to find elsewhere.