Observations - Theoretical And Practical - On Muskets, Rifles And Projectiles


Book Description

Originally published in 1852. This detailed and illustrated book also contains a short treatise on the Elastic Concave Wadding. The author was a well known gun and sword maker. This book will prove of great interest to all with an involvement in the history of firearms. Many of the earliest shooting and hunting books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. Home Farm Books are republishing many of these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.




The Practical Guide to Man-Powered Weapons and Ammunition


Book Description

David slew Goliath with his slingshot: for millennia that was the norm, as men used a variety of non-explosive weapons to fire small stones and carefully rounded bullets of clay, glass, and even steel and lead. This unusual study explores in practical detail the many ways, old and new, in which man shot projectiles without recourse to gunpowder. They include the bow and arrow, a favorite for the last 10,000 years; pump-up air guns; blowpipes; catapults; and homemade lead musketballs. There's information on ammunition and velocity, as well as a lively personal narrative filled with humor and the spirit of experimentation.







The Practical Guide to Man-powered Bullets


Book Description

People have long been shooting small stones and carefully rounded bullets of clay, glass, steel, and lead from weapons without using gunpowder. And the bow and arrow has been man's choice all over the world and throughout history at times when modern firearms have been unavailable or unsuitable. In America, there is currently an explosion of interest in making primitive archery tackle--wooden bows, flint arrowheads, natural fiber strings. The author has made and shot flint-tipped arrows from many bows of his own making. He first noticed, twenty years ago, that no one has written a book on catapults, and started to keep records of his own experiments in that and other related fields, leading to this book, which explores many of the ways, old and new, in which people have shot bullets by force of their own muscles.




From Musket to Metallic Cartridge


Book Description

From Musket to Metallic Cartridge is an historical introduction to the use of black powder firearms, from the primitive smooth-bore musket to breech-loading cartridge guns, as well as a primer on their practical use for today's black powder shooters. Drawing on his experience of countless hours on the shooting range, backed up by meticulous research, Oyvind Flatnes relates over 500 years of development and covers the huge range of different ignition systems, models and patents. He describes the use of antique firearms and replicas, discussing their historical and safe modern use. The book is profusely illustrated throughout, with both photographs and diagrams, showing a range of guns and their ammunition, with some live firing shots showing them in action. Aimed at shooters, collectors and general gun and weapons enthusiasts, this book will inspire the reader to learn more about how firearms work, and to take them onto the range too. Superbly illustrated with 265 colour photographs and diagrams.




Sharpshooter in the Crimea


Book Description

The letters home to his family by Gerald Goodlake, a young officer in the Coldstream Guards, make remarkable reading. They vividly describe the ill-preparedness of the British Army and the dire conditions experienced by all ranks in the Crimea. Goodlake's views on senior officers were frank to say the least! Most important, Goodlake's initiative and courage in organising and leading what were 'Special Forces' were rewarded by the award of one of the first Victoria Crosses. Goodlake served in the Crimea from early 1854 to the end two years later.