The History Of Browning Firearms

A captivating and wonderfully illustrated chronicle of one of the most influential and legendary names in gunsmithing history. John M. Browning was born in Ogden, Utah, in 1855, into a world of gunsmithing. His father was a gunsmith who was already well known for a number of innovations in the field. As a young boy, John spent hours in his father's shop and allegedly knew the name of every part of a gun before he could read. It's hardly surprising that at age twenty-three, he was filing his first patent for the "J. M. Browning Single-Shot Rifle." Browning inherited his father’s gun making shop, and with funds of less than a thousand dollars, developed it into a highly successful business that developed several iconic firearms including the Colt Peacemaker. Browning also cooperated with Winchester to develop a whole range of small arms including semi-automatic pistols, single-shot rifles, repeater rifles, and machine guns. His enthusiasm and creativity have led many to believe he is the greatest firearm designer of all time. This fascinating book describes the Browning history, and in addition to covering the full range of inventions and designs, also shows various gun-making artifacts, copies of designers' drawings, and interesting photographs of the weapons in the hands of users. The History of Browning Firearms makes a perfect addition to the libraries of Wild West buffs and firearms enthusiasts.

A “well-researched and very readable new biography” (The Wall Street Journal) of “the Thomas Edison of guns,” a visionary inventor who designed the modern handgun and whose awe-inspiring array of firearms helped ensure victory in numerous American wars and holds a crucial place in world history. Few people are aware that John Moses Browning—a tall, humble, cerebral man born in 1855 and raised as a Mormon in the American West—was the mind behind many of the world-changing firearms that dominated more than a century of conflict. He invented the design used in virtually all modern pistols, created the most popular hunting rifles and shotguns, and conceived the machine guns that proved decisive not just in World Wars I and II but nearly every major military action since. Yet few in America knew his name until he was into his sixties. Now, author Nathan Gorenstein brings firearms inventor John Moses Browning to vivid life in this riveting and revealing biography. Embodying the tradition of self-made, self-educated geniuses (like Lincoln and Edison), Browning was able to think in three dimensions (he never used blueprints) and his gifted mind produced everything from the famous Winchester “30-30” hunting rifle to the awesomely effective machine guns used by every American aircraft and infantry unit in World War II. The British credited Browning’s guns with helping to win the Battle of Britain. His inventions illustrate both the good and bad of weapons. Sweeping, lively, and brilliantly told, this fascinating book that “gun collectors and historians of armaments will cherish” (Kirkus Reviews) introduces a little-known legend whose impact on history ranks with that of the Wright Brothers, Thomas Edison, and Henry Ford.

Including Achievements Of John M. Browning.

Written by a technical expert who has fired many of the guns featured, this book includes wide and varied assemblage of weapons from each of the world’s major manufacturing countries. The Illustrated Directory series provide readers with a fully illustrated, comprehensive reference book packed with timelines, historical facts, and images designed to inform and excite. At 512 pages packed with information and photographs, this book is a necessary addition to any enthusiast's library. Complete with full specification table with each entry including type, origin, caliber, and size, The Illustrated Directory of Guns is the most ambitious and lavishly illustrated history of guns for the collector and enthusiast. It shows in clear, detailed photographs and text over 1500 guns with separate sections on Pistols, Revolvers, Rifles, Shotguns (military and sporting), Machine Guns, and Submachine guns. A few featured include: Remington Smith & Wesson Winchester Glock Vickers Mauser Browning Colt Beretta And more Organized A-Z by country and gunmaker's name, the book clearly shows the different types of gun which the world has used to hunt, wage war, break and defend its laws, hone its sharpshooting skills, and fire purely for the fun of it. The book also features an introduction on each section, which gives a brief history of the development of that particular kind of firearm.

Expanded, Second Edition

Eighty years after his death, John Browning's gun designs continue to inspire the respect and loyalty of collectors and shooters. Here, for the first time, is a comprehensive identification and price guide to Browning guns from the Model 1878 single-shot rifle to the company's current production guns. With vintage Browning models fetching up to five figures at recent auctions, all Browning enthusiasts need to be accurately informed. With over 375 photos, 2,500 values and five condition grades for each gun, this book answers the call of those who collect and love Browning guns.

A biography of the gunsmith behind every firearm manufactured today. John Browning was the most influential gun designer who ever lived. After building his first firearm at aged thirteen, he went on to create a series of radical blueprints for pistols, rifles and machine guns that changed the way wars were fought and streets were policed. But who was the man behind the weapons? How did he manage to revolutionize the way guns worked? And what drove him to keep innovating right through his life? A short must-read for gun collectors, enthusiasts and anyone interested in the history of firearms from bestselling thriller writer James Barrington.