by Joe Poyer Edited by Ed Furler, Jr.

The Model 1903 Springfield Rifle was perhaps the most famous and popular of all U.S. military rifles. First issued in 1903, it served in two world wars and the Korean War and numerous smaller military actions around the globe between in the first half of the 20th Century. It even saw limited service during the War in Vietnam. Today, it is an extremely popular and sought-after military rifle by collectors. A modification of the famous Mauser bolt action, The Model 1903 Springfield was legendary for its accuracy in the hands of a well-trained rifleman. A variation of the rifle developed especially for match shooting held the crown in the National Matches longer than any other rifle. The National Matches have been conducted annually on a nationwide basis since 1873 except in wartime and involved both civilian and military shooters competing on an equal basis. The matches exerted a great deal of influence on the design of American military rifles and marksmanship training.

"The Model 1903 Springfield Rifle and its Variations" provides a detailed examination of this famous military rifle on a part-by-part basis. Every variation in every part is documented and matched to the serial number range of its use. Thirty-one different variations of the rifle were developed over the 41 year course of its production and all are described and identified.

Twelve different variations of the rifles were developed as sniper rifles beginning in 1907. All are discussed and described as are the telescopic sights used on each. The rifle was produced for civilian shooters by the Springfield National Armory as well. Several variations of .30 caliber rifles were developed and sold through the Director, Civilian Marksmanship Program and the National Rifle Association for target shooting and hunting. A range of .22 caliber rimfire rifles was also developed for both low cost military and civilian marksmanship training in the 1920s and 1930s.

During World War II, to meet the needs of a 12 million man military force, the Remington Arms Company and the Smith Corona Typewriter Company produced more than 1.8 million Model 1903A3 rifles including the Remington-manufactured Model 1903A4 sniper rifle.

Appendices provide additional information on serial numbers, production numbers, ammunition, inspection procedures and markings, lists of military and civilian inspectors and their markings, the National Match rifle and the rare and highly classified Pedersen device that converted this bolt action rifle to a semiautomatic rifle during World War I with never-before published original factory photos. A thorough bibliography completes the text.

"The Model 1903 Springfield Rifle and its Variations" is 456 pages long with six color plates and hundreds of black and white drawings and photos. Format is perfect bound, 8.5 x 5.5 inches. Every part is illustrated in detail either in a drawing or photo. As the book covers the entire range of the Model 1903 rifle from the rod bayonet to the M1903A4 sniper rifle. The retail price is $22.95 and as such, the book is a viable alternative to the $50 and $80 dollar books presently available on the Springfield.

SMLE (No.1) Rifles MkI and Mk III

by Charles R. Stratton

The British Enfield No.1 Rifle (Mk I through lshapore 2A/2A1) is not only one of the world's finest battle rifles, but also one of the longest serving from Africa's colonial wars through World Wars I and II and Korea to the conflicts of the Middle East. The British Tommy and the troops of the former British Commonwealth counted on their Short Magazine Lee-Enfields for nearly 90 years, and many are still in use today. Skip Stratton, who maintains the Enfield Rifle Research Internet web site and is a collector of long standing, has written a superb book that provides a well-organized, detailed look from the collector's perspective at this fine rifle series.

Dozens of charts and illustrations take you through seven manufacturers on three continents and seventy years of production to identify each variation of every single part of the rifle. Stratton shows you how to determine which parts are correct for each manufacturer and each period of manufacture. Is that Lee-Enfield pre-World War I, World War I, World War II, or post-World War II manufacture? British or Commonwealth? Original or arsenal reconditioned? It takes more than the date on the action body to determine that. And what do all of those codes and inspection marks and cyphers mean? Do they help detemine the age of the rifle and its parts? Yes, they do, and all are listed in the books' 158 pages and shown in more than 90 illustrations and photographs. Also included are descriptions of accoutrements, cleaning tools, and bayonets issued to the British and Commonwealth soldier with his Short Magazine Lee-Enfield. Serial numbers, codes, markings, cyphers - this book has it all in an easy-to-use layout.

British Enfield Rifles Volume 2, No. 4 and No. 5 Rifles, 3rd Edition Revised

by Charles R. Stratton

Charles (Skip) Stratton, has done an outstanding job- again. He presents the No. 4 and No. 5 rifle part-by-part. Every single model, including the sniper rifles, target and match rifles and training rifles, manufactured in the U.K., Canada, the U.S., Republic of South Africa and Pakistan, is thoroughly described.

He begins by presenting the historical background for the development of both rifles, the No. 4 in the dark, early days of World War II and the No. 5 (better known as the Jungle Carbine) prompted by the ferocious fighting in Malaya and Burma. He describes each variation of both rifles and explains what all the "marks," "numbers," and codes found on most parts mean and shows how to relate them to the various manufacturing factories in England, Canada, the United States, South Africa and Pakistan. He also provides a breakdown of serial numbers by year, factory and country.

Stratton then literally dissects both rifles, describing every single part and explaining the reasons behind any changes and points out how to identify those changes.

For instance, there are eight different receivers - action bodies- used on the eleven variations of both rifles, five variations of breech bolts, nine variations of rear sights, thirteen variations of barrels and two variations of stocks. Stratton also discusses every single part of the rifle in the same detail so that the reader and collector knows that there are three variations of the humble stock bolt, seven variations of the forend, three variations of the buttplate, and so on, as well as how to identify each and relate it to a specific range of serial numbers produced by a specific factory.

The book also translates the codes and markings that often pinpoint its original and subsequent military units. Collectors are thrilled when the discover that their rifle served at El Alamein or during the Invasion of Sicily, at Monte Cassino, Normandy or in the Far East in Malaya, or in Korea or Aden or anywhere else British forces were to be found between 1941 and the mid-1950s.

As with his first volume covering the Mk I and Mk III (No. 1) Rifles, this is a thorough and well-organized book that will aid the collector in determining originality and restoring these historical battle rifles to authenticity.

NEW! British Enfield Rifles, Volume 4, The Pattern 1914 and U.S. Model of 1917 Rifles

by Charles R. Stratton

Charles R. Stratton continues his very successful series on collectible British military rifles with the little understood, but widely available Pattern 1914 and U.S. Model of 1917 Rifles.

Often called the "American Enfield," the Pattern 1914 in .303 caliber was the only British military rifle ever built wholly in the United States even though it was designed by the engineers at Enfield Arsenal. The U.S. Model 1917 was the same rifle, but rechambered for the American .30-06 cartridge. Over 1.2 million Pattern 1914 rifles and 2.5 million Model 1917 rifles were built during World War I by three American companies, Winchester, Remington and Eddystone. More American soldiers, including Sergeant Alvin York, were armed with the Model 1917 Enfield than with the Model 1903 Springfield.

The Model 1917 Enfield has long been a favorite American collectible. Over the years, it has been sporterized for hunting and restored for collecting by thousands of shooters. Parts are commonly available and many P-14 parts are interchangeable with M1917 parts, making it quite easy to return a given rifle to original condition.

As in the previous two volumes, Mr. Stratton has provided a detailed description of each rifle on a part by part basis and noted whether or not the particular part is interchangeable between the two models. He provides a series of charts and explanations for the markings, codes and inspection stamps that appear on each part and tells how to determine which were originally manufactured for the P-14 or the M1917. He also provides a complete history of the rifle's development and use in both World War I and World War II. Also a complete description of the two sniper rifle variations of the P-14 that were fielded in both wars, the Pedersen device developed for the M1917, and the accessories that were issued with the rifle to soldiers of both countries, including ammunition belts, bayonets, tools and cleaning equipment. Separate appendixes provide an exploded view and nomenclature, production statistics, ammunition descriptions and sporting rifle derivations.

The demand for this book has been so great that the author and publisher decided to skip over Volume 3 in the series which will deal with the original "Long Lee" rifle for the time being. Volume 4, The Pattern 1914 and U.S. Model of 1917 Rifles is being published out of sequenc to meet this demand. ISBN 1-882391-29-2, 5.5 x 8.5 inches, perfect bound.

NEW! The M16/AR15 Rifle, A Shooter's and Collector's Guide
3rd Edition, Revised and Expanded.

by Joe Poyer.

The M16 has been the nation's military rifle since 1964, longer than any other military rifle. During those 36 years, it has been carried in combat and on peacekeeping missions by American, allied and friendly soldiers to every corner of the world.

The civilian version, the AR15 rifle, has been manufactured in the hundreds of thousands by more than a dozen different companies. It is the current National Match Service Rifle and the most popular target match rifle in use today.

The M16/AR15 Rifles by Joe Poyer provides a detailed examination of this famous rifle in both its military and civilian versions. Following a history of its development and the evolution of military tactics that guided its design, a comprehensive part-by-part examination of the rifle is provided.

Markings and codes for military and civilian rifles and carbines are deciphered and a six page table lists all models by all manufacturers currently in production, with specific features.

For those interested in competition, three AR15s were custom-built; a spacegun for long range bench rest matches, a service match rifle that complies with all current OCM and NRA competition rules and a .22 rimfire AR15 rifle that is not only amazingly accurate but is legal in California and other states that ban large capacity magazine, centerfire, semiautomatic rifles. The design and building process is thoroughly described for those wishing to build their own match rifles.

The M16/AR15 rifle is the last military rifle that Americans will be allowed to own. The M16's replacement, which incorporates a 20 mm grenade launcher, is already well-advanced in testing and is due to be introduced by mid-decade. But the AR15 rifle will remain the national match service rifle far into the foreseeable future.

The book is illustrated with over three hundred photos and drawings, is 8 x 10.5 inches in size, perfect bound and 134 pages in length.

The Swedish Mauser Rifles, "2nd Revised Edition"

by Steve Kehaya and Joe Poyer

The writing team that brought you "The SKS Carbine" has done it again with the "Swedish Mauser Rifles." One the earliest military surplus imports into North America after World War II, more than 300,000 of these beautiful rifles are now in private American and Canadian hands and another 75,000+ in European gun racks. Yet, only two books have been written about this finest of all Mauser rifles, one in German and the other directed more toward shooters than collectors.

"The Swedish Mauser Rifle" is the newest book in the "For Collectors Only" Series and it provides the familiar part-by-part examination for every one of the 14 different models of this fine military and civilian match rifle. Every marking, every code is explained. A new list of serial number ranges by year has been compiled. All military and many civilian accessories are included with photos. Line drawings illustrate every part to provide the clearest view.

Also included is a discussion of production methods and total rifles produced for each model. Serial numbering is clarified between carbines and rifles (many share the same serial number). Each model is discussed in detail and illustrated with photos.

The target versions of this very fine rifle are analyzed and photographed. A complete discussion of the various sniper rifle models are included (with photos) up to the present PS90 based on the AWS Sniper Rifle. Ammunition types are listed and performance data is included. Appendices discuss production methods and totals produced; the obscure m/39 and /40 rifles, the development of the Swedish arms industry to the present, a short military history of Sweden, the composition of Swedish steel - which did not change from 1894 to the end of production in 1944 - and assembly/disassembly and trouble-shooting. We think this book will be a major contribution to the field of arms collecting.

"The Swedish Mauser Rifles" contains 257 pages packed with information and illustrations and photos. Perfect bound with four-color cover.

Click here for sample pages as shown in our On-Line magazine.

The "For Collector's Only" series proudly presents -

The SAFN-49 Battle Rifle. A Shooters & Collector's Guide

For years, collectors of military rifles have puzzled over the variations of the FN-49 semiautomatic rifle. Manufactured only for a short time and used by only a few countries, it nevertheless holds an important place in firearms development as the predecessor and proving ground for the world-famous Fusil Automatique Leger, the FAL.

The SAFN-49 (Saive Automatique, Fabrique Nationale Modèle 1949 to give it its correct name) was developed at Fabrique Nationale in Herstal, Belgium in the mid-to late 1930s at exactly the same time as the American M1 Garand and the Soviet SVT38/40. Dieudonné J. Saive, the rifle's designer developed a tilting block system that locked the bolt against the breech by allowing it to drop down against a hardened steel step. But the Nazi attack on, and occupation of Belgium precluded its use in World War II where it surely would have ranked in importance with the M1 Garand and far ahead of the G41 and G43 German semiautomatic battle rifles that preceded the MP44.

Saive and members of his staff fled to England in 1940 and worked with British weapons designers during the war. In 1944, work resumed on the new rifle, now designated the EXP1 and which was being seriously considered as a replacement for the Enfield No. 4 bolt action rifle. The allies liberated Belgium that autumn and shortly thereafter, the Belgian design team returned home to help repair the damage to the FN factory caused by the retreating Nazis. The new rifle was rechambered for the .30-06 but it proved too powerful for the gas system as it was then designed. By the time the problem was solved, the British had moved on to a British design. Undeterred, FN decided to market the new rifle as the SAFN- 49 in both semiautomatic and full automatic versions. They also produced a limited number of sniper rifles and a very few commercial sporting versions.

The SAFN-49 was manufactured for production in four calibers (.30-06, 7.92 mm Mauser, 7.65 mm Argentine and 7 mm Mauser.) The rifles were purchased by Belgium, Luxembourg, the Belgian Congo, Indonesia, Brazil, Venezuela, Columbia and a few for testing in other countries. Less than 200,000 were sold before it was replaced in the FN line by the famed FAL. In the meantime, the new battle rifle served in the Korean War with the Belgian Brigade and in the civil wars that rocked Central Africa in the late 1950s and early 1960s.

The first SAFN-49s to be imported into the United States appeared in the early 1960s and may have been the sporting versions in .30-06 caliber produced by FN from military contract overruns. These were sold through Browning Sporting Arms and represent the rarest of the SAFN-49 variations. Small quantities of SAFN-49s in .30-06 caliber marked AB (Armee Belgique) and AL (Armee Luxembourg) on the receiver ring were imported from time to time but the largest number appear to have been in 7.92 Mauser which were manufactured for the Egyptian Army. The 7 mm Mauser rifles manufactured for Venezuela have also appeared in quantity. In the mid-1990s, a few hundred SAFN-49s rebarreled to 7.62 mm NATO also appeared on the American market. These were Argentine Navy rifles which had been converted from 7.65 mm Argentine.

SAFN-49 Sniper rifles are quite rare in the United States and it is difficult to determine whether or not a particular sniper rifle was manufactured originally as such or if a telescopic sight and mount were installed after importation.

"The SAFN-49 Battle Rifle" is a brand new book from North Cape Publications which provides answers to this and other questions. The be first book published in English, and perhaps in any other language. Writing about FN-produced firearms is quite difficult as, unlike many American companies, the FN factory does not make their records available to the public nor do they provide much, if any assistance to writers and historians. In spite of this, the author appears to have done a very good job quantifying the SAFN-49. Chapters provide a history of the development and use of the rifle, the usual part-by- part description for which North Cape Publications has become well-known plus chapters on shooting the rifle, accurizing, maintaining, assembling and disassembling it and making repairs. Also, included is a chapter on sniper rifles which provides the first description of the FN factory- supplied telescopic sight and mount this reviewer has ever seen.

Of great interest to collectors and owners of the SAFN will be the seven page chart which provides a side-by-side comparison of every SAFN-49 part and its markings, by caliber. Also, the sectioned view of the rifle and bolt assembly, plus a new exploded view. The book is profusely illustrated with photographs and drawings of the SAFN-49 and its parts, including the select fire trigger assembly.

The "For Collector's Only" series proudly presents -

The Mosin-Nagant Rifle, 4th Revised and Expanded Edition

by Terence W. Lapin

The first book in English about the Mosin-Nagant, this is a detailed (265 page) examination of this world-famous Russian military rifle which is currently enjoying unprecedented collecting popularity. And this book is sure to add to it.

Mr. Lapin is an attorney who had access to data banks in the U.S. and foreign countries to assist him in gathering the information contained in this book. As in all For Collector's Only® titles, "The Mosin-Nagant Rifles" examines each and every part and provides all dimensions, markings, codes and changes in chronological order enabling a collector to ascertain quickly where and when his Mosin-Nagant rifle or carbine was made.

A complete and detailed history of the rifle's development in Russia, Finland, the communist bloc nations and in the United States, is included as are chapters dealing with carbines, sniper rifles, accessories, bayonets, ammunition and an extensive international list of codes and markings.

The M14-Type Rifles, A Shooter's and Collector's Guide, 3rd Edition

The M14-Type Rifle, 3rd edition, revised and expanded, by Joe Poyer ($19.95). The M14 rifle was the last semiautomatic battle rifle adopted by the U.S. military. It lasted less than ten years before being replaced by the M16. But in that short time, it developed fierce adherents and became one of the finest match rifles in the world. During the war in Iraq, the M14, as well as its sniper variations, the M21 and M25, have made an astonishing comeback. This new, revised and expanded 3rd edition describes the use of the M14 rifle and its sniper variations today by all four branches of the U.S. military, plus the U.S. Coast Guard.

The M14-Type Rifle provides a detailed history of the rifle's development and use, particularly today in Iraq and Afghanistan where the high-powered 7.62 x 51 NATO (.308) cartridge is ideal for long range sniping and for penetrating body armor and light vehicles. The M14 rifle and its two sniper variations, the M21 and M25, are described on a part-by-part basis. A survey of all current civilian semiautomatic M14-type rifles and components available today is also included as a separate chapter and brought up to date. Included also are the Chinese variations of the M14. The history of the development and use of the M14 in Vietnam is discussed showing how it led to the development of the sniper variations

The book also serves as a guide for shooters who want to restore an M14 to original condition or build a superb match rifle from the civilian versions. Various receivers and parts kits are discussed. Separate chapters show how to turn a commercial M14-type rifle such as the M1A, into a superb match rifle by choosing the right barrel, glass-bedding the stock, and unitizing the gas cylinder. Also discussed are National Match rifles with specifications, ammunition to be used for the best accuracy, targeting and shooting the M14-type rifle and trouble shooting and maintenance. Finally, all G.I. issue accessories are described. The book is fully illustrated with photos and drawings that clarify the text. Appendices provide up-to-date information on parts and supplies and gun smithing services. Finally, the current legal ramifications of owning a semiautomatic rifle is explained.

M 14-Type Rifle, A Shooter's and Collector's Guide, 3rd edition, revised and expanded.

M 14-Type Rifle, A Shooter's and Collector's Guide
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U.S. M1 Carbine: Wartime Production (5th Edition, Revised and Expanded!) $19.95

by Craig Riesch.

The 5th edition of the best selling "bible" of the World War II M1 Carbine has been completely revised and expanded. The author, Craid Riesch, has compiled twenty years of surveys and research into this new 237 page volume. The book contains 38 charts and 212 photographs, and fourteen drawings. The book provides a history of the M1 Carbine's development, manufacture and use during World War II, as well as through the Korean War and the war in Vietnam.

The M1 Carbine is analysed and described by its ten manufacturer, model and serial number range. THe U.S. Army Ordnance Department required that virtually every part of the M1 Carbine be marked with a manufacturer's or subcontractor's code. Riesch has unraveled the manufacturer's and subcontractor's codes by serial number range and eliminated many "spurious codes". Every major and most minor parts can now be conclusively identified by manufacturer and serial number range, making it possible to examine an M1 Carbine to determine its authenticity with a high degree of confidence.

Using the charts and photos the collector can identify the manufacturer and period of use for the receiver group, barrel grou, trigger housing group, and stock group and their component parts. Butt plates by the various manufacturers are shown in full-size phtographs for easy identification.

All variations of the M1 Carbine are discussed -- M1, M1A1, and M2 -- by manufacturer. The aspects that make up the two types of true M1A1 folding stock paratrooper carbines are described and photographed. Serial number ranges for original manufacture are included. Reproduction folding stocks are shown and points of difference are identified.

The book is divided into six chapters and ten appendices. Each chapter describes a major subgroup of the M1 Carbine: receiver, barrel, trigger assembly, and stock. Chapter six cover the M1 Carbine accessories issued to the soldier, and chapter seven the trench knife an bayonet. The appendices include serial number sequences for each manufacturer, a description of the types of ammunition for the M1 Carbine, a discussion of "imported" carbines, an exploded view, and an M1 Carbine survey form on which the collector can list all parts of his or her carbine to determine authenticity. Complete instructions for disassembling the carbine are included with photographs.

M1 Garand 1936 to 1957, 4th Edition, Revised & Expanded

by Joe Poyer and Craig Riesch. The most famous of all American battle rifles, the MI Garand is described on a part by part basis, by serial number range and manufacturer. From the gas trap rifles through the M1C, M1D and MC 1952 Sniper, National Match, Navy 7.62 x 51 mm NATO, British, Danish, and all lend lease rifles, the text and illustrations have been revised and sixteen pages of new information have been added.

New 4th revised and expanded edition of "The M1 Garand 1936 to 1957. Sixteen additional pages of information and details have been added. Still only $19.95, plus postage and CA tax if applicable.

This revised and expanded guide to the "greatest battle implement ever" (General George Patton) describes the entire range of MI Garand production in text and quick-scan charts--dimensions, markings, finishes and changes by serial number range--in the manner our customers have come to expect from North Cape Publications. Any Garand can be analyzed in minutes to determine if it is "as manufactured" or to replace parts or rebuild the rifle to return it to its original condition and increase its collector's value. Every part by each of the four manufacturers--pre-World War II, World War II and post-War II--is analyzed and described. The most complete analysis yet of the M1C, M1D and MC 1952 sniper rifles, plus a thorough discussion of their telescopic sights and mounts to pinpoint which is correct for a particular period. The U.S. Navy's 7.62 x 51mm NATO rifles, all British, Danish, and other Lend-Lease M1 Garands are described. A classification structure for National Match Rifles has been devised which permits the collector to first determine whether or not a particular M1 Garand is a National Match rifle, and then to determine when it was assembled.

Loading Cartridges for the Original .45-70 Springfield Rifle and Carbine, 3rd Edition Revised & Expanded

by J.S. and Pat Wolf

We have had so many requests for this book that we have arranged with the publisher to feature a new, revised and expanded edition again on our web site.

J. Spenser Wolf had a life-long fascination with the original .45-70 Springfield but was always frustrated that he could never get a rifle or carbine to shoot to point of aim with modern, store-bought ammunition. After all, in the 1870-80s, the "trapdoor" was regularly fired at ranges of 800 to 1,000 yards in both combat and target matches. In fact, the Model 1884 Buffington Rear Sight was designed and standardized as the G.I. sight to take advantage of the rifle’s inherent accuracy over long ranges.

Spense used his experience as an armorer and marksmanship team member in the U.S. Army, and as a commercial gunsmith, to recreate, using modern cartridge cases, bullets and powders, ammunition that duplicated the properties of the original .45-70 Springfield cartridges developed at the Frankford Arsenal. Pat Wolf dug out long-neglected data from period military manuals, ran the chronograph and computerized the results. The result is a book that not only provides instructions for hand-loading .45-70 cartridges just like the originals, but also instructions on using the rifle or carbine sights and the necessary cleaning and maintenance techniques. Spense also tells you the whys behind the techniques—unlike the instructions in many reloading manuals—so that you will gain an understanding of the .45-70 cartridge’s ballistics and can apply that knowledge to your own results.

Also included in the book are tips on buying the .45-70 Springfield rifle or carbine, bore cleaning techniques to obtain the best results, where to obtain bullet molds and components that duplicate the original bullets, and a great deal more besides.

If you shoot the .45-70 Springfield and want your rifle or carbine to realize its absolute best accuracy, or just want to now how Springfield Armory and Frankford Arsenal produced such a superb rifle/ammo combination in the late 19th century, this is the book for you.

The SKS Carbine $16.95, 3rd Revised and Expanded Edition

by Steve Kehaya and Joe Poyer. A complete analysis of the Communist Bloc's "MI Carbine" during the Cold War years. The first detailed study of this fine, collectible carbine in fifteen years. Every part analyzed to tell you how to determine its country of origin and whether or not it is compatible between SKS carbines of other nation's manufacture.

The first thorough study of this famed Soviet-designed shoulder arm, which, with the AK47, armed hundreds of thousands of "National Liberation Front" fighters from Vietnam to Angola. Manufactured in six countries, total production ran into the tens of millions. Between 1986 and 1995, neuly 1,000,000 Russian, East German, Chinese, North Vietnamese, North Korean and Yugoslav SKS Carbines were imported into the United States. This newest book in the "For Collectors Only" series examines the SKS Carbine on a part-by-part basis so that you will know which parts are original, in which country they were produced and which parts are interchangeable, and which are not. Since the vast majority of SKS Carbines in the U.S. are military surplus, you will learn how to examine and select an SKS Carbine; also complete assembly/disassembly instructions, how to manufacture most parts if you cannot find a commercial source, and ammunition characteristics and ballistic infomation.

The SKS Carbine is now available in a new revised and expanded edition . . .

. . . including brand new information regarding the Romanian SKS Carbine!

Kept secret for many years, in 1998 the Romanian Government released the first information on the approximately 450,000 SKS Carbines built at Cugir arsenal in the late 1950s and very early 1960s. The Romanian SKS Carbine had heretofore been unknown in the west, even to intelligence sources.

In 1998, Steve Kehaya, the co-author of "The SKS Carbine" was meeting with Romanian defense officials when he was told that the SKS carbine had been declassified and was being deleted from their inventory.

Returning to the United States, he organized a letter writing campaign to have the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms declare the Romanian SKS Carbine a collectors item so that it could be imported into the United States. These very fine and interesting Romanian SKS Carbines are completely described in the 2nd edition of "The SKS Carbine." Those parts that are interchangeable with either Russian or Chinese SKS carbines are noted, as are those parts which are unique to the Romanian models. Also included are factory codes and serial number listings by year.

At the same time, an expanded list of factory codes for Chinese SKS carbines was made available to the authors by collector Howard Bearse. That information and more has also been included in the 2nd edition of the SKS Carbine including a revised serial number dating procedure.

The "For Collector's Only" series proudly presents -

Winchester Lever Action Repeating Firearms, Vol. 1, the Models of 1866, 1873 & 1876 $19.95

by Arthur Pirkle. The famous "Big Three" of lever action repeaters are completely analyzed part-by-part by serial number range in this first new book on these fine weapons in twenty years.

"This book is truly for the serious collector... Mr. Pirkle's scholarship is excellent and his presentation of the information.. is to be commended." H.G.H., Man at Arms.

The first new book on these earliest Winchesters in twenty-five years, and the first to provide a complete, part-by-part description including dimensions, finishes, markings and variations. The venerable, and very collectable "Yellow Boy," the "Gun the Won the West" and the scarce Model 1876 are completely analyzed and described in text and charts. All serial number lists have been revised and are included, courtesy of U.S. Repeating Arms Company.

Vol. 2, Models of 1886 & 1892 $19.95

by Arthur Pirkle, Continuing his outstanding study of the Winchester lever actions, the first in twenty years Mr. Pirkle provides a part-by-part by serial number range description of these wonderful rifles. He sets new standards with every book.

The second in this study of Winchester lever action repeaters, the first in twenty five years, covers the extremely popular John M. Browning-designed Models of 1886 and 1892. These are currently the hottest collectible Winchesters because of their affordability. As in Vol. 1, Pirkle describes each model on a part-by-part basis by serial number range complete with all finishes, markings and changes to each and every part. He also provides detailed appendices to assist the collector.

The "For Collector's Only" series proudly presents -

Winchester Lever Action Repeating Firearms, Vol. 3, The Models of 1894 and 1895

by Arthur Pirkle.

This is the third volume in Arthur Pirkle's major new study of the Winchester Lever Action Repeating Rifles, the first in more than 25 years. As in the two previous volumes, the Models of 1894 and 1895 are examined and described on a part-by-part by serial number basis. All dimensions, markings, finishes and any changes to a part are listed complete with its serial number range of use. The Model 1894 has 66 parts, the Model 1895, 62. With very few exceptions, each part was changed at least once during its manufacturing life, and sometimes, more often. These changes make it easy to determine the authenticity of a Winchester Lever Action Rifle. Parts are described so thoroughly that you will be able to differentiate between "Winchester-manufactured," after-market or reproduction parts.

Winchester Lever Action Repeating Rifles, Vol. 3, The Models of 1894 and 1895 provides a complete and detailed description of every one of these changes. Experienced collectors know that the value of the firearms in their collection depends in large part on their authenticity. Know that your Winchester lever action repeating rifle is correct; if it isn't, let Arthur Pirkle show you how to replace incorrect, or worse, reproduction parts.

Campaign Clothing, Field Uniforms of the Indian War Army, 1866-1871

by Lee A. Rutledge, $12.95

Mr Rutledge traces the development of the familiar Indian War period U.S. Army uniform from those worn during the Civil War through its evolution to meet the conditions encountered on the plains, deserts and in the mountains of the western United States in the immediate post-War period. Through the use of first-person accounts, General Service records and period photographs, Mr. Rutledge provides text and identification and charts a true picture and understanding of the inadequate uniforms worn by the underarmed garrisons west of the Mississippi.

A Guide Book to U.S. Army Dress Helmets 1872 to1904

Mark Kasal and Don Moore, $16.95

In 1872, the Franco-Prussian War had recently ended leaving the new German nation the strongest military power on the continent. So impressed were the worlds military officials with the lightning-quick German military victory that almost overnight French influence on tactics and uniforms was replaced with a strong Germanic flavor.

The United States Army and its leaders were no exception. In the midst of developing and adopting a new uniform for officers and enlisted men, the Prussian influence was most evident in the new dress helmet issued in 1871. It had a high crown with a rudimentary front brim and a sloping rear brim that quickly earned the nickname, lobstertail. It was crowned with a spike for foot troops or a horsehair plume for mounted men. It looked so much like a German dress helmet of the time that the U.S. Army military attache to the American Embassy in Paris was booed on the streets by Parisians who thought he was a German officer.

The M1872 Dress Helmet has intrigued collectors and military historians ever since. It was one of the most colorful dress helmets ever worn by American Army troops. Cavalry plumes and cords were a lemon yellow color and the plumes dangled well below the rear brim. A plaited cord was attached to the helmet and looped around the shoulders and chest to keep the helmet from being lost when mounted on horseback or in a high wind. Artillery troops wore bright red cords and plumes or polished spikes and Signal Corps soldiers wore orange and white later, all black cords and plumes. Even the Corps of Indian Scouts had their own distinctive white and red cords and plumes.

In 1881, the height of the crown and the length of the rear brim were reduced to make the helmet more comfortable to wear. Other branches and units of the Army received permission to "customize" their helmets with their own distinctive insignia, expanding the variations available to the delight of collectors nearly a hundred years later.

The decorative helmets were worn by the U.S. Army including such notables as George Custer, John J. Pershing, Phil Sheridan, James W Forsyth, William T. Sherman, Alfred Terry, Ranald McKenzie, Nelson Miles and even Tom Mix til 1904 when they were replaced in that year by a flat, peaked cap and much of the pomp and color went out of the military.

"A Guide Book to U.S. Army Dress Helmets 1872 to 1904" describes both the Model 1872 and Model 1881 dress helmets in exhaustive detail. Separate chapters describe reproduction helmets and helmet parts which have appeared over the past several decades and tells how to determine which parts are real and which are reproductions; also how to clean, restore and care for helmets and tips on finding collectable helmets and parts at shows and on the internet. Numerous photos of helmets and helmet parts are included as are eight full pages of color plates showing correct enlisted and officers helmets for study. Also included is an extensive gallery of period photographs showing the helmets as worn by troops of the time.

U.S. Winchester Trench & Riot Guns $16.95, 2nd Edition Revised

by Joe Poyer. Describes the elusive and little-known "Trench Shotgun" and all other combat shotguns used by U.S. military forces.

"U.S. military models 97 and 12 Trench and Riot Guns, their parts, markings [and] dimensions [are examined] in great detail... a basic source of information for collectors." C.R. Suydam, Gun Report.

All U.S. combat shotguns are examined and described part-by-part by serial number range. Winchester Model 97 and Model 12 trench and riot guns are described fully by serial number range. In addition, military trench and riot guns manufactured by Remington, Ithaca, Savage, Stevens and Mossberg are also described, complete with factory and Ordnance Department markings, serial number ranges, finishes and special points of identification. Combat shotguns in use through the Vietnam War to today are also described.

Other books available from North Cape Publications are Listed Below

The History of Remington Firearms

by Roy Marcot, $29.95

Roy Marcot has written a slightly abridged version of his "Remington, America's Oldest Gunmaker" which includes all the models manufactured by this famous company since its founding in 1816 to the present. The book is profusely illustrated with new color photos of all models of all Remington rifles and pistols. A complete company history is included. 128 pages, hard bound with color dust jacket.

The P.08 Luger Pistol

by Guus de Vris and Bas J. Martens

One of the most popular collectible handguns of the 20th Century is the P.08 Luger pistol. Guus de Vris and Bas J. Martens have written another in their excellent "Propaganda" series on this very fine military pistol. Their new book covers all variations as used by the German military in both World Wars, with emphasis on those used in World War II. In addition to excellent photos of the pistol and its accessories, the book is heavily illustrated with actual World War II photos of German soldiers with the Luger.

The P.08 Luger Pistol is the third book in this series. Previous books, The K98k Mauser and The MP38, 40, 40/1 and 41 Submachine Guns are also offered here (see below). Like the previous two, The P.08 Luger Pistol is $34.95 plus $3.95 postage ($5.95 for Priority Mail).

Hardcover, 8.75 x 8.75 inches in size, 152 pages and over 200 photos.

The K98K Rifle

by G. de Vries and B.J. Martens.

The first in a new series of books from the Netherlands, "The K98K Rifle" provides a detailed look at the K98K Rifle of World War II fame. Its full designation was "Karabiner 98 kurz," and it was the standard issue rifle to German forces in all branches from 1935 to the end of the war. Although designated a "carbine," its 23.6 inch barrel and 43.70 inch length overall did make it technically a rifle.

This new book provides a complete description of the K98k in its various models and includes markings, codes and inspection markings to assist in identification. The book contains over 200 clear black and white photos from original German WWII archives illustrating the rifle in the hands of combat troops.

The history of its development is provided from its beginnings in the World War I Gewehr 98 through the sucession of carbines, both issue and experimental to its final form as the K98K.

Using this book, a collector can identify virtually any K98K rifle and determine its date of manufacture, factory of origin and even which parts are original and which are replacement. While it is not as detailed as one of our "For Collectors Only" series of books it does provide similar information.

Hardcover, 8.75 x 8.75 inches in size, 152 pages and over 200 photos.

The MP38, 40, and 40/1 and 41 Submachine Gun

by G. de Vries and B.J. Martens.

The MP38/40 sub machine gun was often mistakenly called the "Schmeisser" by G.I.s during World War II. In actual fact, it was a product of Heinrich Vollmer's genius and it was developed and produced by the Erma Company. Widely manufactured and issued on all fronts by German forces, it is almost as familar as the Mauser rifle. It was the first submachine gun with a folding butt stock and no wood at all. It ran through three variations, each improving the weapon and easing production requirements. The fourth, the Model 1941, combined the best attributes of hte MP28,II and the MP40.
This book is written by G.de Vries and B.J. Martens, who also wrote the "K98k Mauser." The book is also part of the Special Interest Publications series and like the K98k book, not only provides a complete history of the submachine gun's development and use, but specialized information concerning markings and identification points of special interest to the collector.
The book is heavily illustrated with original World War II photographs.

Harcover, 8.75 x 8.75 inches in size, 152 pages and over 200 photos.

North Cape Publications proudly presents -

REMINGTON-America's Oldest Gunmaker- The Official Authorized History of The Remington Arms Company

by Roy Marcot

To put it simply, this is a magnificent book about a magnificent firearms company. This is not only the first book with a complete history of the company, but it is the first book to describe every single firearm model Remington has ever produced. And its photographic coverage of the company and its products is also magnificent. If you think the adjective magnificent is overworked, wait until you see this book.

Since the 1840s, the company found by Eliphet Remington has been designing and manufacturing quality firearms for civilian and military use in the United States and around the world. The company's history is so long and involved that few authors have dared tackle the subject. Roy Marcot, well known to firearms scholars and collectors as the author of "Spencer Repeating Firearms" and "Civil War Chief of Sharpshooters, Hiram Berdan," was granted carte- blanche to the Remington archives. Marcot is noted for his fine scholarship and it shows throughout the 312 pages.

"Remington ** America's Oldest Gunmaker begins with the first barrels manufactured by the company's founder, Eliphet Remington, in the 1840s and continues for 300+ pages through the latest model to roll off the production line. Every model of rifle, shotgun or handgun manufactured to 1998 is listed and described in terms of outstanding features, markings and other means of identifications. Production records and serial number data are provided and all are beautifully photographed.

Want to read about every firearm manufactured by Remington for the Union during the civil War; every semiautomatic shotgun produced, every variation of the Model 700 including the U.S Army's M24 Sniper Rifle or the USMC's M40A2 Sniper Rifle? Its all here. Seldom has a more complete book on a company's total output spanning more than 150 years ever been described in such detail in a single volume.

Mr. Marcot is the editor of the Remington Society of America's magazine and is an active collector of Remington's products. During the more than two years he spent writing this book, he had the help of many of the country's most renowned Remington collectors and the resources of the Cody Firearms Museum at the Buffalo Bill Center in Cody Wyoming. In addition, the Remington company opened all of their files to him for research, including current manufacturing and production files. Few author's have had such unprecedented access to original source materials for their research.