Book recommendations (ACW long arms)

[CSA-VM]

Hello all,

I am hoping that someone will share recommendations for books on civil war long arms (rifles, muskets). I am not looking for something very basic, but hopefully a more substantive work (or works) detailing weapons used on both sides. I fully admit that this is an area new to me, but I finally have the time to delve into what has long been of great interest.

I someday would like to purchase at least a representative example of a hopefully war-used gun, so any and all suggestions or information will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.


Sean

 

[johan_steele]

http://civilwartalk.com/threads/acw-small-arms-reading-list.77549/#post-545444

 

[johan_steele]

http://civilwartalk.com/threads/original-acw-arms.75615/#post-513920

 

[James N.]

I'm sure this is included in Johan's thread above, but I always reach for William B. Edwards' Civil War Guns ( Stackpole, 1962). The only drawback with it may be its age; I don't know if it's still in print, easily available, or available online. It's also pretty detailed, especially about contracts, foriegn purchases, etc. so it's not just about the firearms themselves.

 

[johan_steele]

I'm sure this is included in Johan's thread above, but I always reach for William B. Edwards' Civil War Guns ( Stackpole, 1962). The only drawback with it may be its age; I don't know if it's still in print, easily available, or available online. It's also pretty detailed, especially about contracts, foriegn purchases, etc. so it's not just about the firearms themselves.

It's still available, runs about $45 IIRC... well worth the coin and likely one of my favorite ACW books.

 

[Craig L Barry]

Coates & Thomas "Civil War Small Arms" is excellent and costs about 8 bucks. It has an appendix in the back which lists what units were issued what models that is interesting information. My personal favorite is Claud E Fuller's "The Rifled Musket" about the US Models, primarily the 1861 both contractor and Armory produced.

 

[CSA-VM]

Johan,

Thank you kindly for both the links and list; I believe this will be very helpful.

Being as I am new here, I am not yet familiar with how to search past threads.


Craig and James,

I appreciate the suggestions and will definitely look into them.


Thanks again, gentleman, for your help and advice!


Sean

 

[Craig L Barry]

Note
Some of these timeless classics from 50 yrs ago are out of print now. Books out of print can be astronomically high, so make sure to shop around a bit. There are other sources besides Amazon.com.

 

[CSA-VM]

Thank you, Craig.

I am familiar with the difficulty of finding out of print books in other areas, so it does not surprise me that the same goes for this subject; I will be sure to heed your advice.

Thus far I have done some searching on the listed titles and am curious if you or anyone else has any experience with "American Military Shoulder Arms Vol III" 1840-1865 by George Muller? UNM press has a sale this month, so this coupled with what I've read, it seems a good starting point.

Thanks again for the much-needed assistance.

 

[Jobe Holiday]

I highly recommend "American Military Shoulder Arms Vol III" 1840-1865 by George Muller. You can't do better under one cover.
J.

 

[MarylandLine]

Good website to use is www.bookfinder.com

 

[johan_steele]

I've had good luck w/ Abebooks as well.

 

[Craig L Barry]

Thank you, Craig.

I am familiar with the difficulty of finding out of print books in other areas, so it does not surprise me that the same goes for this subject; I will be sure to heed your advice.

Thus far I have done some searching on the listed titles and am curious if you or anyone else has any experience with "American Military Shoulder Arms Vol III" 1840-1865 by George Muller? UNM press has a sale this month, so this coupled with what I've read, it seems a good starting point.

Thanks again for the much-needed assistance.

Absolutely, I forgot about that one. If you can pick it up for a reasonable price, do it.