From the early "Suicide Special" revolvers, so called because their cheap manufacture was as likely to cause harm to the firer as anything that was being aimed at, to modern military rifles that are masterpieces of design and rugged durablility, Handguns & Rifles examines revolvers and automatics, bolt action and magazine-loaded rifles. The innovations and failures within the armsmaking industry are also discussed, showing the patterns and shifts that have occurred as the needs and interests of its customers--military and civilian--have changed. It details such famous weapons as the Automat Kalashnikov (AK) 47, which has dominated the market since its design in 1946 due to its simplicity and reliability, as well as less-known guns such as the Stechkin machine pistol, which promised much but was virtually uncontrollable when fired.This book covers a wealth of weapon types, and offers a balanced view on both successes and failures of design, manufacture, and intent. Comprehensively illustrated in color and black and white, this is a unique guide to firearms past and present., ISBN13: 9780517161425 ISBN10: 0517161427 Material Type: hardcover