"Best" reference for S&W

A

ATTICUS

New member
Id like to pick up a good reference book on Smith revolvers -preferably one with lots of high quality photos and illustrations. What would ya'll recommend? If anyone has one they don't need, drop me an E-mail.
 
Technical or historical/identification?

If the latter, then the Standard Catalog... from Supica & Nahas can't be beat.
 
Quite frankly, there are virtually no references for Smith & Wesson.

Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson is the best overview of the company's products, and the most recent.

Best company history, with something of a product overview, is Roy Jinks work from the 1970s.

Jinks and Neal did one in the 1950s that's a very good reference, as well, but only if you're willing to pay several hundred dollars for an original.
 
Tamara- Mostly historical. I'll probably pick up a Kuhnhausen manual for technical info. I want something to use as a quick reference to compare/contrast all the different model revolvers made since 1900 or so. High quality pics would be a bonus.

Mike- Is the standard S&W catalog something I can order from them and would it fit the criteria listed above?
 
Atticus,

It looks like you want two books, actually.

You want the reprint of Roy Jinks 1976 book, the title of which escapes me.

You also want The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, which you can order (or even find) at any competent book store.

I've also seen both books for sale at gun shows.
 
I agree with Tamara. "the Standard Catalog. (of Smith &Wessons from Supica & Nahas can't be beat." It is in print and currently available at a reasonable price. Be sure you get the updated 2nd edition.
:cool:
 
I use the Standard Catalog, as well. It serves most
purposes!

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
 
Roy Jinks's book is, "History of Smith & Wesson". The photos are much better than those in the "Std. Catalog" editions, except where they use color plates.

I think Mr. Jinks may still have some copies for sale. Contact him via S&W; he is the company historian. Although now semi-retired, he comes into the plant quite often, and receives mail there. This was true a couple of years ago; I think it still is.

Of course, his book is more "dated"; he doesn't include the latest models.

Lone Star
 
My 125th year anniversary M25-3 came with a nice little historical booklet written by Mr. Jinks. I would tend to believe that anything by him should be worth picking up if it can be found for a good price.
 
For some information pre- and immediately post- 1900, Flayderman's is pretty good. On S&W, it is more compact and easier to read than some of the others, though not as detailed.

Plus, you get info on hundreds of other antique guns; it is a standard source and everyone interested in collector guns should have a copy.

Jim
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top