An unparalleled guide to the world’s most important firearms, from the Medieval Period to the present day Contains directories of arms from throughout various parts of the world, organized according to country of manufacture Features key specifications for each weapon, including caliber, magazine capacity, barrel length, and unloaded weight Incorporates specially commissioned color photographs and illustrations, including cutaway diagrams to show internal components and gun operation Features all the most significant and famous firearms, including Mauser and Lee-Enfield rifles, the Colt .45 pistol, the MP38 submachine gun, and the Hotchkiss machine gun Authoritative text by leading firearm experts in their field