Exotic Weapons Books, Videos, A-L

Bill Wilson provides photos of the building process, detailed and updated plans, plus construction information on ballistas, onagers and trebuchets. You will aso find information on catapult web sites and how to be included in some of the catapult contests around the country. Also included is some interesting catapult history, as well as discussion of its strength and weakness as a weapon, and what it was that led to its demise as a functional war machine. There's no question that warriors have found more efficient means of lobbing projectiles at enemies, real and imagined, but has it ever been as much fun?

Bill Wilson grew up near Atlanta, Georgia, and has spent most of his adult life avoiding things that would limit his freedom, such as credit, relationships and responsibilities. He has, however, nurtured a passion for writing, and describes himself as "a happy bohemian, slightly insane but completely harmless."
$10.00
Softcover 978-1-55950-246-7 96 pages 5.5" x 8.5" photos, illust.

With the information in the video, an assortment of parts from your local hardware store and a few hours of semiskilled labor, you can have your very own artillery piece! The Backyard Artillery Device Model 1 (also known as "The BAD One") is a self-contained, electrically fired smooth bore gun powered by a fuel-air mixture of high octane gasoline and pure oxygen. Using less that a teaspoon of fuel for each shot, the BAD can launch its projectiles (full beer or soft drink cans) nearly 300 yards with just the press of a button. This DVDtakes you step-by-step through the process of constructing, testing, loading and firing a BAD. For academic study only.
$19.95
DVD-R 805966-002439 60 minutes

If you get a bang out of the flash and thud of an explosion and are intrigued by soft munitions, propellants and weapons, why not build your own bazooka? Anthony Lewis takes you through the process, from constructing the cartridge, barrel, grip and sights to mixing the propellant and igniter to assembling, loading and test-firing. For information purposes only.
$10.00
Softcover 978-0-87364-738-0 60 pages 5.5" x 8.5" illustrations

The blowgun is a mysterious tool of silent death. Michael Janich reveals the many secrets of its capabilities and uses: how to buy or make your own blowgun and darts (including "special" projectiles), shoot the weapon, devise custom targets and customize, maintain and store your gun. This is the best book on this fascinating and deadly device.

Michael D. Janich is one of the foremost modern authorities on handgun point shooting and one of the few contemporary instructors to have personally trained with the late close-combat legend Col. Rex Applegate. In addition to making his own martial arts equipment, noted martial arts author and instructor Michael Janich has designed and engineered everything from blowguns to knives, including the highly acclaimed Masters of Defense Tempest folding knife.
$15.00
Softcover 978-0-87364-707-6 88 pages 5.5" x 8.5" photos, illust.

The blowgun is the ultimate weapon of stealth, delivering a wide variety of projectiles with deadly accuracy and in total silence. This video is a comprehensive guide to this amazing weapon and includes little-known information on buying, constructing, modifying and shooting blowguns.

Michael D. Janich is one of the foremost modern authorities on handgun point shooting and one of the few contemporary instructors to have personally trained with the late close-combat legend Col. Rex Applegate. In addition to making his own martial arts equipment, noted martial arts author and instructor Michael Janich has designed and engineered everything from blowguns to knives, including the highly acclaimed Masters of Defense Tempest folding knife.
$29.95
DVD-R 805966 002934 75 minutes

Basic to the CIA agent's mission are the ever-present threats of discovery and apprehension. Now, the author of the infamous How to Kill series, gives you an exclusive inside look at CIA's intriguing collection of concealable guns, saws, knives, daggers and more designed to help agents out of tight spots.
$20.00
Softcover 978-0-87364-576-6 124 pages 5.5" x 8.5" photos, illust.

The events of 9/11 and other security breaches that followed awakened Americans to the grave dangers covert weapons – and lackadaisical security measures – pose to police and civilians alike. This book, written by New York Police Officer Craig Meissner, drives the point home. From guns disguised as beepers and cell phones to razor-sharp plastic knives shaped like credit cards to stun guns taking the form of pens and flashlights, the weapons described in this book are based on everyday objects that would not ordinarily arouse suspicion. Whether you're a police officer, border patrol or airport security agent, corrections officer, private security guard, member of the armed forces or defense-minded civilian, this book provides an eye-opening – and potentially life-saving – glimpse into the world of covert weapons and the ingenuity of the criminal mind.

New York City Police Officer Craig S. Meissner is a free-lance writer on officer survival who has published articles in numerous police publications. A 12-year NYPD veteran, Sergeant Meissner has served as a patrol officer, robbery investigator, patrol sergeant and field training sergeant. Over the course of his career he has received more than 50 individual medals for bravery.
$25.00
Softcover 978-1-58160-325-5 2242 pages 5.5" x 8.5" 164 photos, illust.

The ninja warrior clans of feudal Japan were renowned for their vast arsenals of exotic weapons. Whether on a mission of espionage, assassination or open warfare, shinobi operatives had a number of devastating and deviously lethal devices they could call upon to elude, silence, wound or kill an enemy. Here noted martial artist Sid Campbell details the development, training and use of ninja sickles, staffs and canes, polearms, grapnels, maces, spikes, swords, weighted chains, cleated weaponry and firearms. He also takes a close look at the four types of weapons the ninja used so effectively to enhance their reputation as elusive, unpredictable and even supernatural warriors: invisible, clawed, air-propelled and pyrotechnic. This book is required reading for anyone interested in ninjutsu, martial arts weaponry, ancient Japanese history or improvised weapons in general.
$10.00
Softcover 978-0-87364-788-5 200 pages 8.5" x 11" photos

Here is one of the most detailed books ever written on flexible weapons for self-defense. John Sanchez examines the unique advantages to fighting with such flexible weapons as chain maces, steel whips, meteor balls and rope knives and provides instruction in gripping, locking, roping, thrusting and blocking techniques; designs for actual and training weapons; and programs for solo and partner training. Clear line drawings illustrate assorted weapons, strikes, carry options, engagement attitudes and anatomical targets.
$12.00
Softcover 978-0-87364-219-3 80 pages 5.5" x 8.5" illustrations

For more than a century, knuckle dusters and brass knuckles have rested in the pockets of those who need a small, handy impact weapon that is easily concealed and inexpensive to produce. History of Knuckle Dusters shows the actual knuckles through their history, including wartime knuckles, modern customs and mass-produced examples. An amazing array of designs and materials has gone into knuckle dusters, and their popularity is even greater today among collectors and those who use them for protection. Often demonized and vilified by the press and law enforcement, the knuckle duster has a colorful and interesting history and deserves to take its rightful place among the great close-quarter combat weapons of the world.

David Grant is an avid researcher and collector of handheld weapons. He is the author of Knuckle Dusters and Knuckle Knives.
$15.00
Softcover 978-1-58160-630-0 98 pages 5.5" x 8.5" photos, illust.

Take away free people's firearms, and they will make others. Through vivid descriptions and rare photos, this book documents the extremes to which people – including armies, gangs, guerrillas and prisoners – will go when normal supplies of firearms are denied.
$30.00
Softcover 978-0-87364-661-1 292 pages 5.5" x 8.5" photos