Firearms - Rifles: Books, Videos

The Soviet AK47/AKM assault rifle is tough and dependable, and has spawned many spinoffs worldwide. These rifles are now available in the U.S., but solid information on them is scarce. Learn about specs, ammo and more – find out why the AK47 is the world's most widely used gun.

Duncan Long is an internationally recognized nonfiction and fiction writer of countless books and magazine articles on weapons and warfare. He is a best-selling Paladin author, with more than 20 firearms manuals in print.
$20.00
Softcover 978-0-87364-477-8 192 pages 5.5" x 8.5" photos

Learn how to customize the reliable AR-15 into a system that suits your needs. This straightforward text details modifications to create a super-accurate hunting rifle, light machine gun, pistol and more. Duncan Long takes up where other AR-15 books leave off, challenging the conventional wisdom on combat firearms.

Duncan Long is an internationally recognized nonfiction and fiction writer of countless books and magazine articles on weapons and warfare. He is a best-selling Paladin author, with more than 20 firearms manuals in print.
$25.00
Softcover 978-0-87364-511-9 144 pages 11" x 8.5" photos, illust.

Firearms expert Clark Hodges hosts the most complete video ever produced on the famous AK-47/AKM series of assault rifles. Hodges traces the history of this unique firearm from its beginnings to the present and takes a detailed look at every one of its many variants. This is the definitive reference on this firearm family and must viewing for all AK-47 owners, collectors and historians.
$19.95
DVD-R 805966 054636 65 minutes

This is a history of the world's most successful military rifle and the arms factory that made the Kalashnikov family of weapons. It was co-written by Valery Shilin, a close associate of legendary arms designer Mikhail Kalashnikov at the Izhmash Arms Factory, and noted U.S. small-arms expert Charlie Cutshaw, author of The New World of Russian Small Arms and Ammo. The Izhmash Arms Factory was founded in the early 1800s and became Russia's largest, most prestigious firearms producer. Today, it is best known as the home of the Kalashnikov Design Bureau. This book chronicles the fruits of the partnership between Kalashnikov and Izhmash as well as the weapons of other Izhmash designers and those of competing designers. It includes photos and technical specifications of all AK-based weapons, including shotguns, submachine guns, pistols and civilian rifles; the first public appearance of the AKB and AKB-1 assault rifles; and the mysterious A-62.

Charlie Cutshaw is a well-known U.S. authority on military small arms. He is an editor for Jane's and contributing author for other military and firearms publications.

Valery Shilin began work at the Izhmash Arms Factory in 1976 and became chief of the export division in 1989. Shilin lives in Russia, where he writes articles on military weapons for various publications in Russia, Japan, Italy and the U.S.
$35.00
Softcover 978-1-58160-069-8 192 pages 8.5" x 11" photos

The acknowledged dean of American gun writers, Elmer Keith began his writing career in 1926, when his first piece appeared in American Rifleman, and continued until 1981, when he suffered a disabling stroke. During this 50-plus year period, Keith wrote hundreds of articles for a wide variety of publications, including American Rifleman, Guns & Ammo and Outdoor Life. From these articles and his books (Sixguns, Big Game Rifles and Cartridges), Keith developed a loyal following with whom he corresponded regularly. At one point it is estimated that he averaged 300-500 letters each month to readers, answering questions about hunting, matching appropriate cartridges and firearms to specific targets, handloading ammo and related topics.

Timothy J Mullin, a noted gun writer, corresponded with Keith and kept all the letters he received. Discovering that other recipients had also saved their letters, Mullin decided to collect as many as he could and compile them into a book. He ran advertisements in Shotgun News and placed a large sign at the Elmer Keith Museum in Salmon, Idaho, seeking letters from Keith. Soon, he started receiving copies from all over the country. Some letters dealt with hunting issues, others strictly guns and ammo (including the Magnum revolver cartridges Keith developed and for which he is best known: the .357, .41 and .44), but most were a mixed bag of practical advice, unfiltered commentary and insightful tales of life on the American frontier. Rounding out the compilation are never-before published photos of Elmer Keith, with his trademark cigar, 10-gallon hat and sixguns.

Timothy J. Mullin is a former infantry officer in the U.S. Army and deputy U.S. marshall. He is a life-long gun aficionado and fervent defender of the Second Amendment. His well-regarded series on combat weapons also includes volumes on handguns and rifles.
$35.00
Softcover 978-1-58160-653-9 222 pages 8.5" x 11" photos

The AR-15 is one of the most versatile guns ever invented, making it the ideal general-purpose rifle – easily configured for home and community defense, disaster survival, small- and big-game hunting, varmint shooting, pest control and subsistence hunting. It's also a great gun for target shooting, competition and training, plinking and just plain fun. It's an easy gun to handle and shoot, perfect for less-experienced women and children, with advanced capabilities to satisfy the most expert rifleman. Unless you have a whole house full of guns, each designed specifically to fill one of the many specialized roles an AR-15 can cover on its own, you really can't get along without one.

Best-selling author Bob Boatman briefly covers the background of the little black rifle that almost wasn't, then dives right into a detailed examination of the modular design and what you can do with it. If you have ever wondered if the AR-15 could possibly live up to its reputation, or if you're an AR-15 owner who wants to learn the best configuration for your gun, you owe it to yourself to read Living with the AR-15.

Robert H. Boatman is a native Texan who has carried a gun since he was 14 years old, professionally and otherwise. He is a member of the elite corps of dropouts from St. John's College in Annapolis and has had parallel careers as a national political strategist, VIP creative advertising executive, undercover cop, international publisher and editor, freelance journalist, and crusading newspaperman. He writes extensively for NRA, law enforcement and conservative political publications.
$15.00
Softcover 978-1-58160-596-9 88 pages 8.5" x 11" photos

The 50-caliber rifle is infinitely more powerful than any other shoulder-fired rifle on the planet. No matter how you measure energy or stopping power, the .50 BMG is well off the charts. In the hands of police and military snipers, it can reach out, over, through and into places and things no other rifle can come close to approaching. In the world of civilian shooters, a rapidly growing international group of competitive marksmen cover five-shot groups on targets 1,500 yards away with the palms of their hands. For hunters, it's possible to kill a bull elk cleanly at more than 900 yards with the .50 BMG.

Living with the Big .50 is the most thorough book ever written on this powerhouse rifle. Author Robert Boatman takes the reader out to the range and examines the single-shot, bolt-action, semiautomatic and full-auto variations of the rifle; advanced and specialized ammunition for military, police, competition and hunting applications; and recoil compensators, muzzle brakes, sound suppressors and other heavy-duty accessories. He then documents the words and wisdom of 13 of the biggest names in 50-caliber shooting today, including premier rifle builders Robbie Barrkman and Rock McMillan and renowned shooters Skip Talbot and Max Joseph.

Perhaps more than any other firearm, the Big .50 is under assault by gun banners who see no "legitimate purpose" for such a powerful rifle. Read this book and learn not only its many purposes but why it is vital that free citizens maintain the right to own one.

Robert H. Boatman is a native Texan who has carried a gun since he was 14 years old, professionally and otherwise. He is a member of the elite corps of dropouts from St. John's College in Annapolis and has had parallel careers as a national political strategist, VIP bodyguard, creative advertising executive, undercover cop, international publisher and editor, freelance journalist, and crusading newspaperman. He writes extensively for NRA, law enforcement and conservative political publications.
$29.00
Softcover 978-1-58160-440-5 174 pages 8.5" x 11" photos

Until recently, owning a scout/utility rifle was basically a high-cost proposition. Even when commercial versions surfaced, they carried a hefty price tag. Now, hobbyist and scout enthusiast Bob Cashner offers viable options for the do-it-yourselfer. Using common tools and easy-to-come-by parts, Cashner has fashioned his own home-built scouts from a variety of tried-and-true, battle-tested military actions, from the 98 Mauser and Mosin-Nagant to the venerable Springfield. A nonpurist at heart, he has also built semiauto versions based on the M1 Garand, M1 carbine, Ruger Mini-14 and SKS. Each of his creations cost him less than a quarter of what the commercial models would have. Here he provides step-by-step directions for building his favorite scouts, including guidelines for key modifications such as a forward-mounted intermediate-eye-relief scope, backup iron sights, a synthetic stock (if the budget allows) and more, followed by instructions for disassembly and a breakdown of costs. He also includes instructions for building a .22 LR practice scout, discussions about the various loads suited to the scout rifle and an overview of that all-important accessory, the shooting sling.

Bob Cashner has been an avid hunter and outdoorsman all his life. He served four years in the U.S. Army as an armored cavalry scout, was called up for Desert Storm, and later served nine more years in the National Guard as a light infantryman. He now works as a wildland firefighter and makes Montana his home.
$20.00
Softcover 978-1-58160-393-4 128 pages 8.5" x 11" photos, illust.

Here is the definitive book on the rifle that has been the inspiration for so many modern assault rifle designs. Invaluable to the M16 owner, it includes info on grenade launchers, assembly/disassembly, conversion kits and modifications, troubleshooting, ballistics and ammunition, combat use, testing, cleaning and lubrication. Also includes detailed step-by-step instructions and materials lists for the do-it-yourselfer.

Duncan Long is an internationally recognized nonfiction and fiction writer of countless books and magazine articles on weapons and warfare. He is a best-selling Paladin author, with more than 20 firearms manuals in print.
$25.00
Softcover 978-0-87364-321-4 168 pages 8.5" x 11" photos

When the first edition of The Art of the Rifle was released in 1997, it received glowing reviews from every quarter. In this special color edition, Cooper's eloquent and spirited prose is matched with beautiful, artfully displayed color photographs illustrating exactly how the rifle is to be used in all kinds of circumstances. This full-color, reference-sized edition also contains a new preface and a chapter on the Scout rifle that you won't want to miss.

The Art of the Rifle is a training manual on the use of the rifle in the field, not at the firing range. The late Colonel Cooper taught marksmanship for most of his adult life and in doing so developed systems for imparting the necessary information and dexterity that lead to success. In his usual Spartan style, Cooper dispenses with the superfluous and gets right down to the essential elements.

The late Jeff Cooper was one of the true pioneers of weaponcraft in the US. His numerous accomplishments include founder of Gunsite Ranch, editor at large of Guns & Ammo magazine, winner of the Outstanding American Handgunner award in 1995, Rangemaster Emeritus of the US Practical Shooting Assn. and long-time member of the board of directors of the National Rifle Assn.
$44.95
Hardcover 978-1-58160-307-1 224 pages 5.5" x 8.5" 100 color photos

"Riflecraft has been completely ignored since World War II," says Jeff Cooper, America's foremost rifle instructor. To remedy this situation, he took it upon himself to set down the fine art of the rifle before it was lost forever. In his no-holds-barred style, Cooper instructs you in everything you need to know about shooting the rifle, while entertaining you with tales of marksmanship, combat and big-game hunting.

The late Jeff Cooper was one of the true pioneers of weaponcraft in the US. His numerous accomplishments include founder of Gunsite Ranch, editor at large of Guns & Ammo magazine, winner of the Outstanding American Handgunner award in 1995, Rangemaster Emeritus of the US Practical Shooting Assn. and long-time member of the board of directors of the National Rifle Association.
$22.00
Softcover 978-1-58160-592-1 102 pages 8.5" x 11" photos

The only full-power, semiautomatic standard infantry rifle in existence during World War II, the M1 Garand remains the most popular high-powered target semiautomatic in the world – and arguably the most rugged and durable. This sequel to The Complete M1 Garand is an up-to-date guide to admiring, shooting and collecting this World War II legacy well into the 21st century. Part One examines its tactical, developmental and industrial history; takes a realistic look at the rifle's perceived "flaws"; and presents savvy advice on buying parts and parts kits for the M1 in today's marketplace. Plus, in response to overwhelming demand, this book incorporates information detailing the M1's World War II and postwar delivery chronology, to be used as a general guideline when restoring an M1. The second half of the book, dedicated to the enjoyment and maintenance of the M1, addresses some common questions about the rifle and offers detailed instruction on some expert procedures for maintaining and smoothing this wartime classic.

Jim Thompson is an internationally published firearms writer, photographer and consultant with more than three decades of experience as a serious collector and shooter. His dedication to precise historical research combined with his practical, empirical insight has yielded significant contributions to the fields of military history and weapons development.
$20.00
Softcover 978-0-87364-984-1 112 pages 8.5" x 11" photos, illust.

This carefully researched revised and updated edition of The AR-15/M16 Sourcebook offers fresh insight into why the AR-15/M16 rifle remains a favorite of soldiers, law enforcement officials, civilian shooters and self-defense experts. In it, Duncan Long takes another look at the history of the "black-rifle" from the bureaucratic blunders and military infighting that ruined its reliability during the Vietnam War to the modifications that transformed it into a reliable weapon. He also examines the many military and custom spinoffs of the firearm, including an invaluable listing of its various models, supplemented by an impressive collection of photos and illustrations. In addition, he covers grenade launchers, SAW versions, and experimental weapons systems and even gives a detailed assessment of the OICW and other firearms now being tested as replacements for the U.S. military's M16 and M4 carbine.

An entire section of the book is devoted to the newest accessories for the AR-15, with a hard look at which ones will enhance its capabilities—and which could get the shooter killed. In addition to offering advice on improving an AR-15 rifle, picking the best ammunition for it, and ensuring its reliability, Long presents simple techniques for creating a one-of-a-kind exotic weapon built around this rifle through the selection of parts and accessories now on the market (and where to get them). Finally, the book provides complete instructions on how to field-strip, detail strip, troubleshoot, and assemble an AR-15. Whether you want a weapon you can rely on to get you out of a tight spot or wish to build a super accurate target version of the AR-15, this is the most complete and up-to-date resource available on what many consider to be the best rifle ever made.

Duncan Long is an internationally recognized nonfiction and fiction writer of countless books and magazine articles on weapons and warfare. He is a best-selling Paladin author, with more than 20 firearms manuals in print.
$40.00
Softcover 978-0-87364-687-1 334 pages 8.5" x 11" photos, illust.

A heavily illustrated, practical history for shooters and collectors alike, this book tells the complete story of the robust M1 Garand. High-quality, detailed photos; functional and troubleshooting data, including original military manuals; market information and much more make this a valuable resource on a classic battle rifle.

Jim Thompson is an internationally published firearms writer, photographer and consultant with more than three decades of experience as a serious collector and shooter. His dedication to precise historical research combined with his practical, empirical insight has yielded significant contributions to the fields of military history and weapons development.
$25.00
Softcover 978-0-87364-984-1 160 pages 8.5" x 11" photos, illust.

This comprehensive volume details the circumstances surrounding the development and fielding of the machine carbine, machine pistol and assault rifles employed by Hitler's Wehrmacht. It also includes a complete review of the ammo, field accessories and special equipment intended for the short cartridge weapon.

The late Peter R. Senich was recognized as one of the world's foremost authorities on the history of modern weapon systems and their applications. He was also a leading military historian and the author of nine books on military sniping and small arms.
$40.00
Softcover 978-0-87364-400-6 328 pages 8.5" x 11" photos

The Mini-14 is the most versatile modern rifle, used by homeowners, hunters, survivalists, law enforcement agencies and military forces. An infinite variety of Mini-14s may be constructed with the many marketed accessories. Here is the Mini-14's history, model specifications and much more.

Duncan Long is an internationally recognized nonfiction and fiction writer of countless books and magazine articles on weapons and warfare. He is a best-selling Paladin author, with more than 20 firearms manuals in print.
$17.00
Softcover 978-0-87364-407-5 120 pages 5.5" x 8.5" photos

This Soviet military manual, originally published in the Soviet Union and now available in English for the first time, covers instructions for use and maintenance of perhaps the most widely distributed of all weapons produced by the arms factories of the former Soviet Union: the ubiquitous 7.62mm Simonov self-loading carbine (SKS).

James F. Gebhardt is a retired U.S. Army officer who served as an enlisted infantryman (1966-69), armor officer (1974-83) and Soviet foreign area officer (1984-91). Gebhardt performed military duty in the Soviet Union and has escorted numerous Soviet scientific, military and diplomatic personnel on U.S. military installations in the United States.
$16.00
Softcover 978-0-87364-908-7 102 pages 8.5" x 11" illustrations

The AK-74, basically a rechambered AKM rebored to fire a 5.45mm cartridge, has the same general appearance as the AKM with some notable differences. This manual was originally published in the Soviet Union and is now available in English alongside Maj. James Gebhardt's other translations, well known to Paladin readers for their valuable and hard-to-find information. Written to teach Russian soldiers every detail of the operation and maintenance of the Kalashnikov Assault Rifle (AK-74) and Kalashnikov Light Machine Gun (RPK-74), this manual includes ballistic tables, zeroing information, combat firing instructions, data for the 5.45mm service cartridge and more.

James F. Gebhardt is a retired U.S. Army officer who served as an enlisted infantryman (1966-69), armor officer (1974-83) and Soviet foreign area officer (1984-91). Gebhardt performed military duty in the Soviet Union and has escorted numerous Soviet scientific, military and diplomatic personnel on U.S. military installations in the United States.
$25.00
Softcover 978-1-58160-491-7 150 pages 8.5" x 11" illustrations

This official military manual, available in English for the first time, was originally published by the Soviet Ministry of Defence. The 7.62mm AKM assault rifle and its folding-stock twin, the AKMS, were based on the popular AK-47 design. This illustrated manual covers the history, function, maintenance, assembly and disassembly, confirmation of zero, penetration characteristics of various cartridges, trajectory and dispersion patterns, accessories and more.

James F. Gebhardt is a retired U.S. Army officer who served as an enlisted infantryman (1966-69), armor officer (1974-83) and Soviet foreign area officer (1984-91). Gebhardt performed military duty in the Soviet Union and has escorted numerous Soviet scientific, military and diplomatic personnel on U.S. military installations in the United States.
$18.00
Softcover 978-1-58160-010-0 116 pages 8.5" x 11" illustrations

Enthusiasts of the venerable Mosin-Nagant bolt-action rifle, one of the most basic of the Russian and Soviet small arms, will find a wealth of information in the latest Soviet military manual translation by Maj. James F. Gebhardt. The manual, available in English for the first time, covers disassembly and assembly, cleaning and lubricating, and firing for zero at the specified zeroing range of 100 meters. Described in detail are all the steps, procedures and criteria that will ensure proper and safe function of the rifle or carbine. Also included are several data tables describing the ballistic performance of the 148-grain type-1908 projectile and the weight and length of the basic rifle and carbines in various configurations. For those interested in the sniper version of this rifle, an appendix describes both the PE and PU scopes. This is the ultimate source for Mosin-Nagant owners.

James F. Gebhardt is a retired U.S. Army officer who served as an enlisted infantryman (1966-69), armor officer (1974-83) and Soviet foreign area officer (1984-91). Gebhardt performed military duty in the Soviet Union and has escorted numerous Soviet scientific, military and diplomatic personnel on U.S. military installations in the United States.
$20.00
Softcover 978-1-58160-081-0 112 pages 8.5" x 11" illustrations

Designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov for the Soviet military, the Pulemyot Kalashnikova (PK) was introduced in the early 1960s as a replacement for the SGM and RPD machine guns. The general-purpose 7.62mm Kalashnikov -- PK, PKS (on a tripod), PKB (armored transporters), PKT (tank), PKM (modernized) -- is a powerful automatic weapon intended to defeat enemy personnel and weapons systems. The Soviet Ministry of Defense published this instruction manual for the use and maintenance of the PK in 1987, and this is the first time an English translation has been made available to the general public. The translation is very timely because U.S. military personnel in both Iraq and Afghanistan are facing this machine gun in the hands of insurgents. At the same time, U.S. instructors are training Iraqi and Afghan soldiers in the employment of the PK, and this manual will be a valuable tool for them to use in their instruction.

Major James F. Gebhardt is a retired U.S. Army officer who served as an enlisted infantryman (1966-69), armor officer (1974-83) and Soviet foreign area officer (1984-91). Gebhardt performed military duty in the Soviet Union and has escorted numerous Soviet scientific, military and diplomatic personnel on U.S. military installations in the United States.
$24.00
Softcover 978-1-58160-601-0 160 pages 8.5" x 11" illustrations

Designed by noted Russian firearms innovator Evgenity Federovich Dragunov to operate under the most extreme climactic and combat situations, the 7.62mm snayperskaya vintovka dragunov - the SVD - was the first Russian rifle designed from scratch specifically for sniping. Accepted into the Soviet armory in 1963, the SVD was later copied by the Chinese, Bulgarian, Romanian and Yugoslavian militaries. Learn how to operate the lightweight, extremely reliable and easily maintained SVD as it has been taught to thousands of Russian soldiers. Topics covered include combat characteristics of the SVD, basic components, assembly and disassembly, accessories, cartridges, stoppages and how to correct them, maintenance and storage, confirmation of zero and much more.

James F. Gebhardt is a retired U.S. Army officer who served as an enlisted infantryman (1966-69), armor officer (1974-83) and Soviet foreign area officer (1984-91). Gebhardt performed military duty in the Soviet Union and has escorted numerous Soviet scientific, military and diplomatic personnel on U.S. military installations in the United States.
$20.00
Softcover 978-1-58160-032-2 112 pages 11" x 8.5"

Legendary reliability and classic design are the hallmarks of the Ruger 10/22 rifle and its forerunner, the .44 Magnum Carbine. In this in-depth look at both weapons, noted firearms author Duncan Long covers specs, troubleshooting, ammo and accessories – this book's got it all! Get your hands on a classic.

Duncan Long is an internationally recognized nonfiction and fiction writer of countless books and magazine articles on weapons and warfare. He is a best-selling Paladin author, with more than 20 firearms manuals in print.
$15.00
Softcover 978-0-87364-449-5 108 pages 5.5" x 8.5" photos, illust.

This latest addition to Dave Lauck's tactical series of books (Tactical Marksman, Advanced Tactical Marksman, Tactical 1911) evaluates cutting-edge tactics and equipment in the tactical shooting field for either close-quarters combat or precision standoff duty. It includes thorough chapters on handling and shooting techniques, marksmanship, maintenance and accessories, but what truly sets this book apart from other manuals are its sections that will help you to advance your carbine skills for all sorts of military, law-enforcement and self-defense scenarios; maintain your mental focus in tactical situations; determine which modifications will make your firearm perform better; select the proper tactical carbine ammunition for specific missions; and understand the pros and cons of using suppressors.

The Tactical AR-15 uses "lessons learned" from live encounters, training scenarios and competitions as proving grounds to determine what tactics and equipment work when shots really matter. It is essential reading for police, military and civilian operators who use their AR-15s for everything from home protection to close-quarters combat, from long-range precision targeting or sniping to varmint hunting.

Dave Lauck is a veteran law enforcement officer with more than 20 years of frontline experience. He has served as SWAT countersniper, lead patrol officer, special investigator and SWAT weapon and duty weapon armorer. The Lauck family has been involved in American custom firearms as far back as the 1700s, and Dave is a formally trained and certified armorer with more than 25 years of experience in special-purpose firearms.

Paul Hantke brings a lifetime of shooting experience to the table, including a combat tour in Vietnam with the U.S. Marine Corps and some 20 years as a well-known gun writer.
$45.00
Softcover 978-1-58160-559-4 248 pages 8.5" x 11" photos, illust.