New book on percussion handguns

I received this book this week and thought it worthy to bring to your attention. Author Johnny Bates and Mike Crumpston just released their new book, "Percussion Pistols and Revolvers: History, Performance and Practical Use."

The first thing that struck me is that it is very much like Joe Bilby's classic work, "Civil War Firearms." It has a good blend of history, practical use and light gunsmithing/modifications to keep your gun functioning. While it starts out with single shot percussion guns, it moves heavily into the popular revolvers of the percussion era including the Walker Dragoon, the Dragoon, Colt Army Model 1860, New Navy, New Pocket Model, Rem. 1858, LeMat and even the Ruger Old Army.

With regards to loads, like Joe's book there are numerous powder charges along with specific MV for the specified ball. The authors used different makes of powder too including Pyrodex, 777, Goex or Swiss. This makes their charts quite useful if you're developing a load.

There are several appendices but the funniest (to me) is the Irish (Dueling) Code. It has the formalities of demanding an apology or accepting one even after drawing blood or striking a blow. Defending the honor of one's lady is mentioned as well as the use of seconds as substitutes if the principals are too old to duel (go ahead son, make my day).

It's fully indexed and a very easy read. You can get it through Amazon or direct from the publisher, iUniverse (http://www.iuniverse.com). BTW, I have no commercial or other interest in this book.

Gary-Thamks for the post.I just ordered the Book.I think(just a guess) this is MEC's book(Mike Crumpston).We have all have enjoyed his pictures and great posts'.Respectfully Montanadan.

That is MEC's book. I haven't got it ... yet. I have a few other things ahead of it too read, maybe I'll bump it up a little in my reading list.

Lately I have seen and read a few things about duelling. I am amazed at the degree of formality involved in a "gentlemen's" duel. A lot of it seems to allow the parties a way out without actually risking their lives. The Irish duelling code should be interesting. BTW, what is the source for the code in the book? :thanks:

Keith - Mike doesn't cite his source. You may want to post a question at a website he frequents and I don't think Mike is a member here. Personally I'd like to know about the source of the story about the Indians finding out how dangerous a revolving rifle is and returning it to the settlers. :haha: Mike's co-author found that somewhere.

Actually the Irish Code of 1777 appears with minor variations in a number of places over the past 200+ years. Variations are chiefly in wording rather than content.

The early reviews on the book have been gratifying and , while it may be dangerous to get puffed up over them, it does appear that quite a few who have read it find it enjoyable. Potential buyers should be warned that the pictures are small and in black and white- not nearly as stiring as the one's we post on the web sites. We put this together without any industry support and the technology available to us does not include color plates. - Oh, maybe for a few thousand more, I could have found somebody to do that but I set out to accomplish this without going totally broke in the process.
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