What to read after Best Guns?

This nearly encyclopedic gathering of gun knowledge deals with the world of shotguns in two distinct sections. The first, "America's Best," looks at each of the finest guns made in the United States during the Golden Age of gunmaking. Names such as Parker, A.H. Fox, L.C. SMith, Ithaca, Lefever, and others once were more than simply names on old guns; they were people and companies, inventively vying for a share of a growing gun market. Their efforts created guns of lasting value and fame.

In the second section, "Today's Best," McIntosh explores the world of fine guns as it exists today, country by country, commenting on guns whose intrinsic merit qualifies them as "best" guns. He looks at the gunmaking centers of England, Italy, France, Belgium, and Spain and talks of the names that warm the hearts of those who appreciate the workmanship, dynamics, and "feel" of a fine gun—names such as Purdey, Holland & Holland, Granger, Fabbri, Piotti, Arrizabalaga, and others.

McIntosh offers advice on buying and shooting older guns—what to look for and what to look out for. As interest in fine double guns reaches a new high in this country, Best Guns serves both as a guide for the uninitiated and as a standard reference for the experienced collector and shooter.