Standard Catalog of Military Firearms: The Collector's Price and Reference Guide

Reader Reviews
I am not an expert, but I do have a collection of: German, Russian, Swiss, Turkish and American military firearms and the popular dedicated reference books for each. What I see missing most from Standard Catalogue of Military Firearms is accuate market values. Prices listed for commodity Milsurp firearms are 2x - 3x market value, even if compared to the past two years. Missing also is the value by country of origin or arsenal and not much attention paid to the glut of inexpensive imports sold through various Milsurp outlets. As an example what is refered to generically as a 1903/38 Turkish Mauser, could actually be conversions made from 1890, 1893, 1903, 1905 carbine, G 98 and the Czech 98/22 Mausers in both small, large ring and hybrid action/barrel. The Model 1895 Nagant Revolver is, again, listed at twice to three times the accepted market value and without discerning the price difference amongst Milsurp models based upon production date, arsenal and configuration. These late production refurbished revolvers were not only made at the Soviet arsenal Tula, they were also made at Izhevsk and marked accordingly. The cartridge for the gun is listed as only the 7.62mm, a label that applies to several cartridges; it is the 7.62x38mmR. The book is a good source for general identification, which is more than a small accomplishment, it just isn't a very good price guide for buying and selling firearms. It's easier to go to an auction site and spot check as an opportunity arises and reference books dedicated to a more narrow category of firearms will provide a lot more informatio.


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