Handguns (Hardcover)

The notorious outlaws of the Wild West used them with devastating effect. Pirates threatened prisoners with them. Soldiers still take them into battle. Police officers, security guards, and private citizens carry them. Designed to be fired with just one hand, handguns revolutionized the art of war. Discover the fascinating history of handguns in this comprehensive new title. "Handguns" takes aim at the history and evolution of handguns, from early Chinese hand canons to today's high-tech weapons. This fascinating book features more than 200 full-color photographs of the world's most celebrated handguns from key manufacturers. Look down the barrel at some of the most celebrated models of all time, including Smith & Wesson's Model 29 made famous by Dirty Harry. Discover top handgun manufacturers like Smith and Wesson, Beretta, Heckler and Koch, Inc., Springfield Armory, and Taurus International. Learn about different types of handguns, including single-shot pistols, multi-barreled pistols, revolvers, lever-action pistols, and semi-automatic pistols.