The Encyclopedia Of Handheld Weapons

A guide to pistols, revolvers, rifles, shotguns, knives, daggers, bayonets, and other handheld weapons that includes over 350 entries.
-- An authoritative and concise desktop reference. -- Clear, illustrated layout. -- Ideal for sportsmen, outdoorsmen, and collectors as well as military hobbyists.The pace of development in the equipment supplied to the world's armies, paramilitary and security force has never been greater. Every year brings great leaps in technology, which is rapidly incorporated into weapons; yet financial constraints mean that obsolete equipment remains in service around the world. For the modern soldier and the industries that supply them, keeping up to date with the latest advances is vital. This encyclopedia is aimed at the professional soldier, weaponry developers and purchases, and those who follow issues of modern defense; it is also full of data of interest to sportsmen, collectors and military enthusiasts.Weapons covered include semi-automatic pistols, revolvers, sub-machine guns, assault rifles, sniping rifles, combat shotguns, fighting knives and daggers, bayonets, combat and survival knives, folding knives, utility and special purpose blades.