Book in Brief: Manuel Zamora Gunsmith to the Stars

by
posted on August 6, 2019
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
manuel-zamora-gunsmith-to-the-stars.jpg

Manuel Zamora (1895-1972) was a native Mexican who was a pioneer in the field of cinema armorers during the formative years of Hollywood and long into its Golden Age. From Wings (1927) and Hell’s Angels (1930) Zamora knew just about everyone who worked in Hollywood and gunsmithed functioning firearms to many of the best-remembered actors and films of the four decades he worked in the business.

This book is a loving tribute co-authored by his daughter (Cory Zamora) who, along with Dr. Tomas Martinez, dutifully transcribed many of the stories once told by her father and those also remembered by Zamora’s wife. This book follows his interesting life, from initially being apprehended by Poncho Villa and stood up before a firing squad not once but three times, to developing a unique ammunition feed used extensively during World War II, to his creation of Napoleon Solo’s pistol used in The Man From U.N.C.L.E. (1967).

From Howard Hughes to the Frito Bandito, Zamora had a front row seat to a lot of what we regard as popular culture and these stories help give you a small glimpse into what lurked behind the curtain of Hollywood.

Latest

Making Keltec Pr57 1
Making Keltec Pr57 1

Making The KelTec PR57 In Wyoming

To make its PR57 handgun, KelTec invested in an entirely new manufacturing facility located in Rock Springs, Wyo. "American Rifleman Television" headed out for an inside look at the company's efficient production process.

Taurus 66 Combat: A New "Fighting Revolver"

First introduced in the 1970s, the Taurus 66 Combat is a medium-frame revolver that has seen several evolutions in its lifetime, and the latest update creates what the company considers "the final word in fighting revolvers."

Review: Taurus GX2

From cars to cellphones, as a product gets more sophisticated, it usually also gets more expensive. And, as modern handguns get more modular and optic-ready, their prices tend to go up.

Rifleman Q&A: A Garand Puzzlement

"We are a father-and-son NRA member tandem in search of an answer regarding the branding of an M1 Garand rifle. We own an M1 rifle that has markings indicating it was a “lend lease to England,” and it also has a .308 barrel/sleeve."

$160K Raised For HAVA At SIG Sauer Event

SIG Sauer hosted its 9th Annual Honored American Veterans Afield (HAVA) Charity Golf event early last month and raised more than $160,000 to support disabled veterans.

Scout The Trail To A General Purpose Rifle

The search for a universal longarm—one suitable for both hunting and defensive scenarios—is a trek that involves a bit of doubling back.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.