Book Review: The World’s Assault Rifles

posted on November 29, 2010
** 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. **
2010112915433-assault-rifles-book_f.jpg

Noted arms historian Thomas B. Nelson is considered a legend in the field of firearms in general and assault rifles in particular. After his military service, Nelson worked at Interarmco (later Interarms) for nine years. In 1963 he published the classic reference “The World’s Submachine Guns,” and in 1967 he co-authored the original volume of “The World’s Assault Rifles” with Dan Musgrave. He was the founder of Collector’s Armoury, Ltd.

In the four decades since the original edition of “The World’s Assault Rifles” was published, the market has seen exponential advancements in the design and development of these small arms. Now Nelson has teamed up with Gary Paul Johnston to revise this classic volume. Their painstaking research into classified archives, corporate and private collections, and military and museum arms all around the world brought forth a monumental body of research. From this wealth of data, the authors present 70 chapters comprising more than 1,200 pages of guns from more than 50 countries, fully illustrated with 2,000 photos and drawings.

Encompassing technical and design data starting from the early 1900s, as well as what is on the drawing boards for tomorrow, this encyclopedic volume covers every facet of assault rifle development. Just a few of the topics in this massive tome are World War II German developments, the insider story of the Stoner system, the candid behind-the-scenes story of USSR/Russian developments, and a look inside assault rifle production in China. Ten years in the making and priced at $70, this new edition of “The World’s Assault Rifles” will become the standard reference on assault rifles for decades to come.

Contact: Ironside Int’l Publishers; (800) 336-4572, ext. 11; www.ironsidepub.com.

Latest

Armasight Operator thermal riflescope
Armasight Operator thermal riflescope

New for 2026: Armasight Pro Series Thermal Platform

Armasight launches a professional-grade thermal-imaging platform designed to perform.

KelTec Launches KelTec Direct

KelTec begins its 35th anniversary celebration by launching KelTec Direct.

New for 2026: CVA Scout XP and XP-SB Rifles and XP Pistol

CVA expands its Scout line to include two single-shot rifles and a single-shot pistol.

Preview: Winchester After Hunt Dog Bed

Named after John Olin’s famed hunting dog, the King Buck product line exists within the larger Winchester Pet brand to showcase the company’s most deluxe offerings, and the After Hunt Dog Bed is a prime example of the line’s quality.

Review: CZ USA P10 Ported

CZ expanded its popular line of P10 handguns with a specially configured model that features integral barrel ports just behind the muzzle to aid in recoil management.

Keeping The Wilderness Quiet: Bergara's BTi30 Suppressor

Bergara joined the growing crowd of suppressor manufacturers in 2026 with its BTi30 design.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.