Preview: The Evolution Of Gun Making: Machine Made Weapons 1700-1820

by
posted on March 11, 2025
** 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. **
The Evolution Of Gun Making: Machine Made Weapons 1700-1820

For hundreds of years, the manufacture of small arms was relegated to highly specialized makers who handcrafted each component, resulting in variances that made every firearm unique.

Starting in the 18th century, European military officials sought ways to standardize manufacture, both to speed up production and facilitate repair of damaged arms.

In The Evolution Of Gun Making, Peter Smithhurst, retired senior curator of the Royal Armouries, explores the cases of two military muskets, the French Model 1777 and the Russian Model 1808.

With the benefit of extraordinarily detailed contemporary accounts, the book provides a thorough understanding of how both nations approached arms manufacture in the early decades of the Industrial Revolution.

MSRP is $40. For more information, visit casematepublishers.com.

Latest

1720 Cap And Ball Revolver
1720 Cap And Ball Revolver

Caring For & Feeding Your Cap-and-Ball Revolvers

Compared to pistoleros of the 19th century, today’s handgunners have it easy. It's not enough just to get an old-school, cap-and-ball revolver. You also need to acquire everything to shoot and clean it.

Lighter & Better: Savage’s Updated Ultralite Series of Rifles

Savage Arms kicked off 2026 by announcing a new generation of Model 110 bolt-action rifles, and now, the company has also introduced an updated series of Ultralite rifles.

Gun of the Week: Franchi Momentum Elite MULE

One of the latest entrants into the general-utility rifle market is Franchi with its Momentum Utility Lite Elite bolt-action rifle, also known as the MULE.

The Armed Citizen® Sept. 11, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Have .22 LR Handguns Finally Become Viable Options for Self-Defense?

Although .22 LR pistols and revolvers are plentiful and affordable, they still have notable limitations when it comes to self-defense applications. 

Aero Precision Returns with New Owners

An investment group comprised of family members passionate about firearms and the outdoor sports has purchased Aero Precision, Ballistic Advantage, Stag Arms and VG6.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.