Rifles of the United States Navy & Marine Corps: 1866-1917

** 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. **
rifles-of-the-us-navy.jpg

While reading this book, I found myself at about every third or fourth page exclaiming—“I never knew that!” Not only does John D. McAulay thoroughly cover the subject of U.S. naval small arms in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, he also brings a wealth of detail about the time period to the story, and expertly puts these firearms into their historical context. For example, many readers may not be aware of the political and diplomatic reasons for the Navy to “land the landing force” around the world in the period between the Civil War and World War I, but McAulay showcases each of them, and uses the story as the backdrop to discuss the small arms that sailors and Marines carried ashore.

The book is lavishly illustrated with period photographs, many of which have never before been published, and they come from a wide variety of sources. The photographs of firearms are outstanding and include important examples of guns from both public and private collections. The guns’ development, testing, acceptance and manufacture are well-documented and very readable. Most importantly, McAulay has thoroughly researched the distribution of various small arms to every ship, navy yard, Marine barracks and seagoing Marine detachments in the years between 1866 and 1917, in even more detail than he did in his earlier works on Civil War naval arms—which enjoy wide acclaim.

Beyond its usefulness in firearms history, the book serves as a ready reference to the biographies of those members of the sea services who made a lasting contribution to American history, and who also made their mark in naval history in this period.  In addition, this book breathes life into an otherwise sometimes dry history of the political and diplomatic efforts—and intrigues—that shaped the world in which we live today. Price:  $36 plus $4.50 domestic shipping. Contact: Mowbray Publishing; gunandswordcollector.com.

Latest

springfield armory kuna
springfield armory kuna

Springfield Kuna: A PDW For The Masses

Small, yet fierce, the namesake of Springfield Armory’s latest large-format pistol is a revered forest dweller in the land of its Croatian manufacturing partner, HS Produkt. The new Kuna is poised to be just as welcome in America.

The Armed Citizen® June 30, 2025

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

Book Review: Clockwork Basilisk: The Early Revolvers Of Elisha Collier & Artemas Wheeler

The result of a decade of research, Clockwork Basilisk is a comprehensive, two-volume history of the rare revolvers that preceded the development of the well-known Colt guns of the 1830s.

Preview: 1791 Gunleather Cobra Gun Belt 01

Employing the same rugged and rigid 0.25"-thick American steerhide as 1791 Gunleather’s original Gun Belt 01, the new Cobra Gun Belt 01 offers enhanced ease of use by taking advantage of a high-strength Cobra quick-latch/release buckle.

NRA CEO Hamlin and President Bachenberg Hold First Virtual Townhall

In the interests of transparency, NRA CEO and EVP Doug Hamlin and NRA President Bill Bachenberg held a live Townhall event, where both answered direct questions from NRA members.

Benelli Adds New 28-Gauge Models to Super Black Eagle 3 Line

Benelli initially introduced the 28-ga. chambering to its Super Black Eagle 3 line in 2022, but this year, the company added three new models tailored specifically to hunters.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.