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

Star Model B Ihtog 1
Star Model B Ihtog 1

I Have This Old Gun: Star Model B

Of the many Spanish-made firearms to emerge throughout the 19th and 20th century, one of the most recognizable is the Star Model B, largely due to its similarity to the Colt Model 1911.

New For 2025: Kimber Next Generation 1911

For its latest M1911 offering, Kimber Mfg. borrowed design elements from its double-stack 2K11 pistol to create what it calls the Next Generation 1911.

Review: Charter Arms Double Dog

Charter Arms is an American gunmaker that has offered its own versions of compact, double-action revolvers at fair prices for more than 60 years.

Rifleman Q&A: Mysterious “Broomhandle” Bring-Back

"My favorite gun is inoperable, so I have not shot it. It is one of two weapons that my dad brought back from the Philippines after World War II, the other being a sword."

New Jersey Town Supports CCW With Fee Refund

The city of Englishtown, N.J., recently made a move to reduce that financial barrier, sparking widespread optimism that a statewide, even nationwide, trend may be on the horizon.

Review: Savage Arms Revel

Lever-action rifles have experienced a revival in recent years, and Savage Arms is getting in on the act with its Revel series rimfires. To understand it, you may have to read (backward) between the lines.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.