Guns of the New West

[Digger]

I just bought a new (to me) cowboy book, Guns of the New West, A Close-Up Look At Modern Replica Firearms, by David R. Chicoine, ISBN:  0-87349-768-6, copyright 2005.

I haven't read it thoroughly yet, just flipped around reading stuff that caught my eye or interested me.  As the title suggests, it's a pretty thorough analysis of most of the replicas on the market today, including rifles and shotguns.  He starts with a close look at the originals before he gets to their progeny.  As far as I could tell, he covers all the important makers and markers out there today, except STI's Texican, which is too new to have been included.

I would have liked a tad more information on the styles of holsters/leather than he has, and some more information on the leather accoutrements like shell holders.  But, like he says, the book is about the guns, not the leather.

Chicoine is a SASS life member and gunsmith.  He gives every evidence of knowing what he's talking about, and says it candidly.

This is a worthwhile book and I would definitely recommend it.  I would especially recommend it to shoppers.  In coin collecting we have what's called the 10-to-1 rule.  $1 spent on research and reference materials for every $10 spent on coins.  If that expensive $50 book saves you from buying a counterfeit coin, it's paid for itself.  If you do your homework before you buy your battery, you could save yourself the headache of trying to resell your guns after you buy what you really wanted (this is called the "next biggest fool" rule).  This book can give you a real heads-up on what's out there.  Besides, it's interesting and a fun read.

The trick he shows for removing a cylinder without marring it is worth the cost of the book alone.  The 10-to-1 rule in action.

Digger Ray, SASS #79420

[Johnny McCrae]

Howdy Digger,

Bought this book back in 2005 when I first got interested in Cowboy Action shooting. The author did a good job of presenting what is out there in replica firearms. This book was very helpful to me and I still enjoy reading it every so often. I'd certainly recommend "Guns of the New West" to anyone starting out. Take a look at "Packing Iron" by Richard Rattenbury for a good source of information on Holsters and Leather Accoutrements.