Civil War Firearms: Their Historical Background and Tactical Use

In Civil War Firearms: Their Historical Background, Tactical Use, And Modern Collecting And Shooting, Joe Bilby (columnist for the Civil War News) has laid out each major sub-division of Civil War firearms with its own chapter including descriptions of all significant models, their technical evolution , and their actual use on Civil War battlefields. Bilby has done a unit-by-unit study of firearm use, and shows that performance and employment of Civil War weapons often differed from popular conceptions. Bilby utilizes technical data and descriptions regarding the firing range tests of surviving firearms and modern replicas in order to evaluate Civil War battlefield tactics. Civil War Firearms is a significant and important contribution to Civil War studies, and of great value for antique firearms collectors. -- Midwest Book Review

This lavish and well-crafted book is the definitive history of Civil War firearms, from muskets to rifles and handguns to carbines. Columnist and firearms historian Joseph Bilby has produced a comprehensive and detailed study of the handguns and shoulder-fired weapons used by Confederate and Union soldiers throughout the war. With flair and style, Bilby describes the technical evolution and tactical employment of these deadly firearms, with fascinating coverage of surprising unconventional use. Each firearm is presented, along with a guide to collecting and safely firing relics and reproductions. Bilby's expertise and research shines through in this rich history. -- From Independent Publisher