Classic Sporting Rifles

Examines the best sporting rifles built over the last 150 years.

Chris Austyn, well-known author of Modern Sporting Guns, examines the "best" rifles built over the last 150 years. As the head of the gun department at Christie's Auction House, London, he has had the chance to examine closely hundreds of classic rifles that have come up for sale in both London and New York. He begins by discussing the origins and history of the famous and most sought-after double rifles. Enthusiasts of the British double rifle will be pleased with the large amount of material he has devoted to these guns. He then covers single-barreled rifles and rifles made by continental European makers. Then he writes about the great collectors and the rifles in their collections. In addition, he examines the bolt action and other locking mechanisms as well as rifle accessories. He lists what problems to look for when buying a gun, discusses the ins and outs of auction sales, and includes a price guide that lists what classic rifles bring at auctions today. Finally, there is a collector's overview with a great deal of historical information for today's shooter. Illustrated with dozens of color and b\w photos. A valuable reference work.