Illustrated Encylopedia of Machine Guns

This book offers a history and directory of machine guns from the 19th century to the present day, shown in 220 photographs. It is a comprehensive directory of arms around the world, organized according to country of manufacture. It features key specifications for each weapon, including magazine capacity, barrel length and unloaded weight. It explores the fascinating history of machine guns, from the Gatling to the General-Purpose Machine Gun. The machine gun was developed in response to the search for a faster rate of fire, and once its potential had been realized, its evolution became a race of innovation. This authoritative volume reveals the remarkable history of the machine gun, and provides a country-by-country directory of 160 types. The features of each gun are listed, along with the military, political and technological context in which the weapon was developed. Details such as magazine capacity, barrel length and unloaded weight are included for every entry. This superbly illustrated guide is essential reading for all enthusiasts interested in gun manufacture and weapons of war.