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I’ve been slowly growing my Winchester book collection as I find reasonable (open to interpretation) deals on the most popular titles discussed here by those of you with way more experience than I.
I keep coming across a multi volume set by Bill West (“WINCHESTER FOR OVER A CENTURY”) but can’t say I’ve seen much discussion here about those books in particular. Can anyone comment on their potential reference material? I see them priced relatively reasonably which leads me to believe they are not as popular as some of the other books.
Thanks,
Steve
WACA Member. CFM Member. NRA Lifer.
They are not as popular. I’ve never read into them in much detail, but don’t know that they are the most accurate.
I have one of the volumes because it discusses Reloading Tools.
Will say that there are better reference material out there in my opinion.
Sincerely,
Maverick
WACA #8783 - Checkout my Reloading Tool Survey!
https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-research-surveys/winchester-reloading-tool-survey/
I have looked at and thought about these for many years. Just never bought any. I know there are at least 5 volumes. Bert has these and should set us straight. Usually you can find these for $40 a piece. Some try to get more but if you keep looking you will find them.
I’ve looked through some at gun shows–seemed to be mainly collections of catalog reprints. Looked like nothing I’d want at half the price. MUCH better reference sources available, even if they cost more. One thing about West I’ve heard from book dealers & other collectors–he was no expert himself, borrowed catalogs to copy from real collectors, & used them as sources of info.
I bought volume one and two, third edition in the late 80’s. Volume one goes from 1849-1919 and volume two 1920-1982. The books were a quick condensed reference for all the models between the dates listed. The pictures are poor black and white, but he does a good job of detailing the changes by serial number on the various models.
If you are collecting a few models you would probably find the book lacking. If you see a unfamiliar model that interests you this book is a good first grab. I used it a lot at first but as my library expanded I used it less. T/R
Online
I do have all of his books (bought them all more than 30-years ago). My opinion is that his books are of little use in the study of Winchester. He has a large number of technical errors throughout all of the books.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
As Bert says, the books are far from perfect.I have a few of them.Some have some decent pictures of different models and one volume has targets shot by most all of the different rifles,with some load data.No detail about the loads such as primer or case used,but does give a starting idea for some of the old cartridges.
The first edition was published in 1966, my third edition in 1982. In it’s day it was a good book, but that was before most of the surveys, The Forum, and a lot of specialty books. I would assume that not everything in it is correct with our current knowledge. The same can be said about the Madis book, it came out in 1961 and mine is 1985.
When I started collecting it was those two books plus a gun value book. Being a impulse buyer I’d see something I liked but wouldn’t know what it was. Bill West book’s were smaller and easier to carry to a gun show making it a quick reference.
In 1997 when Jim Gordon’s 1873 book came out it was a wealth of knowledge, a must have if you collect 73’s. Jim did a survey and turned out a two volume large table top book full of good pictures. These pictures make his book timeless and I thank him for his book. I also thank everyone that’s doing a survey because I think that’s how questions are answered. T/R
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