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July 31, 2005
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Cartridges of the World. If you don’t already have this book in your library, I highly recommend it. The original author Frank C. Barnes is long dead but the book keeps getting reprinted with new editors. It’s really fun to read about the history of obsolete cartridges. It seems that some new cartridges were no better than what already existed but were introduced to shake up the market. Some of the old Winchester cartridges were also claimed by Marlin and Colt.
Available from Amazon in paper or kindle versions. Older editions can sometimes be found at thrift shops and used bookstores. Enjoy!
I call myself a collector as it sounds better than hoarder
December 9, 2002
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Bill, you are correct as far as being a great reference, as even the older additions are a wealth of knowledge. Even with today’s internet and the world wide web, you can’t beat Barnes’s added experienced takes.
Tony
August 8, 2024
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Yes, a very good book. But, I can’t agree with Frank when He called the .32 WSL the most useless cartridge ever made. It seems that every Model 1905 in either .32 WSL, or .35 WSL is very worn from use. So, I would think that the folks that owned them used them alot. They must of been happy with the cartridges performance. Also, as most know this was the cartridge that was slightly changed that became the .30 Carbine. The old Winchester notes state that is was supose to be ballisticaly like a .38/40 WCF. While the .35 WSL was to duplicate the .44/40. Kind of interesting when one looks at it that way.
December 9, 2002
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Good point Bo, as I haven’t read that yet, but now I will. I guess we all have our favorites, and that wasn’t one of his!
Tony
November 19, 2006
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I have three different editions of COW. I got my first one when I was in my teens. Wow – did that open up a big world for me!
March 23, 2010
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Yes a very nice book indeed.I have a well worn copy,for my years now.:)
November 19, 2006
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Bo Rich said
Yes, a very good book. But, I can’t agree with Frank when He called the .32 WSL the most useless cartridge ever made. It seems that every Model 1905 in either .32 WSL, or .35 WSL is very worn from use. So, I would think that the folks that owned them used them alot. They must of been happy with the cartridges performance. Also, as most know this was the cartridge that was slightly changed that became the .30 Carbine. The old Winchester notes state that is was supose to be ballisticaly like a .38/40 WCF. While the .35 WSL was to duplicate the .44/40. Kind of interesting when one looks at it that way.
Interesting information here.
Your comment on that examples of M1905’s you have encountered have been well-worn resonates with me. The M05, 07 and 1910 intrigued me from an early age. I have had many examples of each. Paradoxically, of that group, the ones that I owned that showed the most use and wear were the M1905’s. I say it is paradoxical as the gun writers over the years have claimed that those were the most worthless and it was only the .351’s or the .401’s that were close to being adequate for anything. In my history and experience, finding .351’s and .401’s showing little use or wear was much easier than the M1905’s.
We often look at a well-worn Winchester lever rifle that is devoid of finish and, “wish it could talk.” I really wish these well-worn M1905’s could talk. I would be fascinated to learn just what animals they accounted for, who used them, why they picked that rifle to buy (i.e. instead of anything else they could have purchased).
December 9, 2002
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Steve, you also bring up an interesting perspective. I think I remember a book, called, “The Forgotten Winchesters”, that was printed, detailing some of what those semi-automatic rifles we’re about, with detailed information. From what I read and understand, as I don’t have the book, or even the book that was published afterwards, picking up from where the original book left off, and detailing more facts. Like you stated the 05 and the 07 in the larger calibers we’re used a little more, and in a commercial setting, also, with Police forces, etc…………
Tony
November 7, 2015
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I can’t believe I’ve made it so long without this book in my little reference library. I’ve always used loading manuals for research in this area but they have their limitations. I’ve used shop copies a time or two early in my shooting career but my focus has changed. Thanks for the tip, Bill. Will certainly add it at my earliest convenience.
Mike
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