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November 7, 2015
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Got the first volume of Campbell’s book on single shots today, second edition arriving soon. Looks like a new book, looking forward to reading both. Bert tells me there will be a test over them in Cody, we’ll see. Blowing my gun budget on books here lately but every book in my little library is a good investment, IMHO. Some I need to read a bit more carefully, it seems.
Books are great to have. Sometimes I’d buy the book and then the gun! 
Either way, it’s fun!!!!
Do you know anyone looking for Schwing’s book on the Winchester Model 42? If so, let me know as I have a first edition book that I bought new, and it’s still in like new condition that I’d be willing to part with.
James
jwm94 said
Sometimes I’d buy the book and then the gun!
James
That’s the way it should be done! Unless you prefer learning the hard way. (Although with some of the books that have gone out of print, you may not have enough dough left for the gun if you buy the book first.)
clarence said
That’s the way it should be done! Unless you prefer learning the hard way. (Although with some of the books that have gone out of print, you may not have enough dough left for the gun if you buy the book first.)
Schwing’s 42 book is all over the place where price is concerned, too! Check out this link at Amazon and click on where it says “11 Used from $294.99”! Then click on “9 New from $360.16” all coming in from Japan!
November 7, 2015
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I’ve noticed Schwing is quite a prolific writer and his books are generally in high demand. Looking forward to that 1890 book, James, local orphanage had a few 1890’s yesterday but wasn’t in a buying mood.
jwm94 said
Schwing’s 42 book is all over the place where price is concerned, too!
Can’t be more all over the place than Houze’s 52 book–$210 to $775! The soft-covers are higher than the HBs!
November 7, 2015
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Cheapest Houze book on Amazon last time I checked was over $300.
TXGunNut said
I’ve noticed Schwing is quite a prolific writer and his books are generally in high demand. Looking forward to that 1890 book, James, local orphanage had a few 1890’s yesterday but wasn’t in a buying mood.
Mike,
Out of all of the gun books that I have, or still have, Schwing’s book on the 1890 & 1906 has given me the greatest amount of pleasure. As much as you like shooting, gun talk, and gun shows, and looking forward to the Cody visit…you will get a great deal of enjoyment out of it too! I still have another volume I, but it has seen a bit of wear.
I’ve been in the not buying mood as well…sometimes regrettably so!
James
November 7, 2015
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Really enjoying reading about the single shots, first few chapters certainly not what I expected. Very good read, thanks for the tip, Bert.
TXGunNut said
Really enjoying reading about the single shots, first few chapters certainly not what I expected. Very good read, thanks for the tip, Bert.
You are welcome… don’t forget there will be a test when you are done reading it!
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
November 7, 2015
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Bert H. said
You are welcome… don’t forget there will be a test when you are done reading it!
Bert
I remember. About 70 pages into volume 1 and Volume 2 arrived today. Reminds me of my college days. Will likely need a review with visual aids. Just a few days ago I thought 1885’s were simple single actions. 
Just a few days ago I thought 1885’s were simple single actions.
Gives one an insight into the genius of J.M. Browning. At the youthful age of 23 he conceived of this action and made a prototype with nothing more that vintage 1870’s shop tools. Of all the long arms ever devised, the Model 1885 is my favorite.
"This is the West, sir. When the legend becomes fact, print the legend."
TXGunNut said
Just a few days ago I thought 1885’s were simple single actions.
I wish it was simple to reinstall the breech-block assembly–something I’ve done not less than a hundred times, and still find exasperating.
I bought several ’92’s in previous years, but am now “into” 1885’s. This is mostly because the Black Powder Cartridge group where I shoot requires the use of single shot rifles. I am glad, however, because the ’85 has rapidly become my favorite Winchester.
I did things a bit bass ackwards because I got my first ’85 before getting both of Campbell’s books. I am really happy that I did get both books (at the same time), though. What a wealth of information to help prepare me for future purchases .
I urge anyone considering getting “into” 1885 Single Shots to get, or borrow, these books before buying a gun. You’ll be glad you did. Even without a gun, they are fascinating and interesting reads.
While I am not as old as some you fellows, I have been shooting a Model 1885 for 50 years now, and I have been a hardcore student of the Model 1885 for almost 40-years. While John Campbell’s 2 volume set of books are excellent resources, especially for those just starting out with what eventually becomes a life long love affair, he missed on a number things in his books. Over the next 10-15 years, I will be putting together a series of articles on the Model 1885 to provide a detailed statistical analysis, and to clarify a number of errors in the published information that is currently available.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Bert H. said
…he missed on a number things in his books.
Bert
Omissions (if that’s what you mean) are almost unavoidable, but “making it up out of whole cloth” is something entirely different. Most of what he has to say in Vol. 2 about how WRA got into the telescope business falls into the latter category, sad to say. The photos of items from Quinlan’s & Zika’s collections are priceless, however. (In fact, great photography throughout the books, and best of all to me, NOT color! I’m sick of it in gunbooks.)
These and other faults notwithstanding, the two books are a remarkable accomplishment, and I particularly admire in the 2nd vol. the attention he devotes to the careers & contributions of Mason, Bennett, other WRA employees.
mustang said
I bought several ’92’s in previous years, but am now “into” 1885’s. This is mostly because the Black Powder Cartridge group where I shoot requires the use of single shot rifles. I am glad, however, because the ’85 has rapidly become my favorite Winchester.
A site you should find of interest: http://www.assra.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl
clarence said
Omissions (if that’s what you mean) are almost unavoidable, but “making it up out of whole cloth” is something entirely different. Most of what he has to say in Vol. 2 about how WRA got into the telescope business falls into the latter category, sad to say. The photos of items from Quinlan’s & Zika’s collections are priceless, however. (In fact, great photography throughout the books, and best of all to me, NOT color! I’m sick of it in gunbooks.)
These and other faults notwithstanding, the two books are a remarkable accomplishment, and I particularly admire in the 2nd vol. the attention he devotes to the careers & contributions of Mason, Bennett, other WRA employees.
No, that is not what I mean. There are a number of items he discusses that are not accurate (based on the details found in the original Winchester records). That stated, he never says that the information is factual. It is simply his interpretation of certain production aspects. Again, I truly admire the work & effort he put forth when he wrote both books… I just do not agree with 100% of it.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
November 7, 2015
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I like the way Campbell discusses some debatable aspects and others not well supported by records. That approach is very helpful for someone in my position.
Really enjoyed his discussion of the design changes Winchester made to Browning’s original design. Very interesting but a bit puzzling. Probably need to read it again.
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