Brownells Encyclopedia Of Modern Firearms, Hardcover Edition

The Brownells Encyclopedia of Modern Firearms is the hardcover reference that belongs on every gunsmith's, armorer's, and serious shooter's workbench. First published in 1959, this 1,066-page, 8½×11-inch compendium remains the most comprehensive single-volume guide to American-made firearms ever assembled—covering everything from the '03 Springfield and 1911 pistol to Winchester, Remington, Browning, Colt, and dozens of other manufacturers represented in your gun safe or at the range.

Whether you're restoring a family heirloom, troubleshooting a malfunction, or simply trying to understand how your rifle or shotgun actually works, this encyclopedia answers the questions that manufacturer manuals no longer address. Original Department of the Army technical data, exploded parts diagrams, assembly and disassembly sequences, and detailed specifications for pins, screws, and springs—information that was either proprietary, never publicly released, or long since out of print—are all consolidated here. Factory instruction literature, gunsmith manuals, and working-parts illustrations give you the kind of depth you'd otherwise chase across a dozen specialty sources or obsolete publications.

For gunsmiths and armorers, this book pays for itself the first time you avoid turning down a repair job because you lacked the schematic. For hunters and shooters, it's insurance against being left in the dark when you need to field-strip, maintain, or diagnose a problem with a classic or mid-century firearm. The hardcover binding and large format make it easy to reference on the bench without damaging the pages.

Key Features

• 1,066 pages packed with technical manuals, parts diagrams, and specifications
• Large 8½×11-inch format—easy to read and reference at the workbench
• Hardcover binding for durability and longevity
• Covers American-made firearms from '03 Springfield through 1959 production
• Includes Department of the Army technical data for Springfield and 1911
• Factory gunsmith manuals from Winchester, Remington, and Browning
• Exploded parts lists and assembly/disassembly sequences
• Detailed measurements and specifications for pins, screws, and springs
• Original illustrations and working-parts diagrams from manufacturer archives

Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What firearms does the Brownells Encyclopedia cover?

The encyclopedia covers American-made firearms manufactured through January 1, 1959. It includes rifles, shotguns, and pistols from major makers such as Winchester, Remington, Browning, Colt, Savage, Stevens, and Ithaca, as well as Department of Defense technical manuals for the '03 Springfield and 1911 pistol.

Is this book useful for gunsmithing and repair work?

Yes. The encyclopedia includes Department of the Army technical manuals, factory gunsmith manuals from Winchester, Remington, and Browning, exploded parts diagrams, assembly and disassembly sequences, and detailed specifications for components. It's specifically designed to answer repair and restoration questions for firearms that lack original factory documentation.

What's included in the parts and specifications sections?

The book contains complete parts illustrations (many in exploded-view or schematic format), parts lists for covered firearms, and detailed measurements in chart form for pins, screws, helical springs, and other components. This level of detailed specification data was not—and is not—available in printed form elsewhere.

Will this book help me understand how my vintage rifle or shotgun works?

Absolutely. The encyclopedia includes unusual illustrations from manufacturer archives showing how the mechanisms of various guns function. Many of these illustrations were never publicly released and remain unavailable anywhere else, making this book invaluable for understanding the engineering and operation of classic American firearms.