2012 Reprint of 1948 Edition. Exact facsimile of the original edition, not reproduced with Optical Recognition Software. Profusely illustrated. This book is still a classic in the early development of applied ballistics. Much of the information contained within this book is still relevant to many of today's firearms and their use. It is recommended for any serious technical shooter or amateur ballistician. It is a classic reference by a renowned expert. Invaluable information for shooters, gunsmiths, collectors, ballisticians, and hunters. Starting with the '03 Springfield and '17 Enfield, this authoritative guide describes the development of automatic and semiautomatic weapons, explaining how they work, barrels and experiments with obstructions, strengths and weaknesses of military rifles, receiver steels and heat treatment, headspace, recoil problems, gunpowder, corrosion, triggers, and the Pederson Device. It also covers noted gun makers, tips to match ammunition, interior and exterior ballistics, velocity variation, measuring methods, weights, overloads, and ranges.
Julian S. Hatcher Books
Julian Sommerville Hatcher was a U.S. Army major general and a noted firearms expert from the early twentieth century. He authored several technical books and articles focusing on military firearms, ballistics, and autoloading weapons. His work is recognized for its technical insight and detailed examination of firearms.



Machine Guns. pt. I. Mechanism
- 248 pages
- 9 hours of reading
Focusing on the identification of firearms and ammunition in criminal cases, this classic work by Major Hatcher showcases his extensive experience as a US Army ordnance officer and rifle shooter. His expertise in the design, manufacturing, and testing of firearms and ammunition has made this book a key resource for firearms examiners across the United States. Hatcher's contributions to military firearms and ballistics, including the introduction of the Hatcher Scale for handgun stopping power, highlight his pioneering role in forensic firearm identification.