The Gun by CJ Chivers

[DevsAdvocate 112]

Got this on my eBook a few weeks ago and it's a truly amazing look into modern firearms from the point of view of the most mass-produced firearms in human history: the AK-47/AKM.

 

It delves into the history of early machine guns like the Gatling in the Civil War, and how military forces around the world adapted to new advances in firearms. It also covers the American response to the AKM series, and how it rushed to develop a competing product.

 

All in all, it's a great book (2/3rds through now), and doesn't pull any punches or force any praises.

 

Great read if you're into guns.

[lunker 274]

I got it as a present. As soon as I finish "Founding Brothers" it is next. By the way, that is a great book on Early America and the people who founded it.

[DevsAdvocate 112]

I just got done with the section about the M-16's early entry... it makes me sick to hear about how the McNamara and his Whiz Kids in the DOD pushed this rifle into service without a development of proper requirements, a competition, or even preparing it for duty properly. Not only that, the senior brass swept the problems under the rug, and lied to Congress, the soldiers, and the American people about the performance of their primary infantry arm. This was the America with atomic weapons, B-52 bombers, and sights set upon the moon, but they couldn't roll out an effective infantry weapon after knowing about the AK-47/AKM for 20 years.

 

Granted, after 1968, many of the problems with the rifle were resolved: improved phosphate coating/anodizing of receiver part, addition of a buffer, chroming the bore and barrel (FOR CHRIST SAKES, HOW DO YOU SKIP THIS ONE THING??), and eventually: improving the ammunition to be cleaner.

 

The M-16A4 and AR-15s of today are very much improved and reliable weapons. But it sure had a troubled past.

 

http://www.thegunzone.com/556prop.html

 

^^ Good article about the change in powder from IMR to ball, to what is used today.

[almiz111 26]

This book is fantastic. A great read. Doesn't matter if you are an AR or AK fan.

 

Some weapons history. Some world history. And more.

 

When it comes to the Gov and the M-16 it's another story of how they lie and waste your tax money but mostly get people killed for no good reason. Then when you point out the problems you become the bad guy.