Small Arms Up Close

Dougherty, Martin J. Small Arms Up Close. Part of the Military Technology: Top Secret Clearance series. 2016. 224p. ISBN 978-1-5081-7082-2. Available at 623.44 DOU on the library shelves.

When the first firearms were developed, it represented a leap in warfare technology. Though not very effective, these weapons were deadly when used by trained personnel. Over the last five hundred years, small arms have developed into potent weapons used in every conflict around the world and by many people to protect themselves, their families and their properties.

This book describes some of the most widely known hand-held weapons, from the U.S. military’s M16 of the Vietnam era to the infamous Russian AK-47. These weapons are represented in a graphics format offering a 360 degree view, along with technical specifications and a brief history of each weapon, including how it was developed and its intended uses.

Fans of military history and of weapons will appreciate the thoroughness of this book and will gain a better understanding of the role these weapons have played in conflicts of the 20th and 21st centuries.