Infantry Weapons of the World.

Foss. Christopher F And Gander. T J.

ISBN 10: 0711009783 / ISBN 13: 9780711009783

Published by Ian Allan Ltd, London,, 1979

About this Item

8.75 x 6 inches, publisher's boards, title gilt on spine, colour illustrated dustwrapper, in fine condition.

Seller Inventory # 8680

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Infantry Weapons of the World.
• Publisher: Ian Allan Ltd, London,
• Publication Date: 1979
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0711009783
• ISBN 13: 9780711009783
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: 2nd Edition
• Condition: Fine (see description)
• Dust Jacket Condition: Dust Jacket Included
• Seller catalogs:
  • World War 2, Nazis, Hitler, Military

About this title

Synopsis

This second edition of Infantry Weapons of the World is an updated version of its predecessor with many new photographs that cover all the main infantry weapons around the world along with a selection of weapons that are under development. Like the first edition, it does not cover mortars above 60mm as they are covered by the companion Artillery of the World, as are other heavy infantry weapons such as the large recoilless weapons. Anti-tank missiles are likewise covered in Missiles of the World. When the first edition was being written, the calibre and ammunition field within NATO and Allied nations was still far from being resolved. Today the standardisation scene is no less cluttered - indeed it has grown worse as the NATO trials to determine a new service round continue, with nearly every NATO nation entering its own ammunition design and weapons to fire it. These problems exist in a much less apparent form for the Soviets and Warsaw Pact nations whose calibre standardisation is well advanced and whose weapon standardisation is becoming a distinct possibility. Indeed, the latest Soviet infantry weapons have a general simplicity and ease of use that is often absent among Western designs. Nonetheless, the Soviet Bloc still does not have anything to compare with the American 40mm grenade launchers and it must not be forgotten that the British 4.85mm Individual Weapon is one of the most advanced in the world. Despite all the new models and numerous innovations the infantry of the world often carry rifles and pistols that were once used by their fathers and even grandfathers. Elderly rifles and SMGs still occupy the armoury racks of many nations and it is interesting to note that the recent fighting in the Lebanon was conducted with weapons of all ages from German World War II MG34s to American Springfield rifles and Soviet AK-47s. Infantry Weapons of the World covers all these types and many more and is an indispensable handbook.