|
If guns could talk their stories would be fascinating. The 2020 Special Edition issue of GUNS Classic Vintage & Surplus Firearms lends a voice to some of the mightiest guns ever produced. From Colt service revolvers to a battle-worn WWI cannon, the 18th century Puckle Gun that never saw conflict and more, each piece has their place in the pages of history — and this special issue.
Most AK enthusiasts would likely rate the Israeli 5.56mm Galil near the top of a list based on quality and shootability, and now American Tactical Imports (ATI) offers fans a way to own a faithful recreation in the Galeo. Built combining genuine military IMI parts with new American receivers, barrels and assorted parts, Frank Jardim found the Galeo a fitting homage to one of the great assault rifles of the Cold War.
“Quality was evident in the tight fit of the rifle and its impressive range performance. From my point of view, beautiful workmanship and extreme durability in an AK variant are worth the extra ounces and dollars,” he noted.
In Russia’s darkest hours during WWII, a new rifle few had ever seen began to appear. The PTRD-41 was a man-portable anti-tank weapon with one mission — to hunt German tanks. Tom Lamelin sheds light on its development, doctrine and longevity in “The Soviet’s Tank-Killer Rifles.” Meanwhile in Germany, the Walther VP 9mm was developed as a weapon for the German Volksstrum (people’s storm) in the end-stages of WWII. Faced with unrealistic demands, material shortages and simplified production methods, Michael Heidler reveals how the pistol offers a fascinating insight to what could be accomplished by Germany’s arms-making community under the circumstances in “Desperate Measures.”
After more than a century of chatter, T. Logan Metesh sets out to answer a popular question among military-surplus collectors in “Are Low-Number M1903 Rifles Dangerous?” Inspired by the classic single-shot Martini, Art Merrill details a new svelte and aesthetic throwback option chambered in classic American rimmed cartridges in “A DAMKO Fine Rifle.” And Jeremiah McCarthy proclaims Kalashnikov USA is “Making Saigas Great Again!” after going hands-on with the impressive new 12 ga. Komrad.
A fitting prize tops this Special Edition giveaway: an Auto-Ordnance M1 Carbine. The faithful military reproduction rifle has a Parkerized steel receiver, walnut stock and handguard, a blade front sight and flip-style rear sight. The winner will also receive a Diamond D Leather Rifle Sling and Linchpin folding knife from CRKT. Valued at more than $1,200, readers are encouraged to enter the free drawing by visiting www.gunsmagazine.com/giveaways.
Hand-selected from deep within the archives of GUNS Magazine, classic articles from the 1950s, 60s and 70s are revived for this Special Edition. From 1969, George C. Nonte’s “Development Of The Semi-Auto Rifle” outlined the race to re-arm the world’s armies, while Donald Simmons detailed the background of the Mauser Military “Broomhandle” pistol and the variations that followed in 1977’s “The Military Mauser.” Cutting-edge technology in the early 1800s, the air rifle was “The Gun That Scared Napoleon,” as Fred Baer reported in 1955.
Included in the issue is the 2020 Resource Guide for collectors, reloaders, reenactors and hobbyists to locate guns, gear, books and more inspired by classic military firearms.
The 2020 GUNS Magazine Special Edition issue of Classic Vintage & Surplus Firearms is available for purchase online at fmgpubs.com/classic20.
CONTACT: TOM MCHALE