This extensive and useful encyclopedia is specially written for sport shooters, weapons collectors, and government officials.

Inside readers will find: an extensive glossary of technical terms and types of ammunition, complete with full color illustrations Information on arms manufacturers and makes of pistols from around the world; detailed descriptions of each weapon, often accompanied by its history and development Information on handguns of the nineteenth, twentieth, and twenty first centuries; an extensive index to help readers find specific weapons or subjects; and hundreds of color photographs of pistols and revolvers.

Listed in alphabetical order by manufacturer, the principal data for individual guns is given, along with extensive information on the development of each weapon. The book addresses all the technical terminology, such as the locking and safety systems of pistols and revolvers, as well as information on handgun ammunition. Readers will find all the important models listed in this reference book.