Top Firearm Collecting and Preservation

The best Firearm Collecting includes 43rd Edition Blue Book of Gun Values, Firearms: A Visual Guide (Hardcover), Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson [5th Edition] and many others as mentioned below.

1

43rd Edition Blue Book of Gun Values

  • Largest edition with 2,528 pages of information.
  • Accurate history and specifications for modern firearms.
  • Includes new 2022 firearm makes and models.
  • Dedicated section for popular AR-15 manufacturers.
  • Features 1,900 manufacturers and 30,000 model descriptions.
  • Updated Photo Percentage Grading System for accuracy.
  • Serialization Index for easy serial number lookup.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $41.91
2

Firearms: A Visual Guide (Hardcover)

  • Comprehensive guide to firearms history.
  • Features over 600 stunning weapon photographs.
  • Covers pivotal moments in gun development.
  • Includes iconic firearms like Walther PPK.
  • Showcases craftsmanship of legendary gunmakers.
  • Written by international firearms experts.
  • Essential for gun and military enthusiasts.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $28.85
3

Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson [5th Edition]

  • Comprehensive guide for Smith & Wesson collectors.
  • Nearly 600 pages of detailed firearm information.
  • Covers revolvers, semi-autos, shotguns, and rifles.
  • Includes over 100 new Smith & Wesson models.
  • Thorough historical context and specifications provided.
  • Real-world pricing across multiple condition categories.
  • Must-have resource for buying or selling firearms.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $55.34
4

2025 Standard Catalog of Firearms [Corey Graff]

  • Comprehensive guide to firearm values since 1800s.
  • Over 7,800 photos with detailed descriptions.
  • More than 100,000 updated price listings.
  • Antique pricing using NRA's rating system.
  • Includes 1,200 makers and 18,000 models.
  • Essential for collectors, traders, and enthusiasts.
  • Bonus section on collectible Special Editions.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $45.28
5

Long Range Shooting Guide for Beginners

  • Comprehensive guide for long range shooting beginners.
  • Simple language for easy understanding and learning.
  • Includes expert tips from a sniper instructor.
  • Covers essential concepts like MOA and Mils.
  • Structured into three informative categories.
  • Practical advice to implement shooting techniques.
  • Companion to popular online instructional videos.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $20.83
6

The Illustrated World Encyclopedia of Guns

  • Comprehensive guide to firearms through history.
  • Features 1100 detailed photographs of various guns.
  • Covers military, antique, and law-enforcement firearms.
  • Explore pistols, rifles, revolvers, and machine guns.
  • Authoritative resource for firearm enthusiasts and collectors.
  • In-depth historical context accompanies each firearm.
  • Perfect for reference or casual reading enjoyment.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $28.34
7

Gun Digest 2025, 79th Edition by Philip Massaro

  • Comprehensive firearm resource since 1944.
  • Detailed reviews on rifles, shotguns, and handguns.
  • Over 600 pages of gun-related content.
  • In-depth features from top industry writers.
  • Updated ballistics tables for accurate information.
  • Advice on selecting ammunition and optics.
  • Your ultimate guide to shooting sports.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $25.00
8

Shooting Iron: Musings by Mike Venturino

  • Complete collection of Venturino’s Shooting Iron columns.
  • Originally published in American Handgunner Magazine.
  • Spanning from 2005 through 2024.
  • Easy-reading and entertaining writing style.
  • Honest and friendly approach to firearms.
  • Captures Duke's genuine personality and warmth.
  • A must-read for gun enthusiasts and collectors.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $24.95
9

Weaponry: A Visual History of Arms

  • Comprehensive history of arms and armor.
  • Stunning photography showcases weaponry evolution.
  • Covers 4,000 years of weapon development.
  • Includes ancient to modern weaponry types.
  • Detailed catalogs with specifications for each weapon.
  • Profiles influential warriors and fighting forces.
  • Created in association with the Smithsonian Institution.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $24.75
10

John Connor's The Odd Angry Shot (Paperback)

  • Collection of unique stories by John Connor.
  • Published in GUNS Magazine from 2004 to 2018.
  • Captivating tales that resonate with readers.
  • Highlights life experiences and personal insights.
  • Engaging narrative style keeps readers hooked.
  • Celebrates truth-telling and supporting the underdog.
  • Final series of John Connor's memorable works.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $24.75
11

Gunsmithing Modern Firearms: Enhance Your Skills

  • Expert guidance on gunsmithing techniques.
  • Step-by-step projects for firearm customization.
  • Easy-to-follow instructions with color illustrations.
  • Learn to build and repair various firearms.
  • Humorous writing style for enjoyable learning.
  • Suitable for beginners and advanced enthusiasts.
  • Enhance your skills and confidence in gunsmithing.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $24.99
12

Riflescope Mastery Handbook for Beginners

  • Master your riflescope with expert guidance.
  • Understand telescopic sights for maximum performance.
  • Learn ballistics to hit targets consistently.
  • Make precise adjustments for challenging conditions.
  • Utilize reticles for improved shooting accuracy.
  • Estimate distance for long-range success.
  • Gain insider secrets for precision shooting.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $22.95
13

Gunsmithing Guide: Gun Care & Repair

  • Comprehensive guide for gun enthusiasts and gunsmiths.
  • Nearly 500 pages of detailed information.
  • Covers tools, jobs, and gunsmithing techniques.
  • Over forty chapters of clear, accessible prose.
  • Includes illustrations for enhanced understanding.
  • Explores firearms history from the twentieth century.
  • Published by a reputable firearms publisher.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $13.87
14

Gun Trader's Guide: 46th Edition

  • Comprehensive reference for collectible gun values.
  • Extensive listings for handguns, shotguns, and rifles.
  • Features popular manufacturers like Colt and Winchester.
  • Updated annually for current market values.
  • Essential for collectors, dealers, and enthusiasts.
  • One-stop manual for buying collectible firearms.
  • Trusted standard reference for over fifty years.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $19.75
15

Firearm Blueing and Browning Guidebook

  • Comprehensive guide for firearm blueing and browning.
  • Includes 230 formulas for various techniques.
  • Timeless information presented in an easy format.
  • Covers rust removal and barrel finishes.
  • Useful charts for weights and measures included.
  • Ideal for gunsmiths, restorers, and collectors.
  • New foreword enhances classic content and insights.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $24.95
16

Mauser Rifles Vol. 2 (1918–1945)

  • Comprehensive coverage of Mauser rifle models.
  • Focus on models from 1918 to 1945.
  • Detailed analysis of manufacturing changes.
  • Includes close-up views of markings.
  • Visual breakdown of accessories and components.
  • Illustrated with rare combat-related items.
  • Authored by expert Luc Guillou.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $21.25
17

The Insider: 20 Years of Insights

  • Collection of Roy Huntington’s insightful columns.
  • Over 20 years of diverse writing topics.
  • Includes tips and tricks for gunsmithing enthusiasts.
  • Features unexpected photos of interesting firearms.
  • A perfect bedside companion for shooters.
  • Engaging stories about guns, gear, and life.
  • Conveniently compiled for easy reading anytime.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $34.00
18

Advanced Gunsmithing: 75th Anniversary Edition

  • Comprehensive guide to gunsmithing techniques.
  • Covers firearms alteration and repair methods.
  • Essential for amateur and professional gunsmiths.
  • 75th Anniversary Edition of a classic manual.
  • Includes tools for barrel changing and rifling.
  • Detailed instructions on sights and small parts.
  • Valuable reference for both novices and experts.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $13.90
19

Great Hunting Rifles: Victorian to Today

  • Explores exquisite rifles of the twentieth century.
  • Authored by firearms expert Terry Wieland.
  • Features personally owned rifles by the author.
  • Highlights historical importance and craftsmanship.
  • Includes detailed descriptions and stunning photographs.
  • Each chapter focuses on a unique rifle.
  • Perfect for rifle enthusiasts and historians alike.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $29.99
20

Hatcher's Notebook: Essential Guide for Shooters

  • Classic reference for shooters and ballisticians.
  • 2012 reprint of the original 1948 edition.
  • Illustrated guide on applied ballistics principles.
  • Covers military rifles and their historical development.
  • Invaluable tips on ammunition matching and selection.
  • Explains mechanics of firearms and related technologies.
  • Essential resource for enthusiasts and collectors alike.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $16.95
21

Model 1903 Springfield Rifle: Variations and History Overview

  • Detailed examination of Model 1903 Springfield Rifle.
  • Includes serial numbers for Model 1903A3 and A4.
  • Describes 31 variations over 41 years of production.
  • Covers sniper rifle variations and telescopic sights.
  • Features appendices with production and serial number info.
  • Includes original factory photos and thorough bibliography.
  • Perfect bound, 456 pages with color plates and illustrations.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $35.95
22

The Illustrated History of Firearms [2nd Edition]

  • Showcases over 1,700 firearms in full color.
  • Covers hand cannons to 21st-century sporting rifles.
  • Includes spectacular, detailed photos and captions.
  • Explores firearms' impact on world events.
  • Research by NRA National Firearms Museum experts.
  • 320-page hardbound edition, educational and beautiful.
  • A must-have for collectors and history buffs.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $42.61
23

Shooter's Bible: Firearms Assembly & Cleaning Guide

  • Comprehensive guide for firearm assembly and disassembly.
  • Expert cleaning tips for various firearm types.
  • Detailed specifications for popular firearm models.
  • Step-by-step instructions enhance user understanding.
  • Includes exploded view line drawings for clarity.
  • Generational trust in firearm maintenance knowledge.
  • Visual aids like photos enhance learning experience.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $23.94
24

The Illustrated History of Firearms

  • Comprehensive photographic history of firearms.
  • Features over 500 commissioned photographs.
  • Covers nearly 4,000 years of weaponry.
  • Showcases rare historical firearms and artifacts.
  • Profiles influential weapons innovators throughout history.
  • Ideal for history buffs and firearm enthusiasts.
  • First time available in paperback edition.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $16.35
25

Gun Trader's Guide: 43rd Edition

  • Comprehensive guide for collectible firearms values.
  • Extensive listings for handguns, shotguns, and rifles.
  • Covers popular manufacturers like Colt and Winchester.
  • Updated annually for current market values.
  • Trusted resource for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
  • Standard reference for informed firearm purchasing decisions.
  • Fully illustrated for easy understanding and reference.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $28.67
26

Shooter's Bible: Firearms Assembly & Cleaning Guide Vol 2

  • Comprehensive firearm assembly and disassembly instructions.
  • Includes popular shotguns, rifles, and handguns.
  • Expanded full-color DIY customization projects section.
  • Step-by-step cleaning instructions for all firearms.
  • Detailed specifications for each featured firearm.
  • Expert knowledge and advice on gun care.
  • Great resource for all firearm owners.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $27.89
27

Standard Catalog of Military Firearms [9th Edition]

  • Comprehensive guide for military firearms collectors.
  • Updated pricing for over 2,000 firearm models.
  • Covers handguns, rifles, shotguns, and accessories.
  • Includes identification tips and over 1,700 photos.
  • Special 16-page section on rare auction items.
  • Expert knowledge from military historian Phillip Peterson.
  • Ideal for buyers, sellers, and traders alike.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $30.67
28

Personal Firearm Logbook for Gun Owners

  • Track firearm purchases and sales easily.
  • Document repairs and alterations for each firearm.
  • Quick identification in emergencies like theft.
  • Insurance information organized for easy access.
  • Input for 50 firearms with ample space.
  • High-quality paper for all ink types.
  • Soft cover with professional matte finish.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $11.25
29

Handloader's Manual of Cartridge Conversions, 2023 Edition

  • Comprehensive guide for handloaders and enthusiasts.
  • Over 1,000 cartridge conversions included.
  • Obsolete to modern cartridges covered.
  • Easy-to-reference format with full index.
  • Tools and designs for personalized cartridges.
  • Revised edition since 2003 for accuracy.
  • Essential resource for cartridge case conversions.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $29.95
30

Smith & Wesson Handguns [Model 686]

  • Explores Smith & Wesson's rich firearms history.
  • Authoritative reference for collectors and enthusiasts.
  • Includes sixty-three detailed illustrations and descriptions.
  • Covers evolution of Smith & Wesson handguns.
  • Informative chapters on gun development and creation.
  • Valuable insights on various caliber handguns.
  • A must-read for Smith & Wesson fans.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $12.95