Townsend Whelen book "The American Rifle"

Member Bryan Austin often cites passages from Col. Townsend Whelen's book "The American Rifle; a Treatise, a Text Book, and a Book of Practical Instruction in the use of the Rifle" in his posts for good reason. In 1918 this book was published and I am continually amazed at the scope and depth of the information contained within. In the last century, prior to the advent of the internet, and the ease of finding information, Col Whelen wrote this definitive work about the American Rifle. The cornucopia of information contained within its pages is hard to believe came from one single individual, gleaned from decades of mingling with firearms manufacturers, ordinance experts, champion shooters, sportsmen, and hunters.

His chapter on Killing Power illustrates that this argument has been in play for at least a century, and will continue to be rehashed indefinitely!

This book is an excellent read, very detailed, and expansive. It is a fantastic reference work and hundreds of "jewels" are contained within its pages. This book is one of those that should be in your personal library for reference and enjoyment. Every time I go through it, I find yet another tidbit of information and the proverbial light bulb goes off frequently when some new correlation is made from the past to the present. "Good Lord" I say when I realize some of the same arguments or points of discussion were on the table 110 years ago, and are still on the table today.

Whelen cuts to the chase regarding marksmanship. There is the human element, and there is the equipment element. Both must be in top form for acceptable accuracy. By the way, 6 M.O.A. is the U.S. military standard for a combat rifle.

Topics contained within, relevant in 1918, are still relevant today. I strongly suggest putting this book on your Christmas wish list if you do not already have a copy. Mine is dog-eared, highlighted, and well read.

Here it is on Abe Books and I am sure a Google search will yield many results as well.

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