Suggestions for best collector references.

[Gus Fisher]

A question on the pistol forum got me to thinking about what the forum members feel are the best books to have for collector references and in what order? (Yes, I realize that no collector book is ever perfect when published and or new information comes to light later.) IOW, what would be the first and second best books to have in one's library on carbines? Thank you.

[tmark]

Larry Ruth's War Babies books seem most popular to carbine people. I also like JC Harrison's book on the M1 Carbine.

[Tuna]

The LAST book to have and use is Harrisons book. Has too many errors and is very outdated. War Baby is the best followed by US M1 Carbines Wartime Production by Craig Riesch. At least he updates his book with each new edition which is more the Harrison ever did.

[Gus Fisher]

Thanks guys. I don't have War Baby, so that is one I will look for first. I already had Harrison's book on the Carbine before I learned of all the errors. I blew my "book funds" this month on three French and Indian War period gun and source books, but I think the next book I should buy is a good collector book on Carbines as I really don't have one.

[phil441]

I usually check Riesch's book first and then WB if I want to go more in depth.

[ChipS]

Doesn't everyone have a copy of Riesch with the front cover a lttle curled up, a wrinkled spine and that dark oil stain area in the center of the page ends? LOL

[bug]

Now that is funny. As I read your post, I looked to my left and there it was exactly as you described. The Ruth/Duff M1 Carbine Owners Guide that's under it is almost as bad. Thanks for the chuckle....

Bob D

[phil441]

Now that is funny. As I read your post, I looked to my left and there it was exactly as you described. The Ruth/Duff M1 Carbine Owners Guide that's under it is almost as bad. Thanks for the chuckle....

Bob D

Now that's just plain scary!

Both books live in a zip-lock but they are both just as you describe.....

[TSimonetti]

For basic knowledge, nomenclature, and for trying to determine manufacture dates, I use the Ruth/Duff book. For collector parts references I use Carbine Club Newsletters, 6th edition Reisch, and "War Baby" usually in that order.

On a related note. I just saw the Larson book for sale at a local gun show for $50. I looked through it for the first time and have to say I am very sad that this book seems to be surrounded by such controversy, as it is a really, really attractive book with loads of pics and information. Unfortunately, I have heard enough that I am definitely spooked about buying it.

[JimF4m1s]

I try to buy everything, just to have them. The Larson book has a nice format, I'll give it that. Can't give it too much more though.