..., does the 3rd edition have updated information about older guns and serial numbers or just added information about new models introduced since the 2nd edition?

Will the earlier editions suffice if my interest is only in the older guns?


thanks,

Rob

I posed the same question here recently. The answer is that the 3rd edition contains additional information, corrections, clarifications, etc. across the board and is the book to get if you're going to have only one.

thanks -db-

I think you will find more and updated info in the latest model. I was very lucky last week at the SWCA meeting as I had breakfast with one of the authors and lunch with the other.

Keep in mind the values listed are as of date of printing, compiled in 2006 and printed and released in 2007. So you need to rely on other sources to establish values, but it is still the best source for information and descriptions, and many of the values are not too far off, just the "hot" items like K Frame .22's and a few others.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

Just got mine last week from Amazon, and it sure is a great book with a wealth of information. BT

We (posters here) abused Jim Supica to death to get him to update to the 3rd edition. He even jokingly called it the "Dick Burg coffee table" edition.

Many of us here emailed him as often as several times a week with comments and additions. We all have different views of how it evolved.

My view is the first was the greatest thing to have happened for S&W collectors (in second place was Roy's RM article from 1989.) Better still, it covered aspects of the brand that had never been covered before. What Jim and Rick had done was compile their notes from decades of gun show work. They were careful to note their data was just observations.

Then the 2nd edition came out. It was a paperback that didn't command the respect of the 1st. What it did do is correct many of the mistakes and misprints in the 1st. I'm not saying the 1st was bad, but the 2nd really corrected the little things.

But as more people saw the first two, they came in with even better information. And Jim openly solicited (open solicitation can get you arrested in some cities!) Help from the posters here. He actually enlisted all the help he could get. It was a pretty smart move on his part. We were invested in the 3rd edition. We have really promoted the book because its so good. Its got the photos and the size to impress everyone. The information contained is pretty darn good.

About the only bad thing I can say about the 3rd is it was printed in Red China. Jim's answer to that was it would have been impossible to print it in the US, and even if it could have been done, the cost would have been prohibitive.

I ordered 3 copies with everyone else here. We got them kind of early. Now I've lost 2 of the 3, including the autographed one. Coincidentally, I have 2 sons. I doubt they'll enjoy them as much as I do.

The one I've somehow managed to retain has autographs of posters here that I could find at the gunshows. Jim was generous by naming his helpers. There were many.

But I've retained my early editions. The 1st has a lot of notes in the margins. I make notes in the 3rd edition, too. Mine aren't bookshelf queens. The smart S&W collector keeps one by his easy chair for reference. You'd be amazed at what you can learn from reading this forum and checking your facts. Better still, looking at a new-to-you gun and reading about it.

I don't believe everything I read. I don't think that was Jim and Ricks intention. They freely admit they're still learning. We all are. But most folks aren't as anal as some of us here. Reading and believing will upgrade the knowledge of the vast majority of collectors and shooters. Everyone needs a copy or two.

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Dick Burg

Nice post Mr. Burg. "The book" was one of my first purchases when I became an addict. There's not a day goes by that I don't use it. I've thought about getting a second one for the bedside table. It never fails. When I'm in bed with my laptop and need to check the book, it's in the living room. When I'm in the living room, it's in the bedroom. I'm sure there are errors in the book. But where else can you get as much information, and eye candy in the way of color photos, all in one package for the price of a couple of fast food meals! Between the book and all the knowledge shared by the members here, what more could you ask for? Except the guns themselves!

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Misty

I have the 2nd Edition and was wondering if the 3rd Edition included the MPc 9s and 40s. Amazon has the new edition but you can't peek inside. Thanks. - 'ole joe.

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Semper Fidelis
West Virginia

Another reason this forum is the best thing going. And it's free. And it hosts a fine group of like minded gun collectors (insert snarky rebuttals here).

I am waiting for delivery of my copy from Amazon this week. My go to sleep reading every night.

Update: Mailman just delivered my copy. It's well worth the money. Put together well and great photos. I'm happy.

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Now That's Bullet Maintenance!

There is brief mention of the M&P's. I think they were brand new at the time of publication.

Thanks. The 2nd edition covers my first love - wheel-guns. I have an interest in the M&Ps now but if the coverage is that limited I may just sick to the the 2nd. - 'ole joe

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Semper Fidelis
West Virginia

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Regards,
Lee Jarrett