SCSW: Paperback good enough?

[snowman]

After nine years of owning Smiths, I finally think I've decided to get a copy of the book. Since my employer ceased operations a few months ago, I have to pinch some pennies. I was looking around for the best price today, and Midsouth won the competition, but. . .they only carry it in paperback(hence, I surmise, the decidedly lower price).

I'm wondering maybe if that will suffice. I'm not a collector, so the book would be used rather sparingly, as a reference. But I know it's a big volume, and experience tells me that the bigger they are, the more stress will be put on the covers and binding.

I'm just sort of wondering out loud if anyone has the paperback; and if so, how it's holding up for you.

Thanks,
Andy

 

[Curmudgeon]

Since you don't mention price, I have no way of knowing what price you've found. But Amazon currently lists the hardcover 3rd edition for $28.37 with free shipping. Once Midsouth adds shipping, what is their final price?

JP

 

[hsguy]

I have never seen a paperback version of the book.

 

[rburg]

I have never seen a paperback version of the book.

I'm thinking you could call the 2nd edition paperback. It certainly wasn't hard cover like the 1st and 3rd.

 

[lagavulin62]

I realize 30 dollars for the hardcover is an expense that you just can't send out in this economy unless you have it. if you can then it's worth it because you will use it more than you think. for reference books I always try for the hard cover. they sit up on the shelf straight and can take more of a beating. with paperbacks you always have to support that back. you can have the hardback open flat on the table and not worry about destroying it. paperbacks are better for cover to cover reading but do not work well with reference books that when used need to be open flat.

so to answer in short form. no I don't think the paperback would last long. even if you use it sparingly it will be a PITA.

 

[GJH77]

Buy.com has it for $26.74 but they seem to be out right now, first time I have seen that.
Buy.com - Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson Supica, Jim/ Nahas, Richard : ISBN 200886

 

[Old 44 Guy]

I think my 1st edition was 39.95 plus shipping, don't really remember. But it's worth every penny.

 

[Cooter Brown]

Maybe I just got a poorly bound copy, but the hardback I have is falling apart after about three years, much sooner than it should have. The cover boards are pulling away from the binding.

I have a lot of hardcover books, most of which are older have been used much more than SCSW, and they are in fine shape.

Just my experience and like I said the one I got may have been an anomaly.

In general I prefer a hardbound book for the reasons given above, and even with the one I have falling apart, I'd opt for the hardcover over the paperback unless there were around a 40-50% savings.