The British Sniper: A Century of Evolution (book review)

[longebow]

To All:

I received my copy two weeks ago, and "could not put it down." It was an excellent tome on British sniper rifles and support equipment, from 1915 to present. It is a much needed update/complement to Ian Skennerton's and Peter Laidler's books on the subject. The photos are outstanding, most in color, allowing the reader to see details that have been previously appreciated only by those who have personally owned/handled these rifles. Steve Houghton included anecdotes from British snipers from the major conflicts, which added a rich and enjoyable flavor...

A full third of the book is on topics related to Accuracy International, and AI's contributions to MOD sniping (and the rest of the world for that matter) is easy to understand given the evolution from the first ("Green Meanie") to the latest AX models.

The first printing is of 2000 copies, so don't take too long to consider! It is just a joy to peruse over and over, and is a worthy addition to one's gun library. Two thumbs up!

longebow

The history of the British Sniper - Swift and Bold Publishing

Swift and Bold Publishing aim to provide the sniping history enthusiast and collector alike with quality books centred specifically on British military sniping.

www.swiftandboldpublishing.co.uk

 

[sirhrmechanic]

I'll add it to my list!

Thanks for posting!

Cheers,

Sirhr

 

[buffalowinter]

It's expensive as it is a private printing and ships from UK. I can't remember exactly, but I paid over $100 for mine.

 

[Hairy Biker]

I just bought one. Awaiting arrival. 59GBP plus air mail post I seem to remember.

 

[jmar]

Sounds like a good candidate for a group buy to save shipping.

 

[Strykervet]

It's expensive as it is a private printing and ships from UK. I can't remember exactly, but I paid over $100 for mine.

That's about how much any small production book from UK costs it seems!

 

[Dougie308]

To All:

I received my copy two weeks ago, and "could not put it down." It was an excellent tome on British sniper rifles and support equipment, from 1915 to present. It is a much needed update/complement to Ian Skennerton's and Peter Laidler's books on the subject. The photos are outstanding, most in color, allowing the reader to see details that have been previously appreciated only by those who have personally owned/handled these rifles. Steve Houghton included anecdotes from British snipers from the major conflicts, which added a rich and enjoyable flavor...

A full third of the book is on topics related to Accuracy International, and AI's contributions to MOD sniping (and the rest of the world for that matter) is easy to understand given the evolution from the first ("Green Meanie") to the latest AX models.

The first printing is of 2000 copies, so don't take too long to consider! It is just a joy to peruse over and over, and is a worthy addition to one's gun library. Two thumbs up!

longebow

The history of the British Sniper - Swift and Bold Publishing

Swift and Bold Publishing aim to provide the sniping history enthusiast and collector alike with quality books centred specifically on British military sniping.

www.swiftandboldpublishing.co.uk

This looks good.

 

[Polizei45]

A great book. It came out to $111.99 with shipping. Not cheap but worth every money.

 

[Hairy Biker]

Just received mine. A worthy addition to my library with lots of new details.

 

[njohn890]

Just received my copy, if you enjoy collector grade books this is an excellent book. I have all the Senich books, Chandler, Poyer and others in my library and this book is very well laid out.

The photographs are high quality with photos from training and deployment. The history of equipment and tactics is detailed. Very happy to add it as a reference source to my collection.

Makes me want to go track down an older model AI now........

 

[Sooter76]

About how much of the book deals with the WWI and WWII rifles and equipment?

 

[Erno86]

I do own a Smelly fake T-Sniper...along with a large stash of hangfire prone British Cordite 303.

 

[njohn890]

WW1 and WW2 occupy approx 1/3 as a guess. They start at WW1 go through to the L42 of the 60’s up to mid 80’s and then the trials for the AI and include a little on its trial competition of the PH M85. Great details and operational photos as well as details on related kit.

 

[Random Guy]

I ordered mine a week ago, looking forward to this book...even if I don't have a British sniper rifle.

 

[Hairy Biker]

I read a chapter at a time out of order. Then read it again I find something else I either did not know or had missed previously.

 

[Basher]

Got mine a few days ago, but haven’t had the time to really sit down with it yet. However, it looks amazingly well done and is a very high quality piece of work! Spendy, but looks to be worth it. I’m going to drop Steve another email and see what others he has planned and what the timeline is for them. I’ll definitely be addind any others that he puts out to my library!

 

[ZG47A]

Mine turned up about ten hours ago (13:30 Thursday NZ time). All the praise seems justified. Great pictures, good text, very tightly edited. Worth my money.

Thank you Mr Houghton.

 

[B4Maz]

Just ordered mine. Are there any books like this for US sniper rifles?

 

[Sooter76]

Mine turned up about ten hours ago (13:30 Thursday NZ time). All the praise seems justified. Great pictures, good text, very tightly edited. Worth my money.

Thank you Mr Houghton.

Yep, got mine last night... To say I'm impressed with the quality and content would be an understatement.

 

[kujuak]

Fast delivery, signed numbered edition. Merry christmas to me!!!
Beautiful book.

 

[B4Maz]

Just got mine

 

[C4N4DIAN]

Added to my list. Thanks for the review !

 

[kujuak]

I have one 200 earlier,#1148, bought 2 months ago. I think if you want one I would not tarry long.

 

[PenDragon12]

How useful would this book be do you think, when trying to determine the authenticity of 303 sniper rifles. Example serial number series, Factory upgrade codes and other identifying markings on these rifles.

 

[Sooter76]

How useful would this book be do you think, when trying to determine the authenticity of 303 sniper rifles. Example serial number series, Factory upgrade codes and other identifying markings on these rifles.

View attachment 7220844

It'll tell you what the proper markings are but that information is readily available online. If you're looking for specific serial numbers to verify the authenticity, it doesn't have that.

 

[Athos300]

How useful would this book be do you think, when trying to determine the authenticity of 303 sniper rifles. Example serial number series, Factory upgrade codes and other identifying markings on these rifles.

View attachment 7220844

That’s a Jungle Carbine receiver so I really hope nobody has ruined one of those to make a fake No.4(T).

Try this reference:

Markings on Lee Enfield Rifles

Ever sat there wondering about what markings, a number or a symbol means on your LE? Well I for one have had many an hour scratching my head trying to decipher what they all the markings mean. So …

www.allaboutenfields.co.nz