An illustrated historical reference to over 500 military, law enforcement and antique firearms from around the world. Includes a fascinating history of the origins of rifles from the 18th century, manual and automatic machine guns, a comprehensive directory of weapons, full technical specifications, and illustrated with more than 600 photographs. The world's most important arms from the flintlock musket to the Lee-Enfield Mark 1 and the Kalashnikov AK47 to the Barrett M82A1 anti-material rifle.