Fellas, can any of you recommend any books that treat 19th-century big bore rifles in the same sort of detail that Pondoro did with late 19th and 20th century rifles in "African Rifles and Cartridges"? I have that volume, and Truesdell's "The Rifle and its Development," which gives some brief sketches. I know there are many titles relating to hunting experiences in that fading century, but did anyone prepare a survey of the rifles and loads (for muzzleloaders) and cartridges from the period that is in the same league with Taylor?

Bill:
I believe the best of this information is to be found in individual chapters on 'Rifles..' in a number of period publications on African and Indian hunting during the mid-19th century.

By far the best is Chapter 1: "The Rifle of a Past Half-Century" in Sir Samuel Baker's "Wild Beasts and Their Ways".

Another goodie is Chapter XIV: "Rifles and Camp Management" in G.P.Sanderson's "Thirteen Years...". Frustratingly concise, and this is the norm unfortunately. There are many more like it.

Its a pet topic: I too will be keenly watching this post for further recommendations!

Marrakai: Thanks for the reply. Now to find a copy of Baker ...

I believe Elmer Keith covered information on big bore rifles in America anyway. I believe all his books had bits of information including
"Gun Notes" and "Hell I Was There".
I don't think anyone could do the job as nicely as Taylor.
Frank

There are a couple of good chapters in J.Walsh ("Stonehenge") two-volume The Modern Sportman's Gun and Rifle dating from the early 1880's that cover military and "Express" BP rounds pretty well, with lots of coverage of the various contests and trials involving them that were popular in those days. It's also just a plain good read, and has chapters on nearly every facet of shooting a late-Victorian gentleman might be interested in. His opinions of the Martini-Henry are priceless.

Gad, more books to buy. ... Well, at least bn.com had 14 used copies of "Wild Beasts and Their Ways," starting at just over $20.

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