From the very earliest days of organized warfare, combatants have wanted to develop weapons with more firepower. This has inevitably led to a wide variety of repeating weapons, capable of a degree of sustained fire without reloading.

Based largely upon new research, this book explores the history of repeating and multi-fire weapons, beginning with the Chinese repeating crossbow in the 4th century BCE, and ending with the world's most common firearm, the Kalashnikov AK-47. The author describes the potency of the machine gun in World War I, the development of the semiautomatic pistol and the role of the submachine gun in improving the effectiveness of the infantryman.

About the Author
The late Gerald Prenderghast was a military historian and lived in Kent, United Kingdom. His publications included books about historic firearms, maritime history and Britain's involvement in the Wars in Vietnam.

Reviews
"Prenderghast traces the development of [these] weapons from fourth-century China to modern weaponry...provides details on hundreds of such weapons, including their production, design, operation, variations, specifications, military use, and current value... Well illustrated with photographs and diagrams...a thorough treatment of the topic and useful for those interested in military history...recommended"-Choice



Book Information
ISBN 9781476666662
Author Gerald Prenderghast
Format Paperback
Page Count 434
Imprint McFarland & Co Inc
Publisher McFarland & Co Inc
Weight(grams) 762g
Dimensions(mm) 254mm * 178mm * 22mm