POPULAR HANDGUNS

New York: Random House, 1957. Hardcover. Very Good/Good To Good Plus. Larry Koller was a legendary, mid-20th century wrriter, editor and expert on outdoor sports, especially guns and hunting. This little 1957 book, "Popular Handguns" was one of numerous books on guns and hunting and fishing that Koller wrote or edited. Unlike most of his work which was intended for an audience already familiar with and fans of hunting and fishing, this one is a primer, for the beginner, for someone interested in learning about handguns. About 6 1/2 x 9 1/2 inches, 136 pages in red cloth-covered boards with beige backstrip and black lettering on spine. Text illustrated with numerous b & w photos. Dustjacket's front panel shows a color photo of a .22 caliber presentation-model Ruger Single Six revolver. Back panel shows .44 magnum Ruger Black Hawk revolver at top and 9 mm Smith & Wesson double-action automatic at bottom. Boards and text show only light soiling and wear at edges, corners and spine ends. Dustjacket shows heavy wear along edges and spine, especially along top edges, with a closed, one-inch tear at bottom edge of front panel. Small price sticker on inside front fold. Blurb on back panel notes: "Here, in words and pictures, is the whole story. You'll find out how to select the right gun and how to shoot it accurately. You'll enjoy the exciting history of the handgun and pick up tips on collecting old guns." While individual guns and manufacturers have changed over the years, the basics on gun handling and safety remain the same. Koller knew well what he was writing about, which makes his work collectable today.