Hatcher's Notebook: A Standard Reference Book for Shooters, Gunsmiths, Ballisticians, Historians, Hunters, and Collectors

This book is a fantastic technical reference to the development of small arms in the early 20th century. The information it provides on design principles, the testing and trials for American firearms of the period, and other ballistic or firearms related information is invaluable to anyone wishing for an in-depth understanding of modern firearms.This book isn't for stupid people. If you are dumb, you are likely going to get a headache trying to read this book. I would recommend sticking to coloring books if you think reading is hard.

First let me just say that if you can't find any interest in this book, dont waste your time (or anybody else's time) in trying to get into any kind of trade in firearms.Good info from the history of firearms to basic and in-depth knowledge of everything firearm related. Once I started reading it I couldn't put it down, great read and very informative. There arent that many pictures but he explains everything in detail, so you will need to use some of that brain matter to bring the details to life.

Nice addition to my firearms books family

Written in 1947 by Julian Hatcher who's Army career in firearms development spanned the period from just before WWI to 1947,. Contains a huge amount of historical data and biographical information on famous people, loads of technical info yet reads like a novel. Entertaining for the appropriate crowd, and a great reference work. The information remains valid and useful today. This edition is an exact reprint not an edited or updated version.

This was described to me as "essential". So of course I had to have it. This is just a joy to spend time with! History written by he who made it. If you have more than a passing interest in firearms and the history of some of the more famous weapons still in use today you should have this. So much information that it really is hard to process in one sitting. I cannot stress enough just how much I am personally enjoying this book. The development of bullets.....as cartridges progressed in speed and range, bullets of the times could not handle the rigors. Mechanical workings of the machine gun. Notes on all facets of cartridge development. Actual material used in the barrel of a gun, recoil.....etc. Way more than I can do justice to. Remember this is historical data, WW1,WW2. Essential to learn, fun to know, but clearly not of an immediately practical nature.

Hatcher explores both history and mechanics of firearms in an insightful and analytical way that is an education in itself. His calculations and empirical tests debunk myths, align understanding with reality, and provide new insights into internal and external ballistics, weapons, metallurgy, mechanics, and experience in an anecdotal and entertaining way. I read this cover to cover, bookmarking many pages. A rich collection of vital and illuminating facts. One of the classics of gun literature no gun enthusiast should be without. I sound like an ad, but I'm just elated at how good this book is. I feel so much more informed than when I started it. So happy to have bought it.

While with the Us Army Ordnance Dept. Hatcher did just about everything I ever thought of doing with a gun, and the Army paid him to do it. I had read a borrowed copy of this about thirty years ago, and now purchased my own copy for reference.

Hatcher was a person who would be great to talk with first hand but since he is long gone the book is a great substitute. It's interesting to a peak into his work.

Hatcher's Notebook, first published in 1948, is a classic study of US service firearms, ballistics, ammunition accidents and related matters by a retired Major-General of Ordnance in the US Army from around 1900 to 1948. It covers a variety of subjects that the author encountered in his work. While the early-to-mid twentieth century weapons under consideration passed out of front-line military service long ago, there are many still in the hands of military, historical and shooting enthusiasts worldwide. Of course the basic principles do not change, and Major-General Hatcher's chronicling of his experiences from his long career is very readable and accessible; you do not need a degree in physics to comprehend it. The book remains an extremely good introduction to a range of shooting, engineering and ballistics principles from a very practical viewpoint. There is much reporting of the results of experiments, tests and problem-solving, often carried out by Hatcher himself and his colleagues.This facsimile of the 1948 edition does not include some of the relatively minor additions in the later (up to 1962) editions, but these are not essential. The facsimile edition is attractive, but the paperback cover will require some care when handling to avoid creasing it - not an issue with a novel, but more so with a treasured reference book such as this. The illustrations and photos are all black-and-white, and not of a modern quality, but this does not detract form the overall value and interest of the book.Highly recommended and essential reading for anyone interested in the subject matter.

Fascinating book for anyone with an interest in firearms or military history. Recommended.

Collection of essays by a gifted and experienced ordnance officer. Great history lesson from the period 1900-1945. Every student of the gun should read it.

I felt that the section on chickens could be more detailed.

Acquistato per un regalo, ma ne avevo già una copia.Libro davvero unico che rappresenta il taccuino di appunti di un pioniere della balistica applicata.Unico difetto il prezzo, ma non si può avere tutto...