Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Ask The Gunwriters Jim Carmichael's 'Book of the Rifle'

Like a lot of gun enthusiasts, I'm always looking to add another great reference to my library. One book I can recommend is Jim Carmichael's 'Book of the Rifle'. This book is long out of print and prices are starting to reflect that. Right now, you can still find copies online pretty reasonably, though.

This is a book that if you don't grab one soon, you'll look back in a few years and say "I remember when I could have bought an original copy for...."

I have two copies. One is an original printing that is signed by Jim...I found it at the bottom of a pile of old hunting and fishing books in an antique store in Stillwater, Mn. I snatched it up and headed straight to the register. It wasn't until a few hours later that I was thumbing through it and found the autograph. Not a bad surprise!

For what it's worth. -Al

I have one; other than Jim's troubling remarks about the inadequacies of the 375H&H(but who the hell am I to question Carmichael?), it is a great book.

That's funny, I am re-reading it now. Just got through the chapter on varmint rifles, now onto Africa Rifles.

His chapter on the .220 Swift inspired me to get a Model 70 heavy varmint. I have never regretted that purchase.

I agree, this is a fine book. I also enjoy Bob Hagel's work among many others.

I bought the book when it first came out and still have it. Jim did a great job writing his book of the rifle. A couple years ago, I managed to find one for my son who had read my copy while growing up and wanted one of his own. I recommend this book to any rifle loony.

+6 on this one! Jim's explanation of external ballistics is truly elegant.

+1

Two other of his books I enjoy are "Just Jim" published by Wolfe in 1973. Another, "The Modern Rifle" published by Winchester Press 1975.

Fortunate enough to have all three of these signed.


Woodchuck

My copy of Carmichel's book is the limited edition number 63. It's one of the best, I rank it with Whelen's "The Hunting Rifle" and anything by O'Connor, Keith or Bob Hagel.
John

I read The Modern Rifle about one thousand times when I was a kid. I still enjoy reading it today.



Travis

Mr. Carmichael's writing prevented me from purchasing a .375 H&H for many years. I agree with him that it is generally too big for the small stuff, and too small for the big stuff.

When I was a youngster I purchased (thanks to Carmichael's eloquent prose) a .338 Winchester magnum (still my favorite gun and caliber) and was berated by not one, but two Brits in my small town. That also prevented me from thinking too highly of Holland's magnum. I believe the .375 to be perfect for lions, tigers, and the great bears. Not much else though. For the big stuff, give me a .416, or a .458. Smaller stuff can be handled easily with a .300 or a .338. I believe Carmichael was correct in calling the .338 Winchester the best all-rounder.
This is my .338 at its best.

John: It is a very good book...

WOWZER! That's a beautiful picture, congrats!

I re-read Carmichael's book every couple of years just to remember all the stuff I forgot. Other than the somewhat outdated stuff on scopes, stocks and triggers, the book is an absolute must read for anyone that is at all interested in rifles and how they work.

Fast Ed

Never got past his slight (in my eyes anyway) of the .270 or it's early proponent. He may be somewhat knowledgeable and an all right guy, but theres been a number of articles over the years that raised the hackles on my neck!

Ole 270: I think Carmichael is "impish" enough to play with the readers head when it comes to calibers and their use on game. I do not take seriously that HE believes for a second what he said about the 270; nor do I think he believes the 280 to be vastly superior to the 270.He knows he can kill with one as well as the other.He is too smart and experienced to think otherwise.

Years back he did an article critical of the use of "cocktail time" calibers on large game; more recently he wrote about how effective lighter cartridges were on most game.I like Carmichael and respect his knowledge; I also think he likes to "play" with the readership a little and mess with our heads...if he can

Come on Bob! You know that .007 inch makes ALL the difference.

Ah stand corrected!!!!

Excellent book. Each time I read it, I learn something new. Recommend to all.

Yep, I remember it was one of the first books I bought with my own money (normally reserved for model airplane kits and airgun pellets) and still treasure the copy I have.