I just acquired some Mdl 99's and was curious to know what people think about the two books. They both have good reviews but Mr Royal's book appears to be the latest publication. Any recommendations, I would like to learn about the particulars of the rifles I have. I searched the forum and could only find reviews and comments about the books and not a comparison. Advice is appreciated.
Regards,
CC

Not going to fault either, both are useful in their different formats. For a beginner, I highly recommend Murray's format for it's simplicity and ease of use. Remember Dragnet? "Just the facts please". Nothing fancy, but straightforward. Think Honda Civic.

David's book is a work of art full of many insights gained through years of experience and data gathering from top collectors in the country. Still covers some basic information, but goes far beyond, especially with his comparative photographs of the many minute differences found within models and ranges. All this reminds me it's time to read Davids book again.

Both good, but Murray's is pretty linear and clear, probably the best choice for a beginner. But really, why limit yourself to one?

Good advice, Roy. I've been wondering when this question would be asked.

I've got both and depending on the level of detail I need determines which one I grab.

If you are serious about 99s, both are a necessity.

Murray's is easier. Royals' has much better pictures. Having BOTH is to your benefit,

Have both, regularly use both and really enjoy both....

Theres always kimmels book,and Bill Wests stevens ,savage book also for more info on savage rifle History.

I HAVE ALL 5. Including both editions of Bill West. But for some reason, Murray is STILL my "go to".

I'm in the "both" camp.

Easier to carry Murray's book rolled up in a jacket pocket through a gun show for reference. David's book would look a bit odd..

That being said, David's book has a lot of corrected information in it from Murray's. So both ideally, but Murray's should probably be first.

I vote for my book of course. Schiffer Publishing's senior editor just sent me a copy of the "American Rifleman" review. I'll put it in a new post. I wrote my book because Murray repeated a lot of the errors that appeared in the catalogs and completely left out things like the Montreal Home Guard musket. I'm not knocking his book, he did the best he could at the time he wrote it which was before the internet. Although I don't know why he left out the MHG musket and the Perris Special. David

Lot like the Old testament and the New testament. Best to your advantage to research both. GW

Probably because he just stuck to the basics, if that was the case he left out the RT's and the spiegels EG's to.

MHG and Perris specials were never in a catalog, so easy to see why he left them out.

What confuses me is including the CD and leaving the others in that vein out.

Both

Thank you for the candid and sage advice regarding the two books. I suspect I will end of with both eventually. Regards, CC