A 1st Ed., signed by the author, popped up on Ebay yesterday. 6 day auction with a start price of $175. Someone bought it for the $275 buy it now after being posted about 3 hours. Dang it. I was going to bid but maybe should have just bought it outright. You don't see too many copies and this was a good one. Link

Hopefully someone here was the buyer?!

Eric

Same Mr Eric, I often wondered about the book,if any one here has read the book speak up. Im such a model 70 lover Im willing to bet its a good read. I do know it would be hard to compete with Mr Rules book. very best winpoor

Eric, I was wondering how this book compares to the Rifleman's Rifle. Does this get into the technical minutia as does Rule's book, or more of a straightforward story of the rifle. I finally ordered a paperback of RR from amazon ($91.59) and didn't know if Whitaker's book would compliment it or pretty much be a watered down version. Thanks, John

Whitaker's book is a Readers Digest condensed version of Rule's. Nowhere near the level of information.

I don't own one, gave almost all my gun related booka away several years ago, to a friend with terminal Cancer. He sold me my beloved original Oberndorf Mauser Type B-9.3x62 and enjoys reading about guns more than I did/do.

However, I have looked into Rule's work and, had my interest in P-64-70s not been supplanted by that for the superior Brno 21/22 and ZG-47 rifles, I would have purchased a copy.

I like MOd. 70s, especially the superb Alaskan, the best hunting rifle ever made in the USA, but, have never been a "collector", having fired and used "unfired" specimens during my 47 years with them....NO, I would NOT do this now, but, in 1968, things were a bit different.

Good summary, Bob.

I like having my signed copy.
Had it long before I purchased Rule's.
But as stated, no where near the details or info.
Just something else for the collection....

Pretty much it right there. Rule's book is "the bible" but this makes a nice supplement.

Eric

Thanks guys ! v best WinPoor

I purchased first editions of both books when they were first published, IIRC I did not pay more than $69.00 for either book. I held on to them for many years, they were read and re-read and referred to many times for reference information. When the prices hit $300.00 or so I sold both books. They are great books, just take your time and you'll find one that won't break the bank.

I have both books and Rule's book goes into much more detail.

I may be wrong, but doesnt Whitakers's book show a 7X57MM that had been "faked" to a 9X57MM?

I can't remember if there is a photo.
But I can tell you, there are 4 or 5 pages about "fakes", and things to look for and how its been done from the 9m/m to the Carbine.
Very interesting and need know info....

Having had a gunshop and traveled the gunshow circuit on the Eastcoast for a number of years I came into contact with some big name dealers engaged in faking rare M/70's. When Winchester sold off some M/70 parts and tooling in the late 70's and early 80's some items that found their way out of the factory(perhaps out the back door) were M/70 barrel rollmarking dies. These fell into the hands of the fakers who used them to make rare caliber barrels, 7mm, 7.62 Argentine and 9mm were amoung those faked at that time. Most knowledgeable collectors know that the majority of rifles in those calibers went to South America and were used hard. Therefor it is extremely unusual to find rifles in those calibers in high condition like those the fakers were trying to market back then.

I did that too, back around 1989. There was no explicit talk about faking, but it was pretty clear from the stocks undergoing staining and special lacquering and the roll dies, tags, etc. that something was going on.

One would think the community of collectors of such rare and expensive rifles is relatively small and closely connected. I find it incredible that a dealer with a good reputation in such rare air would risk their reputation. You really don't want to get a bad rep with a bunch of wealthy clientele. I'm not doubting gunswizard. I'm only commenting on the short range thinking of the dishonest dealers.

Well guys, I stumbled across another 1st Ed. on Ebay, signed by the author and in even better condition. I picked it up. This should be a nice supplement to my Rule book.

Link.



Eric

I was watching that one too. Glad you got it and I didn't bid. Would have hair been bidding against each other. Congrats.

As to GunDoc7's post, one of the dealers engaged in fakery is out of business and the other's reputation is pretty widely known. It's a wonder he's able to sell anything.

Hoogie, thanks for not bidding it up!!

Eric