THE MODERN SHOTGUN: VOLUMES I, II and III. Three volume set. By Major Sir Gerald Burrard. The Field Library.

(1931) 1985 reprints. Three volumes. 8vo (142 x 222mm). Pp242;328;512. B/w photographs, illustrations. Gilt shotgun and titles to green boards, spine titled in gilt. Facsimile reprints of 1955 3rd edition.

This is a very nice set of three reprints published by Ashford Press in The Field Library in 1985. Volume I: The Gun. Volume II: The Cartridge. Volume II: The Gun and The Cartridge. "A comprehensive work in three volumes on sporting guns and ammunition". Contents include: Volume I - The barrels; Actions; The locks; The locks (continued); Ejectors; Fore-ends, stocks and finishing; Special actions; single triggers; Over and under guns. Volume II - Powders; Powders (continued); Caps; Cartridge cases; Wadding, shot and loading; Pressure; Velocity; velocity (continued); Recoil. Eight appendices give detailed information on the calculation of shot velocities, recoil, time of flight and so forth. Volume III - Boring and pattern; Factors affecting pattern; More problems of pattern; Choice of boring and pattern; Stringing of shot; Effect of stringing on pattern; Loads; Loads and forward allowance; General conclusions on loads; Comparative merits of different bores; Choice of action and barrel length; Fitting a gun; Cost of guns, special guns and second-hand guns; Cleaning and care of guns; Proving of guns; Bursts; Bursts caused by obstructions in the bore; More about bursts; Thoughts on shooting. An appendix gives typical patterns at different ranges. A classic in its field. Merits a place on any bookshelf.