WEAPON CULTURE Christmas Promotion: More Vickers Guide

The present book continues the Vickers Guide series and is thematically linked to the now out-of-print Volume 1 of the Vickers Guide to the AR-15. As in all previous Vickers Guides, weapons expert Larry Vickers is responsible for the content of the work, while James Rupley contributes the photographs of the featured weapons. The book is available through DIE WAFFENKULTUR - with a special offer.

The focus of Volume 1 was predominantly the lavishly illustrated history of the AR-15, which, like few other firearms, has shaped the 20th century and is poised to play a significant role in the 21st century. Volume 2 now dedicates itself to the contemporary variants of the AR and attempts to demonstrate the breadth of this system, which has repeatedly proven its incredible adaptability over the decades.

The book begins by briefly examining the transition to the "modern era" of the AR-15, exemplified by the Colt M4A1, Colt MARS, and two Knight's Armament prototypes. This era, as seen by Larry Vickers, is characterized by shorter barrel lengths, collapsible stocks, and the modularization of the weapon made possible by the introduction of the Picatinny rail. The authors also highlight the importance of new types of ammunition, magazines, and optics for the "modern" AR-15 at appropriate points.

Next, the book delves into various AR versions from the manufacturer DIEMACO/Colt Canada, which are relatively unknown in Germany, over around 50 pages. Following that, the work explores the "big brother" of the AR-15, the AR-10 and SR-25, using the Knight's Armament SR-25 and M110 as examples.

Vickers and Rupley then discuss the AR variants used in the "War on Terror." This section covers the FN M16A4, FN M4, SPR variants known as Mk. 12, as well as the LMT L129A1 used by the British forces.

A significant portion of the book is dedicated to piston variants of the AR system. Larry Vickers, who was involved in the development of the HK 416, contributes interesting aspects to this section. Alongside the Colt Model 703 and the Taiwanese T65, this section discusses a variety of H&K rifles, including the HK 416, HK 416A5, HK 417A2, HK G28E, HK CSASS or M110A1, and HK M27 models.

The book then introduces some exotic ARs over the next few pages. These include various Colt prototypes and rifles produced in small quantities. Additionally, two Chinese (!) AR derivatives are briefly presented.

Over approximately 25 pages, the authors also present replicas of ARs that closely resemble specific weapons used in military operations by the US armed forces. These include replicas of the Colt M4A1 from "Operation Enduring Freedom," the Colt SOF M4A1 CQB from "Operation Vigilant Resolve," and the Colt M4A1 from "Operation Iraqi Freedom." This section will be of interest to those who want to closely emulate one of these prototypes with their AR-15.

The book concludes with the presentation of various AR cutaway models, providing insight into the mechanical operations during the reloading cycle, as well as representatives of civilian AR-15 variants. Regarding civilian variants, Larry Vickers rightly points out that the civilian market is the primary driver of innovation in the accessory market, as military procurement is much too sluggish for the rapidly changing market.

Overall, the book is a worthy continuation of Volume 1. Like its predecessor, the book is not intended as a scholarly reference work but as a technical book that illustrates major developments through its outstanding and technically convincing images, supplemented with brief texts.

While the selection of featured weapons in Volume 1 was guided by the history of the AR system, such a guideline naturally did not exist for Volume 2, as its content focuses on the further development of the AR system, which has produced an almost endless variety of AR-15 variants. The selection made in the book is therefore somewhat arbitrary and could have been different. Furthermore, the AR-15 market is so dynamic that any book is already outdated at the time of printing, as Larry Vickers himself acknowledges in the preface. However, these points are inherent to the subject matter and cannot be blamed on the authors.

Therefore, this book is relevant as it documents a snapshot of the state of development of the modern AR-15 and preserves it for the future. It also completes Volume 1 of the Vickers Guide to the AR-15 as a comprehensive overview, with the quality of the printed images unmatched to date. Anyone seriously interested in the AR-15 will hardly be able to bypass the acquisition of this standard work.

"Vickers Guide AR-15 Vol. 2" by Larry Vickers and James Rupley Hardcover, 352 pages Format: 33 x 28 x 3.3 cm Publisher: Mott Lake Publishing, Nashville (USA), 1st edition 2017

CHRISTMAS SPECIAL: 1 copy for 99 euros plus 9 euros shipping (prices may vary for international orders). Special offer: 2 copies (one for reading, one as an investment) for 160 euros plus shipping. Inquiries via: [email protected]

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