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History always has stories to tell, and the latest Special Edition issue of GUNS Magazine Surplus Military & Classic Firearms chronicles the influence weapons have had on shaping militaries, modern warfare and the world as it’s known today.
The infantry soldier’s occupation has always been one of misery punctuated by sheer terror. Still, as German Field Marshal Rommel observed, the nature of “mobile warfare” changed the mission and weapons dramatically. “Burning Sands” reveals how destroying a mobile force’s tanks — without serious casualties — shifted the soldier’s focus to materiel destruction from hand-to-hand combat.
In “Airborne Defense In World War II: Guns Of The B-17 Flying Fortresses,” the impact on military history of machine guns adapted for use in the skies examines the use of Browning AN/M2 .50-caliber machine guns in the American B-17 bomber fleet — with later models packing as many as 13 of the powerful machine guns.
Man-portable weapons have always represented the last mile determining the outcome of armed conflict. Surplus highlights the Browning Auto-5, HK91, ZB26 and the Rubik’s cube of tactical shotguns, the Franchi SPAS-12. Handguns, infrared scopes and edged weapons played their parts in history, too. The mechanics of the Czech vz.52, first appearance of the M3 Sniperscope and even the role of the machete in modern combat are included as well.
One lucky winner will be the new owner of a Best Arms Bullpup Model BA912 courtesy of ADCO that tops the Surplus Special Edition gun giveaway package. The 12-ga., semi-auto, mag-fed shotgun delivers reliable performance and compact handling. A Streamlight TLR-RM 2 low-profile long-gun light with an integrated red laser and Secret Bodyguard knife from Hoffner Knives round out the package valued at $1,050. Readers are invited to enter the free drawing by visiting GunsMagazine.com/giveaways.
Additional highlights of the issue include the reasonable explanation for Japanese Arisaka rifles “blowing up” when U.S. soldiers arrived home with trophies (hint: lesser-known trainer models were designed for blanks use only!). Surplus shares the origin story of a true American legend, the M1 Carbine, and a tutorial on how to build a perfectly acceptable “counterfeit” model for your own enjoyment. And in “Big And Slow,” the country’s military fixation on .45s is discussed in detail.
GUNS Magazine Surplus Military & Classic Firearms is currently available for purchase at newsstands everywhere and online at fmgpubs.com.
CONTACT: TOM MCHALE