American Gun: A History of the U.S. in Ten Firearms (Large Print)

(Paperback)

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In American Gun, the deadliest sniper in U.S. history tracks down and shoots the most important American firearms, from a flintlock rifle to a Colt revolver to the latest high-tech weaon he used as a SEAL. Chris Kyle uses these guns as a window on United States history, making the sweeping argument that the American story has been tied to and shaped by the gun. In each chapter he offers engaging stories associated with a parricular gun, form wars to duels to shoot outs. American Gun is part history, part first-hand journey as Chris locates and shoots the actual guns.

THE 10 GUNS THAT SHAPED AMERICA:

1. THE AMERICAN LONG RIFLE (aka the Kentucky Rifle): Used to open the American frontier and by soldiers in the American Revolution.

2. THE SPENCER REPEATER: Designed during the Civil War, this first repeating rifle cut reload time by 80%.

3: THE COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY (aka Colt .45): The handgun that defined the Old West, used by Buffalo Bill, Billy the Kid, Wyatt Earp, Wild Bill Hickok, Doc Holliday, and other iconic gunslingers.

4: THE WINCHESTER 1873 RIFLE: The Gun that Won the West was a staple in the late 19th century Indian Wars and later a prop in countless Westerns.

5. THE 1903 SPRINGFIELD: Designed at the request of Teddy Roosevelt, this superior rifle gave U.S. forces an edge during WWI.

6: THE M1911 ARMY PISTOL: The official U.S. Army sidearm from 1911 to 1985, the King of Combat Pistols is still used by todays elite Special Forces units.

7. THE AMERICAN MACHINE GUN: Including the Browning Automatic Rifle and the Thompson Sub-machine Gun, the Gun that Made the 20s Roar was the weapon of choice for lawmen and gangsters during the Prohibition era, including Machine-Gun Kelly, Elliot Ness, Bonnie and Clyde, Pretty Boy Floyd, John Dillinger, and others.

8: THE M1 GARAND SEMI-AUTOMATIC RIFLE: The Gun that Saved the World was used by U.S. forces again Nazis and Japan during WW II.

9. THE AMERICAN POLICE HANDGUN: From the .38 Special revolver to the Glock pistol, this chapter is a tour through police firearms history.

10: THE M16 ASSAULT RIFLE: Made famous during Vietnam, this platform is still the standard used by U.S. military weapons including the H&K M4, the firearm that killed Osama bin Laden.

Reviews

"Chris Kyle embodied what it meant to have a heart both strong and soft, and a commitment to country, family, and God. ... Kyle will continue to inspire anyone paying attention to his example." -- Dallas Morning News

"Chris Kyle was incredible, the most celebrated war hero of our time, a true American hero in every sense of the word." -- D Magazine

"A true hero." -- New York Times

"Chris Kyle has done and seen things that will be talked about for generations to come." -- MARCUS LUTTRELL, recipient of the Navy Cross and author of Lone Survivor

"A celebration of Kyle's voice and life: It's like sitting down with him in some funky Texas roadhouse just off the interstate after a hot but fulfilling day at the range, ordering up a tableful of Lone Stars and just talking guns for a few hours." -- USA Today

"Tells how 10 firearms changed United States history." -- New York Times Book Review

"Kyle's enthusiasm for his subject is infectious, and his gift for narrative lends the stories the tension and drama they deserve. ... Regardless of one's views on guns, readers will gain a deeper respect for weaponry and the people tasked with using them." -- Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"Kyle's firm grasp of the ten guns selected is combined with a narrative of American soldiers, lawmen, and citizens who used them. ... When you read American Gun you hear the voice, heart, wit, and passion of this self-effacing American hero--one taken from us too soon." -- Mark Keefe, American Rifleman

"Chris Kyle knew guns in a way no modern American ever has. ... His book new book details the rifles and pistols wielded by soldiers, police officers, hunters, mobsters and outlaws that most influenced the culture of this nation." -- Daily Mail (London)

"A book that every American should read, and it will stand as part of the legacy of one of our nation's greatest heroes." -- American Rifleman

A fitting legacy for Chris Kyle. ... American Gun is written with the authority of a subject matter expert and the straight-talking voice of a warrior." -- SOFREP.com

"An entertaining gallop through history." -- London Times

Author Bio

SEAL Team 3 Chief Chris Kyle (1974-2013) was awarded two Silver Stars, five Bronze Stars with Valor, and numerous other citations. Following four combat tours in Iraq, he became chief instructor for training Naval Special Warfare sniper teams. He is the author of American Gun: A History of the U.S. in Ten Firearms. A native Texan, Kyle is survived by his wife, Taya, and their two children.