doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Michael McIntosh's Book - The Best Shotguns

Michael McIntosh's Book - The Best Shotguns ever Made in America.

Do any of you have this book and if so what do you think about it?

I have the book, and its been around for a long time (mid-80s maybe?). Like all other McIntosh books, it is written in his unique style; and is a fun read (basically, a series of short stories on his ideas of which shotguns should make the list and why he arrived at his conclusions). However, if you are looking for a book that will provide indepth information on a particular brand/s, which is what most collectors seek; this is not the reference book you want.

It's a good starting point, if you want something fairly basic about all the classic American doubles. But as topgun said, there are books with far more detail on each of the great American doubles (including one on Fox, also by McIntosh).

Bill Smart's review in the August 20, 1981, Washington Post, of Mike's "The Best Shotguns Ever Made in America" was the start of many an evening and Sunday afternoon that I spent at the Library of Congress and the National Archives researching things Fox. On Friday the 21st my Wife had a copy ordered from Scribners. Six years later while working on the Fox book Mike autographed it for me. That book was the best there was in 1981, but we've unearthed a lot of information in the last 26 years. So, while every American double gun fan should have a copy in their library, it certainly can't be considered the definitive work.

It seems to me that it gives the uninformed a basic overview of what was produced and when and by who and perhaps serves as a beginning point for further research into one's preferences.

For example, I am inclined toward Ithaca NID's more than any other double. What would be the next book I should obtain?

Another question as well. Are there any American Made shotguns that should have made McIntosh's book?

>>For example, I am inclined toward Ithaca NID's more than any other double. What would be the next book I should obtain?<<

Jim:

That's a no-brainer: 'The Ithaca Gun Company, From The Beginning' by Walter Snyder. It's just outstanding, as is Walt's book on the Ithaca M37.

>>Another question as well. Are there any American Made shotguns that should have made McIntosh's book?<<

Yes, Remington.

Bill

mtjim,

With regard to the Ithaca NID you should buy Walt Snyder's book; "The Ithaca Gun Company From the Beginning". It is great reading and THE reference book on all the Ithaca SxS's including the NID. You can order an autographed copy directly from him.

mtjim et al: By prearrangement, I picked up a copy of Mr. Snyder's "Ithaca' book, personally annotated by "the man" with a wonderful inscription at the Southern SxS Classic in Sanford NC this past April. Mr. Snyder is a "local" in that general area. There is no better book on things Ithaca - period.
Edit: I should also mention that I have MM's "Best Guns" and found it a good general read. Got another copy and gifted it(passing along the infected blankets etc).