Small Arms is an illustrated guide featuring 52 weapons from the late nineteenth century to the present day.
 
Small arms have developed hugely since the introduction of the machine gun in the 1870s. Magazine-fed rifles, submachine guns, automatic pistols and, later, assault rifles and personal defense weapons have changed the face of infantry warfare, offering a range of weaponry designed for both the specialist and novice. Small Arms includes the best-known weapons from throughout the modern era, from the Gatling gun, SMLE rifle, and Luger pistol to the Uzi, FN MAG, and M110 sniper rifle. Great iconic weapons, such as the Colt M1911 pistol, Bren Gun, MP5 submachine gun, and Steyr AUG rifle are featured, as well as timeless classics still in use today: the M2 Browning 50 cal, AK-47, and M16 rifle. Each weapon is illustrated with a color profile artwork and photographs, along with a description of the weapon's development and history, key features, and a full specifications box. Small Arms is a colorful guide for the military historian.