Preview: Arming The World | American Gunmakers In The Gilded Age

by
posted on May 26, 2024
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Arming The World | American Gunmakers In The Gilded Age

In an incredible tour through the American experience during what is arguably the golden age of firearm development, author Geoffrey Stewart highlights the 25-year period between the Great Exhibition of 1851 in London and the Philadelphia Centennial Exhibition of 1876 from the perspective of the American arms industry.

Each of these great industrial showcases bookend one of the most remarkable periods of firearm evolution and encompass a time when American armsmakers grew into industrial giants equipping armies and empires across the world. Within its 314 pages, the book includes remarkable insights that illustrate exactly why and how American firearm companies “armed the world” in the decades following the Civil War. Much of the book details armsmaking and acquisition during the war itself, laying the groundwork for the gun-building boom that followed the cessation of conflict.

Arming The World: American Gunmakers In The Gilded Age is a must-have for the historical firearm enthusiast seeking a greater understanding of the role American armsmakers played in the latter half of the 19th century. Suggested retail pricing is $38. For more information, visit lyonspress.com.

Latest

Red Dot Occlusion 4
Red Dot Occlusion 4

Red-Dot Occlusion Training: A Performance-Booster for You & Your Optic-Equipped Handgun

Red-dot occlusion is a passive technique that shooters can use to remain target-focused, thereby speeding up their performance with optic-equipped handguns.

New for 2026: Dead Air Nomad Ti Over-The-Barrel (OTB) Suppressor

The Dead Air Silencers Nomad Ti OTB is designed to be a compact and lightweight suppressor for the backcountry hunter.

I Carry: Diamondback SDR in a Galco Hornet Holster

For our latest "I Carry" episode above, we paired the six-round Diamondback SDR DA/SA snubnose revolver with a simple leather holster from Galco, along with one of the latest EDC flashlights from Streamlight.

The Armed Citizen® May 8, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Creating the Ideal First-Time Shooting Experience

That first time behind a trigger can shape a newcomer’s attitude towards firearms. Here are five ways to make the experience a success.

Henry Repeating Arms Founder & CEO Honored as Law Enforcement Supporter of the Year

Henry Repeating Arms founder and CEO Anthony Imperato has been named Law Enforcement Supporter of the Year by New York State Fraternal Order of Police Memorial Lodge 100.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.