Review: 'The Gunpowder People'

by
posted on October 2, 2018
gunpeop.jpg

Certain books should be in the library of any serious sportsman; immediate to mind are titles such as Weatherby: The Man. The Gun. The Legend. and John Nosler Going Ballistic: The Life And Adventures Of John Nosler. To these must be added The Gunpowder People by James W. Bequette.

Heavily referenced while writing "Hodgdon: The Inside Story,", Bequette thoroughly chronicles the story of Hodgdon Powder Co., decade by decade, from its founding through the current era, yet in an easy-to-read format. Each chapter begins with notable events of the decade to provide historical context, and then he delves into history specific to the company. To aid understanding of what’s being presented, interwoven through the pages are numerous illustrations and images, including images and reproductions of correspondences between B.E. Hodgdon and a who’s who of gun writers of the day. Such personalities include: Elmer Keith; Jack O’Connor; P.O. Ackley; and Col. Charles Askins. Not only do these writers provide insight into the importance of Hodgdon Powder Co. and its products, but of B.E. Hodgdon’s persona and ethics.

Also found within each chapter is a section entitled “In their own words,” in which former and current Hodgdon employees respond to a series of questions in an easy-to-follow dialogue. Outside of the main text body, which is rife with information, there are lesser-known “juicy” tidbits in these sub-sections. For example, when alone at home one night, young Bob Hodgdon became enthralled with slowly sprinkling propellant atop a lit trash burner in the basement. He continued increasing the amounts until ... well, you’ll have to read for yourself to find out. In the end, you’ll find the book to be a page-turner; in fact, unable to put the book down, I finished it in a couple hours’ time. The 199-pp., 11¼"x8¾" hardback book can be purchased at Hodgdon’s website (hodgdon.com) for $44.95.

Latest

Century BFT 01
Century BFT 01

New For 2024: Century Arms BFT74 & BFT556

Century Arms expanded its AK-style BFT rifle line in 2024 with two new models chambered for 5.56 NATO and 5.45x39 mm, respectively.

Preview: Armaspec SRS AR-15 Kit

This Armaspec upgrade to the AR-15’s standard buffer and spring includes a trio of interchangeable buffer weights that allow the user to tune it to his or her rifle/load.

Gun Of The Week: Davidson’s Exclusive KelTec KS7

Join American Rifleman staff on the range this week with a unique version of KelTec's KS7 bullpup shotgun.

The Armed Citizen® Nov. 1, 2024

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

Hydra Weaponry Expands To New Facility

Hydra Weaponry—the designer and manufacturer of the modular Marck-15 Hydra Weapon System and Maine’s largest firearm employer—has expanded into a larger facility.

Review: Bushmaster M4A2 Patrolman's Carbine

The M4A2 Patrolman’s Carbine from Bushmaster Firearms is the first in a line of AR-15s designed to bring back the standard, carbine-length firearms that have long been a staple of American shooting enthusiasts.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.