Book Review: Small-Bore Rifles A Guide For Rimfire Users

by
posted on October 13, 2018
smallboreriflesbr1.jpg

Small-Bore Rifles
A Guide for Rimfire Users
By C. Rodney James, Ph.D.
Skyhorse Publishing  $17.99

Whether you’re an avid rimfire match shooter or just a dedicated plinker, there is now a comprehensive resource for all your smallbore shooting queries. Written by C. Rodney James, Ph.D., who boasts a wealth of experience as a firearms forensic expert and writer, Small-Bore Rifles A Guide for Rimfire Users (Second Edition), represents a wide-ranging look at near every aspect of rimfire shooting, from a detailed history of its calibers and platforms, to a discussion of proper maintenance and expected accuracy in the present day.

Laid out in chronological format, the Guide first dives into the rimfire’s past iterations, from the all-but-forgotten BB Cap, to the ill-received .22 Long, to the venerable and storied .22 Long Rifle, to even once-discontinued calibers, such as the 5mm Remington Magnum. This treatise on calibers, as well as the following discussion of the platforms which fire(d) them, will be of interest to anyone who considers themselves a rimfire history buff. The sections’ utilities don’t end there, however. At the end of each, Dr. James gives a rundown on velocities, ammunition interchangeability between rifles, and guides readers through what to consider when shopping for new or used rimfires; invaluable information for any shooter or collector. This is followed by two entire chapters devoted to the technical intricacies of semi-auto and bolt-action competition rimfires, aimed at the mechanically-minded enthusiast.

From here, the book tacks more towards shooters, and a discussion of rimfires’ practical applications. There's a chapter devoted to improving rimfire accuracy, which dismantles the concept of sorting cartridges by weight and rim thickness (though  the importance of measuring bullet diameter is upheld). Near the end, the author’s attention is devoted to factors of hunting, such as range, lethality, and tactics for getting nearer one’s oft-skittish target. Finally, the guide wraps with a discussion of the basics and highlights of modern competitive shooting, as well as a look towards what the future may hold for rimfire.

Informative as it is interesting, Small-Bore Rifles A Guide for Rimfire Users, is a one-stop-shop that certainly belongs on every rimfire rifle aficionado's bookshelf. As American Rifleman Editor-in-Chief, Mark Keefe, says in the forward to the Guide’s second edition: “This little book is the most useful treatment of the .22 I have read, and it is highly recommended for anyone serious about being a rimfire rifleman.” There can be little praise higher than that.

Small-Bore Rifles: A Guide for Rimfire Users is available now.

Latest

2023 Fla Pistol Statechamps 1
2023 Fla Pistol Statechamps 1

Results: 2023 Florida State Precision Pistol Championships

The 2023 Florida State Precision Pistol Championships were held at the Gateway Rifle and Pistol Club in Jacksonville, Fla., October 21-22. The match was sponsored by the Florida Sport Shooting Association.

Blackhawk Lands T-Series Holster Contract Worth $2.1 Million With Belgian Federal Police

Blackhawk awarded T-Series holster contract with Belgian Police for Smith & Wesson M&P9 and Glock G17/G45 service pistols.

New: Federal Gold Medal CenterStrike .223 Rem. Match Loads

The new Federal Premium Gold Medal CenterStrike 77-grain .223 Rem. load is shipping to dealers now, joining the .308 Win. and 6.5 mm Creedmoor loads available since earlier this year.

New: Savage Arms AccuCan Suppressor Line

Savage Arms announces new AccuCan suppressor line with three multi-caliber models available now.

Results: 2023 IDPA World Championship

This year’s International Defensive Pistol Association World Championship featured three jam-packed days of simulated self-defense scenarios.

Legends: Cecil Rhodes 1956-2023

With great sadness, we share the news of the passing of Bullseye Pistol competitor Cecil Rhodes II on Monday, November 27, 2023. He was famous for mentoring new shooters.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Sports USA delivered to your inbox.