This study of small arms and ammunition in all major armies of the world was a survey of the competition at a time when the British Army was still in a transitional stage of switching to the Martini Henry, a prototype of the rifle that dominated early 20th century warfare. European development in the 1880s was rapidly leading to bolt action rifles (such as the German Dreyse and Mausers and the French Chassepot and Gras rifles) whilst the US was still wedded to the single shot Remington, despite the success of lever action weapons (such as the Winchester and the Spencer). Waiting In the wings was the Lee magazine rifle. All of these weapons, and many more, are described in this book, and there are many line drawings showing the details of the arms so that a full understanding and comparison of the competing systems can be arrived at.This is an excellent book which needs to be on the bookshelf of anyone interested in the history and development of firearms.