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UPDATE!
The New 2011 version of the Firearms
Multimedia Guide now has listings for over 50,000 firearms. Also
new for this version, the guide now has over 1550 detailed
schematics, with the ability to zoom in on each part for a
detailed view. This makes it an even more valuable resourse for
the gun collector, gunsmith, or just the average gun owner who
likes to maintain his weapons.
I usually do not review any software programs
as a rule. The reason is that, first of all, Gunblast.com is all
about guns. We do stray occasionally into reviewing a knife or
two, if it is really something special, and we also have a
political section, of which I mostly avoid. I would greatly
prefer that our political pieces reflect only politics as it
relates to gun ownership, and to not post all that other
political crap, but Gunblast is not mine alone. I am but a
partner. Anyway, back to software. I am not what anyone would
call a “computer guy”. To me, computers are necessary
for what I do, and the internet is how I convey my views on
firearms and related topics to the public. The only print media
for which I write is the annual
Gun Digest, in which I write the section dealing with
revolvers, single-shot pistols, and derringers. Everything else
that I write goes out by way of the internet. While I can email
my reviews and pictures to our webmaster, and answer a bunch of
emails everyday, that is the extent of my computer knowledge.
Therefore, more than for any other reason, I am unqualified to
write a review on any software product. However, in this case, I
make an exception, for the software program lightly reviewed
here is a very useful resource for shooters, gun owners, and
anyone who might be in the market for a new firearm. It is like
having hundreds of firearm manufacturer’s catalogs at your
fingertips, only not as heavy.
The Firearms Multimedia Guide is a program on
DVD that works with modern Windows software, including Vista,
XP, and 7. It runs easily, with no downloads required. Just pop
in the DVD and it starts automatically. It is very simple to
use, and that is what I like. The program is easy to navigate,
and pretty self-explanatory. It is just a matter of clicking on
the information that is desired, whether it be info on a
shotgun, rifle, handgun, or ammunition, and even black powder
firearms. The Guide has many thousands of high-resolution
pictures of many variations of the same weapon. For instance, I
was just recently reviewing the Marlin
Model 60. Finding that info on all of the current variations
offered was easy to do, and the Firearms Multimedia Guide even
has better pictures and more information on the various styles
of the Model 60 than was available on the Marlin website. The
high-resolution images are superb! They show pictures of every
variation currently offered by the manufacturers, and clicking
on the images zooms in for highly detailed views of the
firearms. Along with the pictures are listed detailed
specifications, such as weight, barrel length, trigger pull,
drop at heel and comb, action type, finish, overall length,
stock material, list price, country of manufacture, and many
more details on each model.
The Firearms Multimedia Guide has the
firearms of most, if not all, of the manufacturers in the world,
even small shops like Wild West Guns and Chey-Tac are listed,
along with the products that they manufacture. Of course, all of
the major gun manufacturers are included as well, along with
every firearm manufactured in every variation currently offered.
Along with each firearm, caliber-specific data is included, so
that the user may see the variations in barrel length and weight
as it differs between cartridge chamberings offered in the same
weapon. I do want to note here that only current or very
recent weapon specifications are listed. For instance, if you
want info on Grandpa’s old Savage 99, that information is not
available on this DVD.
In addition to the firearm data listed, there
is also a handy cartridge conversion chart that lists caliber
designations, translating American cartridges into their
European metric and Continental designations. Also included are
500 printable targets, including animal and object images, as
well as bulls-eye type and graphic targets. The DVD is
worth the price for the target images alone.
Anyway, there is a vast wealth of information
and very high quality pictures on this DVD. Info covering 345
manufacturers, 24,000 high-res images, and a massive amount of
data is all on this one DVD. Even the manufacturer’ catalog
numbers are listed, to make it very easy to call up your local
dealer and order the exact weapon that you want.
Check out and order the DVD online at www.firearmsmultimediaguide.com.
Jeff
Quinn
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