Matchlock, wheel lock, flintlock and caplock; .44 or 9mm; revolver and automatic - the history of handguns is a fascinating journey through the development of hand-held firearms technology. From early hand cannon of the late 14th century to the latest automatics and machine pistols, Collector's Guide to Handguns traces the development of these small arms as they evolved over the centuries. From a Thirty Years'War wheel lock to today's Beretta 92, from the Luger to the Colt to the latest Ruger, Collector's Guide to Handguns offers a narrative history of the classics among these firearms. Throughout the book there are technical specifications for featured firearms. Illustrated with more than 200 colour and black-and-white artworks and photographs, Collector's Guide to Handguns is an expertly written account of the history of sporting and military firearms.