As someone who enjoys the writings of Jeff Cooper, I was very happy to finally get
my hands on his new book The Art of the Rifle . Before I had actually laid eyes
on it, my initial thoughts was that the book would be a primer on riflecraft, everything
that one would need to know from A to Z. Instead it turned out to be a bit different;
the book does explain the basics somewhat, but it is directed more towards explaining
some techniques and equipment that seem to be absent from other rifle curriculum. It
is not a stand alone book as much as it is a supplement to other books already in use.
Many books on rifle shooting explain basic fieldcraft and some even give insight on
the use
of a shooting sling. The Art of the Rifle is the best book I have seen
that explains these concepts in plain English. Jeff Cooper has always been a good
writer in this respect, his instructions and technical descriptions are always easy to
read and hardly ever misinterpreted. Cooper uses this gift to simplify the use of
sights, ballistics, and the always maddening
shooting uphill. (While what he says on that subject isn't exactly true from a
Physics point of view, in the real world he is absolutely correct)
For those new to rifle shooting and are looking for some guidance, Cooper has done
you a favor. Instead of discussing all possible types of slings, sights, scopes,
etc, he goes ahead and tells the reader what is best. Of course this is only his
opinion, but with his experience and knowledge you are getting good advice.
I believe that this is of value to the new shooter because it saves him the time lost to experimentation.
When I have a question to ask of a gun book and its author says "You can shoot this way,
or that way, or even this other way," I want to scream. But to hear the voice of
experience say "I've tried shooting many different ways and this is what works best"
can be a comfort to some.
About the only complaint that I have with the book is that I wish the chapter on Rests
would have included more photographs. Several more pictures of various improvised
field rests would help explain things better.
I think that The Art of the Rifle is a welcome addition to any gun bug's
bookshelf. Pick up a copy, you won't be dissapointed.