( 8 reviews )
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Posted: Aug 11 2009
As another reveiwer pointed out, a book in the vein of O'Connors "The Hunting Rifle." Boddington's book is more specific and relevant to the present, and probably more useful to the modern hunter, but it also ensures that it likely will never become a timeless classic like O'Connors work. Even though it was written over thirty years ago, "The Hunting Rifle" is still an interesting re-read. Can't see picking up Craig's book in ten years and re-reading it the same way, but that doesn't take away from the quality of the book as a reference.
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Posted: Sep 3 2008
I found this book an excellent read, and only wish that Mr. Boddington would release a new edition with his views on some of the more recent cartridges (i.e. the winchester short mags, the 17 HMR, etc...). If you like good writing on rifles and big game hunting, you're going to really enjoy this book. Although I disagree with Mr. Boddington on some of his recommended cartridges for specific big game (he's a self-admitted big bore, heavy for caliber guy), I found this book and his anecdotes interesting and useful. If you're familar with, and enjoy reading, Jack O'Connor, you can compare this book directly with Jack's "The Hunting Rifle" or "The Big Game Rifle". Although Mr. Boddington lacks the artistic prose of Jack O'Connor, his straight-forward and modern approach is an interesting and different take on the same material. Highly recommended!
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Posted: Dec 21 2007
This book is almost thirteen years old as I write this review, but it's still quite relevant to anyone trying to sort out the dizzying legion of rifle/cartridge choices available for today's hunter. It has chapters on nearly anything relevant to gun choices for North American hunting -- chapters on cartridge classes, game types, accessories, specialized situations, etc. General Boddington (USMC, I think Reserves now) backs up all his claims with personal experience, something often lacking in the works of many of the armchair gunwriters who populate websites, blogs and chatrooms. I found Boddington's anecdotes entertaining, insightful, and well-told. Yes, many of the fancy new cartridges that have come out in the last 13 years are not covered; but who cares? Those new cartridges are mostly 'emperor's new clothes' situations. (e.g., What can the newer 260 Rem do that the older 7-08 Rem can't??? Maybe that's why no one's buying 260s right now.) If you're into hunting with and/or shooting rifles, try to read any book or article by Boddington that you can get your hands on. He is the greatest currently active gunwriter for two reasons: 1)The breadth and depth of his hunting experience (not only in America but in Africa & elsewhere) are probably unmatched by anyone living and 2)Unlike many of today's gunwriters, Boddington actually writes very well (he reminds me of a less-snooty Jack O'Connor. Of current gunwriters, I'd rate John Barsness as an equally good writer, but I'd give Boddington an edge in worldwide hunting experience.) Too many of today's gunwriters don't realize that the rootword of their profession is not 'gun,' but 'writer.' Boddington is an excellent exception. If you appreciate good writing and you're interested in hunting rifles, you'll love this book.
