Military Model Scene

Title: Nambu Pistols
Author: John Walter
Publisher: Osprey
ISBN: 978-1-4728-5542-8

Japanese military handguns 1900-1945, number 86 in the Weapons series from Osprey. An 80-page soft-cover book.
After the scene setting of the Introduction, the bulk of the book is split between the Development and then the Use of the Nambu pistols, plus a consideration of how it compared/influenced other pistol designs of the period, all before closing with a short but neat Conclusion. The Nambu was not a pistol that I knew much about beforehand. I could recognise it, simply because I've always thought it looked rather similar to the German Luger, though not exactly of course. The development story is enlightening and how it was the 14th Year Model that was most successful, while even that was split between earlier 'small guard' (trigger guard), and later a modified 'large guard'. There were other designs, in particular the smaller Type 94, which I personally think is rather 'weird' looking. There were other Japanese pistols and revolvers which are included, as well as other designs also used during the war in the Pacific. It includes both the good and bad points about the design. I was surprised to read that Japanese officers and troops did not take the best care of their personal weapons, which led to some problems.
With a mix of archive and modern photos, along with artwork that does include fine cutaway diagrams, the story of the design is well illustrated. It also goes on to talk about the influence these guns had on post-war Japanese designs.
Thanks to Osprey for our review copy.

Robin