The Guns of John Moses Browning

The Remarkable Story of the Inventor Whose Firearms Changed the World

De: Nathan Gorenstein

Narrado por: Michael David Axtell

A “well-researched and very readable new biography” (The Wall Street Journal) of “the Thomas Edison of guns,” a visionary inventor who designed the modern handgun and whose awe-inspiring array of firearms helped ensure victory in numerous American wars and holds a crucial place in world history.

Few people are aware that John Moses Browning - a tall, humble, cerebral man born in 1855 and raised as a Mormon in the American West - was the mind behind many of the world-changing firearms that dominated more than a century of conflict. He invented the design used in virtually all modern pistols, created the most popular hunting rifles and shotguns, and conceived the machine guns that proved decisive not just in World Wars I and II but nearly every major military action since. Yet few in America knew his name until he was into his 60s.

Now, author Nathan Gorenstein brings firearms inventor John Moses Browning to vivid life in this riveting and revealing biography. Embodying the tradition of self-made, self-educated geniuses (like Lincoln and Edison), Browning was able to think in three dimensions (he never used blueprints) and his gifted mind produced everything from the famous Winchester “30-30” hunting rifle to the awesomely effective machine guns used by every American aircraft and infantry unit in World War II. The British credited Browning’s guns with helping to win the Battle of Britain.

His inventions illustrate both the good and bad of weapons.

Sweeping, lively, and brilliantly told, this fascinating book that “gun collectors and historians of armaments will cherish” (Kirkus Reviews) introduces a little-known legend whose impact on history ranks with that of the Wright Brothers, Thomas Edison, and Henry Ford.

©2021 Nathan Gorenstein. All rights reserved. (P)2021 Simon & Schuster, Inc. All rights reserved.

Outstanding for any firearms enthusiast

As a US Army combat veteran and avid firearms enthusiast this is a must read/listen. This truly gives the reader a real insight to Browning life, family, and his inventions. Once finished the reader feel as if Browning is someone relatable, not simply a name or a 100 year old photo of a distant stranger. Most modern firearms incorporate a concept or design the Browning drew up long before many of us or our parents were alive. I'll definitely give this audiobook many listens and recommend to many friends.

A Great Listen

A very impressive man in the firearms industry, every gun owner should listen to this audio book.

Great tale of a not so well known genius.

Audio was top notch along with the reading. Carting the story to show Browning's impact was a masterful step and made the telling so memorable for me.

Great narration, greater story.

For anyone who has ever grabbed a handgun, very, very interesting story. Also a screenshot of the rapid changing times of the late 1800-early 1900. Excellent audiobook.

great read.

great book to listen to had no idea who he was and his contributions to manufacturing some of the world's most deadliest weapons

If you have any interest in guns or just inventing

I knew a decent amount about Browning firearms before listening to this book but I learned and enjoyed learning so much more! The performance was well done. I might be described as a bit of a gun nut but even if you're just interested in history and inventions I think you'll enjoy this book.

hmgun history is good

religion facts need to be checked. author states opinion or miss information. I do appreciate the book non the less for the weapon history

Amazing

Absolutely a phenomenal book. If you're interested in firearm history, I highly recommend it. Everyone knows the iconic firearms of Browning, 1911, BAR, M2 but what I don't think is known, is his humble beginnings as gunsmith and the son of a frontiersman in Utah to the extent of his work selling designs to other major manufacturers such as winchester, Remington and many more. No one man has had a larger influence in warfare from WW2 to present day

Such a great "read"!

I knew some of the Browning legacy but this book fills in a lot of gaps!

Great read about a great inventor

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is very well written, and extremely interesting even for someone who knew very little about guns.