Clawson's books are well worth the money!! There is a smaller collector's guide that is available from Clawson as well... and this one won't break the bank. (I can put you in touch with someone who sells them if you are interested.) This smaller guide is not as detailed as his larger books, bet there is still a ton of info included. There are also reference books by Meadows and Goddard that are well worth while. If you are looking into the .38 Super, Douglas Sheldon has a great book on that 'flavor' of 1911.