Skennerton vs Stratton

[bradtx]

Son, When talking to Stratton about 'variations'...he didn't like it much either as it seems too binding, but it had something to do with North Cape Publication's scheme.

Brad

[A square 10]

quick answer is - you must have the LES by Skennerton , but strattons paperbacks are very valuable in many ways , if nothing else they are far more mobile [at gunshows] you really need both ,

particularly if you decide to expand into enfield revolvers or webleys ,

the books and reading save you serious money when seriously collecting , you will save the price of a bad purchase in short order

[krinko]

Stratton's books are shot full of misinformation---we have come a considerable distance since they were published, the corrected edition did not appear, so the books did not advance along with us.
While the experienced can see past the misinformation and fill in the blanks, the hapless noob cannot. So why direct them to it in the first place?

Noob Fantasy #1:
You are standing at a table in the Tulsa Arms Show.
On the table in front of you lies a 1929 Lithgow.
You are checking Stratton to find out why this SMLE is so absolutely blue, when the book says it's supposed to be "oil blackened".
Since you have the focus of your attention and both of your hands on the book, it's no trouble for me to reach past you and snag the rifle---throwing hundred dollar bills at the dealer as I do so.

I have never seen anyone hunting a gunshow with a reference book in hand---you had better have the information in your head and it had better be accurate information, or you will suffer.

So, without sentimental ties to one of the old guard, it's the "Lee Enfield Story" or the newer "Lee Enfield" and every SAIS Pam you can cram into your memory.
-----krinko

[S-A-M3]

Krinko you are absolutely correct.
Stuart.

[breakeyp]

Mr. Stratton was contracted by North Cape (Joe Poyer) to write a series of books based on the format and parts drawings/information supplied by Poyer. Stratton taught technical writing at the University of Idaho and was well qualified to research the available literature and write the books filling in around the information supplied by Poyer.

Based on the items in Stratton's collection recently sold at auction, his collection of Enfields was modest with some needing simple repairs/parts. An EAL and a No.1 MkV were the highlights of the collection. His US arms collection was far more impressive which leads me to the conclusion that the Lees were business not a collecting love.

[John Sukey (Deceased)]

Stratton is OK for a quick overview and does have nice illustrations and it is inexpensive
HOWEVER Skennertons book has been revised and updated several times. (I have all three editions) It'as NOT cheap but you get what you pay for, and in this case the expense is well worth it.
For that matter his other publications are also worth the effort
www.skennerton.com
If you are restoring a bubba job, his Small Arms Identification Series of booklets are worth the effort as they have exploded parts drawings.
Nothing more frustrating when restoring a rifle and the parts you ordered are ONE item short because you didn't have a drawing of all the bits.

[LithgowHT]

Stratton's books are shot full of misinformation---we have come a considerable distance since they were published, the corrected edition did not appear, so the books did not advance along with us.
While the experienced can see past the misinformation and fill in the blanks, the hapless noob cannot. So why direct them to it in the first place?

Noob Fantasy #1:
You are standing at a table in the Tulsa Arms Show.
On the table in front of you lies a 1929 Lithgow.
You are checking Stratton to find out why this SMLE is so absolutely blue, when the book says it's supposed to be "oil blackened".
Since you have the focus of your attention and both of your hands on the book, it's no trouble for me to reach past you and snag the rifle---throwing hundred dollar bills at the dealer as I do so.

I have never seen anyone hunting a gunshow with a reference book in hand---you had better have the information in your head and it had better be accurate information, or you will suffer.

So, without sentimental ties to one of the old guard, it's the "Lee Enfield Story" or the newer "Lee Enfield" and every SAIS Pam you can cram into your memory.
-----krinko

Hear Hear. Nothing says noob more than nosing through a book at an arms show, the unscrupulous dealer starts rubbing his hands together with an avaricious gleam in his eyes.

Also I prefer Skenny, bought the books off him and Brian "the budda" and they're local boys so makes you proud to have some local talent about.
The latest Prime Minister of Australia came from down the road also, we must be doing something right, now what the hell happened to me???