Illustrated with outstanding color profile artworks, The Essential Identification Guide: Small Arms 1945–Present is the definitive study of the small arms equipment of warring nations from the end of World War II, through the Cold War to the current conflict in Afghanistan.

Arranged chronologically and by theater of war, the book describes in depth the various models in service with each force, noting the changing uses of small arms and the development of the role of high-powered sniper rifles, such as the M110.

All the key types of small arms are featured, such as handguns, submachine guns, machine guns, automatic rifles and grenade launchers, and all the major models are included, such as the M16 rifle, the AK-47, Uzi and the Gepard M1. The book covers the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Six Day War, Yom Kippur War, the Yugoslav War, Chechnya, Iraq and Afghanistan. With information boxes accompanying the full-color artworks, The Essential Identification Guide: Small Arms 1945–Present is an excellent reference guide for modelers and any enthusiast with an interest in the military technology of the twentieth century.