Comments and discussions in my post about finished with stock finishes compel me to make this post.

Joe Farmer, despite self deprecating disclaimers in his book spent countless hours researching Krags. He did direct research into primary documents.He visited Rock Island Arsenal. He did not rely existing books, he set them aside and did his own digging.

The data he uncovered, the data he uses to back up his statements is there for all to see and use in his book. There are no "hidden discoveries". That includes what I learned about stock finishes.

He uncovered and unambiguously documents the heretofore unrecognized and unaccepted "Magazine Rifle" and explains it all in his book. Even I could understand it.

I have Mallory and I have Poyer. I paid 50 bucks for my copy of Mallory's book in excellent condition. Joe's book is 40 bucks. Joe's book is a bargain in comparison, it is far more detailed, provides more data. It's nice to have Mallory's book to go along with Joe's book. Joe's is dense, Mallory's is not so it lays a good foundation.

Joe's website is an adjunct to the book. I've learned a lot on that website.

This community is a damned small community. I don't know nor do I care about what went on before within this community. What I do care about is truthful data and the advancement Krag Collecting.

If you give a rats ass about collecting the American Krag Rifle you need a copy of Joe's book. It should be your first purchase, not your last.

In the words of Forest Gump: "and that's all I have to say about that".