Yes, you read that right — I wrote a book. I wanted to write something that could act like a longer “Ask Foghorn,” something tangible that you could hand a new shooter and give them all of the information they need. Something that you could give as a gift, and cheap enough that it wasn’t a big financial investment. Something that was short enough to keep their attention, but contained enough information to get them started and on the right track. After months of work, I think I’ve finally done it.


Getting Started with Firearms in the United States clocks in at just over 100 pages packed with content of interest to the new shooter, covering topics form the basic operating parts of a modern firearm to gun store etiquette and range commands. Available both as an actual physical book (available next week from Amazon for $4.99) and a Kindle eBook (for $1.99) it’s my hope that this book will help the next generation of gun owners be the most responsible and knowledgeable generation yet.

The printed proof version came in the mail Wednesday morning, and it was a strange experience to unwrap a book with my name on the cover. There are one or two issues I’m still working out (like the cover design) but the vast majority of the book is finished. And since I don’t need the proof anymore, I figured it would be a great idea to have a little contest and give it away to one of you readers.

CONTEST: This is the source for the cover of my book, a picture I took of every gun in my collection circa early 2011. The first person to ID which gun hasn’t been reviewed on TTAG will receive the proof copy of my book, signed, in their mailbox, along with an extra “gift.” The winning response must have a valid email address attached to the comment to be eligible.

UPDATE: Congratulations to Moonshine7102! The scoped AR-15 in the center, my “Pretty Princess,” has been used for reviews but never actually reviewed itself!

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38 COMMENTS

  2. Nah, that’s the zastava .22.

    I think it’s the black pump action shotgun next to the saiga. I can’t identify it though.

  3. Got it! The AK that is missing a pistol grip.

    Edit: never mind. that’s a saiga, and I’m a dumbass.

  9. The revolver in the corner. S&W 627?

    P.s congrats on the book! Definitely picking one up anyways if I’m wrong.

  10. Nick,
    In the cover photo, why did you decide to show the handguns as “clear” (slidelock and cylinder open) but none of the long guns? Just curious.

  12. Your book is excessively cheap…charge more for your hard work!

    And it’s time to start a TTAG store, you now have your first item for sale.

    • Actually that’s about right for self-pubbed books. You’d be surprised how much better the royalties are at those prices compared to a traditional publishing deal.

      Nick, are you doing the Kindle Select deal with this? I’ve found those free promo days are a powerful marketing tool.

      If you’re still wrestling with the cover, let me suggest this guy: http://jtlindroos.carbonmade.com/.
      He did fantastic work on my novel for a very good price. A pro cover made all the difference in the world.

      • Even with the self publishing, I’m only making a few cents off each book. I decided early on that I’d rather be widely read than rich – hence writing for free on this here blog.

        But I do make some money of the books, so hopefully the initial sales will give me enough to hire that guy (who, by the way, does appear to do a fantastic job) for the second edition!

  13. Congratulations Nick. Please publish the link to Amazon as soon as it’s available. I’m waiting for my NYS pistol license—which puts me right in the bulls-eye of your target audience.

    By the way, are there photos or illustrations?

  14. I don’t see a .22 pistol or rifle in that picture….please tell me you own one if you are writing a book about getting started with firearms.

  15. Congratulations on the book. I’ll pick it up on my Kindle. Keep up the good work, reviews and honest evaluations of gun stuff.

  16. Congratulations on the book! Looks like a good one that needs to be on my shelf next to my Elmer Keith and Bill Jordan books.

  18. Large congratulations to you Nick. 🙂 You’ve given me some excellent one-on-one firearm advice and for that I thank you again and I will be purchasing and perusing your new book ASAP.

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