Illustrated with outstanding colour 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 theatre 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.

About the Author
Martin J Dougherty is an author and former defence analyst specialising in military subjects. His published works include books on modern warfare, weaponry and military vehicles. He has spoken at several defence industry conferences, presenting papers on subjects ranging from precision-guided weapons to asymmetric warfare.