Just out is the new mega-reference DVD, the Firearms Guide 2^nd Edition, published by Impressum Media, Inc. The version examined is Version 2011.01 authored by Kresimir Mijic. It runs on Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7, according to the packaging. Once you insert the DVD to start up the program, you see the Firearms, Airgun, and Ammo Guide, Schematics Library, FFL locator, USA-EU Caliber Chart and Printable Targets menu choices on your screen.

The FFL list is a total of 61,819 dealers, search-able by State and Zip Code. The Gun Schematics portion totals over 1550 sketches. As you might imagine, a collection of this type is a considerable body of information. A few typos seem to have crept in, as even the DVD cover says “Ballisitics.” In the firearms section, barrel material, rate of twist, drop at comb, drop at heel and other fields are often left blank. A video is included from Verney-Carron, touted as being about the entire process of how a bespoke gun is made, but it is just a filler promo video that shows a variety of machining and wood working operations with a music background, but provides no specific information. The database of firearms included on this DVD is supposed to be 50,000 guns, but I surely didn't attempt to count them.

Although it hard not to admire the notion of a complete firearms database all on one disc, I have to say that this product is more of a work in progress than a finished article. Too much data is left out, the schematic section is mostly current production models and, while it aspires to be complete, it cannot be considered a substitute for such works as the Standard Catalog of Firearms in the firearms category or Bob Forker's Ammo & Ballistics in the ammunition segment at this juncture.

However, the Firearms Guide 2^nd Edition is an interesting addition to a gun lover's DVD collection. It sells for $39.95 and is available online from www.firearmsmultimediaguide.com.