ARMAX is a unique gem in the firearms universe. Previously published between 1987-1996 by the Winchester Firearms Museum, it has been reincarnated.  ARMAX indeed owes its name to the Winchester Repeating Arms Co, as it was an old trademark of Winchester’s from the 1920s. Why the Museum chose it as the title for its journal is, however, “a mystery”. In its new configuration, ARMAX now encompasses firearms technology and history from the past 200 years from all over the world.

Gun Books @ TFB:

• America’s Rifle – New Retitled Edition of Black Rifle II Book
• “Man Portable Air Defense System: Fliegerfaust” Book Now Available
• NEW Lyman 51st Edition Reloading Handbook
• Book Review: The Guns of John Moses Browning – The Remarkable Story

The writing, research and subject matter at ARMAX are top-notch, and they should be.  Not only are the writers of the caliber such as TFB and Overt Defense Editor Matthew Moss, but all articles are subject to a double-blind peer review.  The subject matter is impeccably researched, and the source material is cataloged in an extremely professional manner.

ARMAX, The Journal Of Contemporary Arms

The core staff at ARMAX has serious credentials, here’s the main editorial staff at a glance:

• Editor: N.R. Jenzen-Jones from Armament Research Services
• Assoc. Editor: Jonathan Ferguson, Royal Armouries
• Editorial Board: Danny Michael and Ashley Hlebinsky from Cody Firearms Museum, Richard Jones from Royal Armouries, and Mathieu Willemsen from National Militair Museum

Onto the Subject(s) at Hand!

In Vol. VII No. 1, the list of topics is as follows:

A fascinating in-depth look at the MBAssociates M1 Silent Pistol and Javette Projectiles.  This was a very detailed look at CIA assassination program weapons, a total history of MBAssociates as a company, and every single Javette ever developed.

ARMAX, The Journal Of Contemporary Arms

The operational trials of the EM2 Bullpup during the Malayan Emergency.  This is a must-read for bullpup fans interested in the development and testing of one of the first bullpup rifles.

ARMAX, The Journal Of Contemporary Arms

Matthew Moss’ deep dive into Winchester Repeating Arms’ exports and foreign sales during the First World War.  It’s a great look at how arms procurement, design, testing, and shipments were conducted during WWI.

Ashley Hlebinsky’s take on the production and liabilities of Ruger’s ‘Old Model’ Single-action revolvers without the transfer bar.

A history of the Gerät 90, East Germany’s AK-74, by Kristof Nagy.

Other subjects included Dutch UZI’s, Winchester 1895s, the firearms of the Sterling Arms Company, and the Firearms of the Texas Rangers.

Overall IMpressions

ARMAX is a lengthy journal, this particular volume was 103 pages long.  The quality of writing, subject matter, layout and imagery is all top-notch and will keep any serious firearms aficionado completely absorbed.  It’s rare and well-researched material encompassed quite a few things that I’d never known before, and I consider myself to already have a substantial personal library on firearms.

ARMAX should make a wonderful gift for yourself or anyone else in your life who loves to learn about firearms.  Its articles are written, researched, reviewed and edited at the highest level by curators and professionals from within the firearms industry.  The only negative thing about ARMAX is possibly the wait between issues, as it’s a biannual publication.  If you’re interested in a no-fluff, well-written publication, give it a look and maybe sign up for a subscription at armaxjournal.org.