R. L. Wilson, Author of Magnificent Colts
R. L. Wilson, Author
R. L. Wilson is the most published author in the history of firearms. Since his career began in 1960 he has produced some 50 books, and more than 325 articles, auction catalogues, book introductions and monographs on firearms, historical figures, hunting and the art of the engraver. In 2004 he was selected “The Jack Slack Writer of the Year” by Leupold & Stevens, as well as the “Shooting Sports Ambassador” by the World Forum on the Future of Sports Shooting Activities. Wilson has appeared in numerous television documentaries – among them the History Channel’s “Tales of the Gun,” A & E’s “Story of the Gun” and “The Real West” (narrated by Kenny Rogers) and the PBS American Experience “Annie Oakley.” In the $2.25 million hunting and conservation film, “In the Blood,” Wilson was co-executive producer (with the Hon. William E. Simon), and was a featured participant on screen.
In 2000 he was appointed Consulting Curator to the National Firearms Museum, Fairfax, Virginia. He is a consultant to museums and private collectors, and from April 1964 to the end of 1965 was employed at the Colt company, as management trainee, and then Assistant Manager, Department of Public Relations & Advertising. For decades since he has assisted the company on historical and engraving matters. His career began with internships at the Corcoran Gallery of Art (Washington, D.C., 1959), the Wadsworth Atheneum (1960) and the Royal Armouries, H.M. Tower of London (1st semester, senior year, Carleton College, 1960).
Author WebsiteBooks by R.L. Wilson
American Arms Collectors – The Al Cali Collection
The Book of Colt Firearms, Third Edition
The Blue Book of Colt Dates
Colt Single Action from Paterson to Peacemaker
The Art of the Gun: Magnificent Colts
The Colt Engraving Book (Two Volumes)
The Paterson Colt Book
Fine Colts: The Dr. Joseph A. Murphy Collection
The History of Colt Firearms
Colt – An American Legend
The Book of Colt Firearms
Paterson Colt Pistol Variations
Colt Pistols
Colt’s Dates of Manufacture 1836-1978
The Russian Colts
Evolution of the Colt: Firearms from the Robert Q. Sutherland Collection
The Arms Collection of Colonel ColtThe Colt Heritage (poster)
Winchester Engraving
The History of Winchester Firearms
Winchester – An American Legend
The Art of the Gun: Miniature Books
Steel Canvas: The Art of American Arms
The Art of the Gun (5 Volumes in Miniature)
Winchester Engraving
L.D. Nimschke Firearms Engraver
Theodore Roosevelt,Hunter-Conservationist
Ruger and His Guns – 2007 Edition
Things I Love – The Many Collections of William I. Koch
Silk and Steel – Women at Arms
Lock, Stock and Barrel – A Passion for Arms & Adventure
The World of Beretta – An International Legend
Official R.L.Wilson Price Guide to Gun Collecting, 3rd Ed.
Buffalo Bill’s Wild West – An American Legend
Steel Canvas: The Art of American Arms
The Peacemakers: Arms and Adventure in the American WestTheodore Roosevelt: Outdoorsman
L.D. Nimschke: Firearms Engraver
The Deringer in America, vol. 1: The Percussion Period
The Deringer in America. vol, 2 : The Cartridge Period
The Art of American Arms (article)
