About this season
In the centuries since the gun was invented, hundreds of innovators, engineers and inventors have brought their vision together to create what has become one of the most perfectly produced items ever made. Tales of the Gun chronicles the long history of firearm design and construction from the first, primitive weapons to today's computer-controlled, high-tech factories. From the gunslingers of the Wild West to the newest technology being developed for tomorrow's super-weapons, guns have etched a place in today's culture for their masterful combination of form, function and beauty.
Episodes (26)
1. Making of a Gun
Aired 9 September 1998
Explains how a gun is made
2. Bullets and Ammo
Aired 16 September 1998
3. Dueling Pistols
Aired 23 September 1998
4. The Gunslingers
Aired 30 September 1998
5. Guns of Colt
Aired 7 October 1998
6. Guns of Remington
Aired 14 October 1998
7. Guns of Smith & Wesson
Aired 21 October 1998
8. Guns of Winchester
Aired 4 November 1998
9. Early Guns
Aired 11 November 1998
10. The Rifle
Aired 18 November 1998
11. Shotguns
Aired 2 December 1998
12. The Guns of Browning
Aired 9 December 1998
13. Early Machine Guns
Aired 16 December 1998
14. Gangster Guns
Aired 6 January 1999
15. The Tommy Gun
Aired 13 January 1999
16. Rapid Firepower
Aired 20 January 1999
17. Guns of the Civil War
Aired 27 January 1999
18. Guns of Revolution
Aired 3 February 1999
19. U.S. Guns of World War II
Aired 10 February 1999 • 60 min
Examined: various types of guns used by GIs in WWII, including one that could locate targets in the dark, and durable handheld guns that had been designed years before. Hosted by Gerald McRaney.
20. Infamous Guns
Aired 17 February 1999
21. German Small Arms of World War II
Aired 24 February 1999
22. Luger
Aired 3 March 1999
23. Guns of the Mauser
Aired 10 March 1999
24. Guns of Israel
Aired 17 March 1999 • 60 min
Israeli guns are the subject.
25. Guns of the Russian Military
Aired 24 March 1999
26. Japanese Guns of World War II
Aired 31 March 1999