Shotguns

by Elmer Keith

For more books like this, please visit www.SportsmansVintagePress.com Originally published in 1950 and revised in 1961. Elmer Keith is one of America’s foremost authorities on guns, shooting, and hunting and provides, in this book, detailed information covering shotgun actions. The double and repeating guns are described thoroughly along with stocking, sights, and sighting, patterns, loads, chokes, and many other details from the viewpoint of the hunters and trap and skeet shooters. Shotgun fans will appreciate the author’s down-to-earth advice on swing, lead, follow through, rib and stock pitch, wing shooting, snap shooting, deliberate work, and pass shooting. Stock dimensions come in for detailed study as well as the proper shot size for each bore and choke and size of bird hunted. Richly illustrated with examples of fine European, British and American guns, this book is considered by many to be the standard reference work on this subject.

321 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1950

About the author

Elmer Keith was an Idaho rancher, firearms enthusiast, big game hunter and firearms writer. Among the many handgun and rifle loads that he helped to develop the two most famous would have to the 44 magnum and 41 magnum. At times Keith was described as cranky, obstinate and eccentic, but also outspoken,brilliant, generous and a good friend. Keith was unique and has earned himself a place in the history of American firearms and hunting.

Reviews

[Checkman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A classic reference book about shotguns. Elmer Keith was a true firearms expert and he was also very outspoken when it came to his opinions and beliefs. This book was published in 1950 so obviously things have changed since it was written. Technology, attitudes and more. Nevertheless it's an interesting book and I'm of the opinion that one can always pick up something new regardless of how many years have gone by.

"Shotguns" is a good firearms book. A few things I feel that I should point out though. You might find some of of Keith's attitudes about certain animals such as wolves, magpies and other "scavengers" to be disturbing. They weren't in 1950. Keith was born in 1899 and lived in a time when our understanding about nature and our place in it was very different then how we see things in 2014.This also applies to his attitudes about the roles of the sexes and race relationships. I'm always saying that if such things bother you that much then this is not a book you will want to read for while it isn't frequent it does pop up now and again.

You will also notice that at times it seems that Keith is using stream of consciousness as his narrative device. Elmer Keith would be classified as being semi-illiterate in our day and age. Keith's writing required a deft editorial touch. Often Keith will repeat himself and sometimes seemingly contradict himself. He doesn't, but you, the reader, need to exercise a little patience.Keith does defend and explain his statements but in a manner befitting his generation.

In the end I just like reading the older firearms books. It's fascinating to see how ideas have changed, but also how they haven't. Another great addition to my collection.

[Davidus1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elmer Keith has forgotten more about shotguns/guns/shooting than most of us will ever know. Classic.