Sixguns

by Elmer Keith

From the dust jacket...
It is now more than 100 years since Elmer Keith developed a keen interest in handguns. As the decades became a part of the past, Elmer Keith was recognized as a great shot on the range and in the field and the leading pistol and revolver authority in the land. It is very likely that he burned more gunpowder than any man living today. Extensive experiments were conducted in arms design and with ammunition. His bullets and loads, the result of these efforts, are still in common use today.

Many friends, not the least of whom was Judge Don Martin of Salmon, Idaho, prevailed upon Elmer Keith to produce a major opus sharing his vast knowledge of handguns and shooting techniques. Sixguns is the answer to this demand.

From the Back Cover...
Elmer Keith's boyhood mentors were Indian fighters, vigilantes, lawmen and gun fighters of a passing frontier. In his lifetime, he was recognized as a great shot and the leading pistol authority in the land.

Sixguns contains his experiences, findings, recommendations and instructions.

Table of Contents...
Dedication.....vii
Foreward...... ix
Preface......... xi

Chapter 1..... History of the Sixgun
Chapter 2..... Selecting the Handgun
Chapter 3..... Learning to Shoot
Chapter 4..... Sixgun Sights
Chapter 5..... Long Range Shooting
Chapter 6..... Game Shooting
Chapter 7..... Double Action Shooting
Chapter 8..... Gun Rigs and Holsters
Chapter 9..... Quick Draw and Hip
Shooting
Chapter 10... Gun Fighting
Chapter 11... Revolver Versus Auto
Pistol
Chapter 12... Aerial and Trick Shooting
Chapter 13... Slip Shooting, Fanning,
Calvary Guns
Chapter 14 ... Loading and Management of Cap and Ball Sixguns
Chapter 15.... Repairs, Remodeling,
Resighting
Chapter 16.... A Bullet Chapter
Chapter 17.... Cartridge Reloading
Chapter 18.... Selection of Gun
Cartridges
Chapter 19.... Ornamentation
Chapter 20.... Care and Cleaning

308 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1961

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

[Bill]

I met the author of Sixguns, Elmer Keith, numerous times. He told me several times: "I'm not a writer. I'm a reporter of facts." Critics say Keith was just a BS'er. Having read this book and referred to it numerous time over the past half century, I find it chocked full of facts. This book is an excellent reference of handgunning of all aspects and also a memoir for a true west American cowboy, shootist and hunter. If you read it, study it, pick at it, you'll find it's a lesson plan to mastering American revolvers. Keith was a master of firearms, especially the revolver - both the SAA and the DAs. Sixguns, the book, has been around for more than half a century but is an excellent read for all handgunners, be they target shooters, hunters or just students of American history. Sixguns is well illustrated with camptioned photographs of the guns being discussed and the author displaying them.

[Grant Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keith was amazing!

This is a fascinating book of Elmer Keith telling stories about his favorite firearm, the six shot revolver. I learned a lot about these guns, bullets and holsters. I’m impressed with how many of Keith’s ideas are still in use today, some of which are revered with almost religious respect. I have several revolvers and I love them all, but after reading this book, I think I need just one more. Make that two more.

[Brian Battles · Rating 5 out of 5]

A mandatory book for the gun owner

[Checkman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A terrific book. It is still very informative (despite the fact that it is fifty-six years old) and contains useful information on everything from shooting techniques to care and maintanence. Some of it is dated and some of his ideas are not politically correct in 2011, but the book is very readable. In addition it is now a great historical book. Elmer Keith is considered to be the creator (or at least one of the creators) of the 44 Magnum load and is a legend in the American gun-culture. He's been dead now for twenty-seven years so his books have become primary source material. It gives you a look at a different time. Highly recommended. Finding it will take some effort and it won't be cheap, but you won't regret buying it. An excellent edition for any shooting library.

[Clay Eshom · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice compilation of the history of the handgun, it begins with how and where they were developed in our Nation intermingled with historical significance. It then takes us through how to shoot, teach others to shoot, and development of modern firearms and the high pressure loads for them. Elmer Keith is considered one of the main sources of information when researching hand gunning and remains so to this day.

[Arrianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sixguns is a reference book/memoir for the gun handler and samurai of the old west, Elmer Keith. Must read for all target shooters, hunters or any serious student of American history.
Complete with illustrations of photographs of the guns being discussed