Customer Reviews

Sixguns

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Elmer Keith's knowledge of every facet of handguns in general and sixshooters in particular is truly remarkable. He covers it all, from history to game shooting to gunfighting and much more. Although this book was written before the advent of the .44 Magnum, Mr. Keith's knowledge and experience are invaluable, with his game shooting and long range abilities most impressive of all. Elmer also covers slip shooting with the Colt SAA, a fascinating and surprisingly effective technique generally ignored by modern writers. But most important, Elmer's honesty and integrity were his greatest attributes to those who knew him. If you love good old sixshooters, you must have this book.

Kieth writes in a clear and concise style which will help anyone with thier abilities to fire revolvers. I love to shoot revolvers. I don't know why, maybe it's aethetics ( I just like the way they look) or the history (Wyatt Earp had one y'know). It is a subject,however, that is rarely delt with in contemporary gun litrature while semi-automatic pistols and fully automatic weapons are written about to death.
The main thing that I enjoyed so much about this book is the perspective that it's written from. Kieth is from a time and place where shooting was as important as being able to read. Maybe more so. He's got a chapter on "Gunfighting" for God's sake. And while He says that He himself has never had to shoot someone he say's that he has been shot at, and he discusses the subject as if it were the most natural thing in the world.... He also adds in the competition section of the book that if you are very nervous about the match "take a drink of whiskey to calm your nerves". ... ...
The techniques of shooting, sighting in the gun, drawing and fireing, and accurate long range shooting are as useful today as they were when this was written. Needless to say I recommend this book to not only those interested in shooting but those interested in the social climate of the rural United States before WW2.

If you enjoy owning and shooting sixguns, this book should be part of your library, period.
It's the distillation of a lifetime of gun writing, shooting, hunting, guiding, cowboying, and gun and bullet design.
Simply put, Mr. Keith did it all. From basic shooting to interviews with old gunfighters and Civil War veterans, Elmer documents what he believes needs documenting.
The book is over 50 years old now, and most of it is still true today; I refer to it constantly, and have read it through several times.
Mr. Keith was a national treasure. If you enjoy guns, use that as an excuse to get this book.

This is one of my two favorite gun books. (The other is No Second Place Winner by Bill Jordan). Elmer Keith starts out with a detailed and interesting history of revolvers and automatic handguns. He continues to talk about shooting techniques, and pistol hunting strategies. The pages of this book are filled with information about the guns themselves and revealing stories about how the author has used them on game. In addition to all the practical knowledge, Keith includes a great section on trick shooting. This is an absolute must read!

This book deals with much more than the title suggests; this is truly Elmer Keith's masterwork, and after reading it you will understand why he was part of the pantheon of America's great gun writers. His laconic & direct style is easy and a pleasure to read. While this book *is* largely about the sixguns the title suggests, there is much more breadth and depth contained within than just that seemingly narrow topic might suggest. To be blunt: I'm an unusually cheap b@st@rd, but consider this book a classic work that belongs in the library of any true firearms aficionado.

Price was very fair, service was excellent, delivery prompt, and merchandise in absolutely perfect condition. What more could I ask for from the seller? Only downside to whole experience has nothing to do with or is the fault of the seller but Amazon.Com persists in sending multiple messages wanting feedback. They ought to recognize the fact that if I'm not complaining I must be happy.

A terrific book. It is still very informative (despite the fact that it is fifty-five 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 2010, but the book is very readable. In addition it is now a great historical book. 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.

A nice book to add to your library that has most everything he wrote.
Having died more than 25 yrs ago makes it all outdated but nice to have all he wrote in one book.

Have just started reading the 1955 copyright of sixguns by Keith and got curious as to the worth of the book. 98% condition on the book and 95% on the dust jacket.

Keith was one of the last of a breed of present-day frontiersmen. In his lifetime he was recognized as a great shot and the leading pistol authority in the land. During his later years, he made his home in Salmon, Idaho!