OF SIXGUNS AND HEROES

[cottonstalk]

Elmers got books,Skeeters got books,Taffins got books,Sixshot,you ever thought of writing it all down?I myself enjoy your tales of hunting,family and fun.I think it would be a treat,for the knowledge as well as the belly,to share a camp with you.(I can close my eyes and still see those pics of that chicken in that cast iron cook ware,and gain weight)

[Frank V]

Great Post mb111263, Thanks for sharing.
Frank

[Doc Barranti]

Thanks for the kind words everyone.

As I have said many times over the past few years since that first custom 44 special, Elmer and Skeeter started me dreaming of a 44 special, but it was JT that kept my dream alive...thanks JT!

I think I need to thank Lee, also, because he and I discussed gunsmiths prior to me choosing David Clements for the job. Thanks Lee!!

[Lee Martin]

No problem Mike.....the job David did on that 44 was nothing short of outstanding.

-Lee
www.singleactions.com

[tacomaslim]

Found this thread and thought it should be revived for anyone who hadn't read it.

[45MAN]

NEAT POST FROM WAY BACK BEFORE MY TIME ON THIS FORUM. FORTUNEATELY FOR ME I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO EASILY RESIST ANY URGE TO LEAVE THE 45 COLT FOR THE .429's, ALTHOUGH 2 44 MAGS AND 2 44 SPECIALS RESIDE HERE, UN SHOT OR SHOT ONCE OR TWICE ONLY.

[contender]

I'm glad this thread got revived.

I can't recall reading it,, yet,, at the same time,, it seemed so familiar.

Doc,, I can fully relate to your posting. I too grew up reading Elmer, Skeeter, Jordan, & a few others so much,, that in a manner,, I felt I knew them. Especially,, Skeeter. Yes,, he could write in a manner that you "felt" and understood. Elmer,, was well,, just amazing in his pioneering.
Jordan,, I always enjoyed his banter with Skeeter.
I too felt a loss when Skeeter passed. So much so,, that being a stubborn cuss,, I didn't think anybody could even come close to filling his shoes.
I heard of this guy John Taffin,, and begrudgingly decided to read some of his stuff. Hated admitting it,, but while different,, he too was someone I could easily relate to, and enjoy his writings & shared knowledge. A guy that ST used a bit to try & fill Skeeter's void in the magazine surprised me. Sheriff Jim Wilson. He too can spin a tale & make you feel as if you are there. I've been fortunate enough to having spent several relaxed sessions with Jim,, and appreciate his quiet demeanor, while he also has an underlying presence of truly a man to ride the river with.

And lastly,, my friend Dick Thompson. The things mentioned above about Dick are but a few of the many good things about him. I was humbled when he invited me to visit & enjoy an elk hunt. And once there, I realized so much more about not only Dick,, but his family. It's often said that a family is a reflection of the parents. Well, If so, the Thompson clan proves that Dick & Ruth Ann are to be truly respected & honored.
As a handgunner,., it's quickly obvious that Dick is in his element,, and quietly accomplished at his skills. I've always considered myself just about average,, and to see true skill put forth,, in such a manner that it seems so easy,, well, I'm almost embarrassed to try & shoot along side of him.

But I'm gonna add a little more to the story.

See, it was Dick who introduced me to this young feller who was stretching hide into handgun shucks. I saw, tried on, and was duly impressed with a Northwest Hunter holster by Mike. Immediately,, I recognized top quality, AND excellent "form & fit" of his leather work. As Skeeter used to say; "Next to my doctors,, my holster maker is the most important person I know." And many of us have felt that way to where we've hung the nickname "Doc" on this former Pa leather craftsman,, who has wisely chosen to relocate himself into a more suitable place for serious handgunners.

While I was never able to meet Elmer, Bill, or John, I have had the honor of meeting Skeeter, Jim, Dick, and Doc. These gentlemen have all been gracious in accepting me into a corner of their world. For that,, I'm the blessed one.

Again, thanks for reviving an old thread.

[jgt]

I agree with what has been said above. I was a devoted Skeeter reader and felt the loss. When Bart passed it was close to the same. I also agree John Taffin belongs in that league. Dick Thompson has become one of the family to many of us even though we have never met him and is easily due the same respect. There are many men that come here I respect and admire.

[reflex264]

Taking a break form the mountain of paper on my desk and find this thread. Glad I read it. I remember when Elmer died, Skeeter died, John Wooters, Bob Milek and several more. I felt the loss with Elmer and Skeeter. I never got to meet them but their manner of writing made me feel like they were old friends. I am still in shock over snagging Skeeter's .41 Redhawk. It was the last of the "22" guns still in his possession when Sally auctioned his guns. Bill Ruger handed that gun to Skeeter. Bart really wanted the gun so we had a gentlemen's agreement. If it ever left my possession it would be to him for what I paid for it. Whenever Doc gets caught up he gets to build the shuck for it. Reading Mr. Dick's posts make me think of my late uncle Jim. An absolute gentleman. There are lots of good people in the handgun world.

[sharps4590]

Wow...well written and equally poignant. When originally posted I was completely ignorant of Singleactions as a web site. Taco, thank you for resurrecting the thread. It brought to the fore a lot of similar thoughts and a stroll down memory lane.

I'm old enough that Elmer, Skeeter, Bill Jordan and George Nonte were my hero writers when it came to handguns...which meant revolvers to me. The only one I ever met was Bill Jordan at an NRA convention in St. Louis I think in 1988. I've read some of John's material but by the time he came along the double stack wonder nines and plastic fantastics had pretty much turned me off the main shooting magazines. That and I was sort of busy with an electrical contracting business, a cattle ranch, a pick-ur-own produce farm, my wife's business and building rental properties. As with others, when Elmer and Skeeter died it was like a punch in the gut. I've said most of my later adult life that all I ever did with a revolver was prove a lot of things Elmer & Skeeter said.

Thanks again.

Vic

[squawberryman]

If any of you have not, take the time to go back to the first page of any of these categories and look up the old stories. Some of these men are gone from loss of interest or loss of life. This was kind of pre everybody get a custom. Gems they are. A funny thing to me that as this is Lee's sight, he posted on just about every thread, trying to bolster support from everyone. It truly has been a good ride and I for one will continue.

[Professor]

This forum is the best. Lots of members with actual knowledge and experience.  I can only hope to represent a very small portion of it. Without the information Ive gained, I would never have confidence to call the smiths and know what to ask for and uphold quality wise. I thought the world of customized guns was very exclusive.  The basis was built on the writings of Elmer, Skeeter and others, but the custom smiths and interested buyers have really moved the needle. Those guys would be impressed.  

[longoval]

^^^ impeccable collection

[dobegrant]

Very well written and it is that way for so many of us, you did an excellent job of explaining how many of us feel.