Single Action Sixguns

Who would have ever thought someone would publish a, profusely illustrated,336 page volume devoted to the single action revolver ? Over the past forty years I've practically worn out a copy of Elmer's "Sixguns," as well as John Taffin's "Big Bore Sixguns." I just received my copy of this wonderful work yesterday. I had ordered it with some trepidation, as it is out of print and I picked up this used copy, through Amazon, from Tacoma Goodwill. They had listed the condition as "good" @ $39.95 + media mail shipping, and happily, I would rate it at high excellent + including the dust jacket. The book lives up to the claim on the dust jacket, "The definitive fully illustrated reference work." In terms of reference, you won't find serial number ranges and that sort of data, in this book. It is chock full of John Taffin's unmatched hands on experience with more single actions than the majority of us will ever have the opportunity to see, let alone shoot. While covering some of the same material, this is not just a rehash of the author's excellent "Big Bore Sixguns." Mr. Taffin starts with the black powder Colts and covers all of the models produced through to the current SAs we can see in our local gun shops today. He covers the more obscure brands like Hawes and Great Western as well as the familiar Colts, Rugers and Freedom Arms. He does not neglect the custom work from Hamilton Bowen, Bill Grover, John Linebaugh among others. There are chapters on stocks and leather, a chapter on using the single action revolver, with loading data interspersed throughout. This book will take its place next to Elmer's "Sixguns" as a classic in the genre. One caveat I would take into consideration is that if you are lucky enough to find a copy of this book at a reasonable price it may stimulate 'single action revolver buying fever.'

If you are reading this review, you more than likely know the author and a bit about the subject...this book is the the real deal, by the foremost subject matter expert: John Taffin who is the prodigy of Elmer Keith...as far as I know this is the only Kindle version of John's books...I recommend purchasing it if for no other reason then having a digital archive of this information...you won't find a better condensation of this subject...you would have to look far and wide to get what is nicely packaged here in one spot...I have read this book several times, and always am finding something new that I missed...there is that much contained therein...John's other books are out of print and very expensive at this point...however the hard copy of this book may still be available...the only other book even close is Hamilton Bowen's "The Custom Revolver"...(also highly recommended)...buy it, it is a steal especially as a Kindle book...(Hamilton's book also is in this category)...you'll love the both...jo'c

I want to apologize for what's going to be a short review, but I want to get back to this terrific book.I've been a big fan of John Taffin's writing for years now. No other gunwriter carries the banner of classic gunwriting the way he does. I've owned BIG BORE HANDGUNS and BIG BORE SIXGUNS for some time now, and I've had the good fortune to meet Mr. Taffin online at the Sixgunner.com forums. These two were among my favorite books - I could always pick them up and open them at random and just lose myself in the great writing and photographs. But when this book (SINGLE ACTION SIXGUNS) was announced, I was skeptical - what else could JT even SAY on the subject?Well, a lot, it turns out. And Mr. Taffin doesn't just repeat himself from the other books or from his Guns/American Handgunner articles. This is new stuff, with new photos (TONS of them - better than ever, and in ALL color). There are 336 pages of great info (and COLOR photos - excellent, sharp photos) on all sorts of things, ranging from old original models to modern single-action sixguns, to mini-SAs, to replicas, customs, grips, tips, hunting, leather and - of course - John's ongoing search for the perfect packing gun. This is John Taffin's best book so far!Now, please bear in mind that I'm not all that huge a single-action revolver fan. I've owned a few (only have one right now), but I'm MUCH more into double-action revos and even semiautomatics. This book, though, has completely captivated me. I'm so glad I bought it (and, by the way, Amazon has a great price compared to what I've seen at the local bookstore).If you're a gun guy or you're thinking about buying a gift for one, look no further and BUY THIS GREAT BOOK!

This book takes John Taffin's enjoyable writing style, his deep and encyclopedic knowledge of single action revolvers, and encompasses an absolutely comprehensive scope of these glorious and romantic weapons. The result couldn't be anything other than an absolute winner. Anything you want to know, it's here, and laid out in a very readable fashion. This will become your "go-to" book for anything single action related. Taffin is earning his place alongside the icons of American handgun writers, such as Keith, Skelton, and Cooper. This book is destined to become a classic, and a keystone of his many writing accomplishments.

Good high quality hardbackOnly minor things have changed since it was publishedA real pleasure to own

John Taffin is a recognized - and proven - "expert" on revolvers, and he communicates his ideas well to the reader.There is an awful lot of good information in this book for any "fan" of the modern revolver regarding calibers, manufacturers, ammunition, uses, and history. If you really like revolvers, this one is almost a "must-have".

I have many, many books about guns, and this is without a doubt the BEST one that I have ever owned. The illustrations are superb, and Mr. Taffin's style of writing makes you think he is talking to you. I highly recommend this book for anyone that loves the single action revolver, but I have to warn you, it will make you want more and more guns!

If you love single action revolvers, buy this book. It's that simple. My only complaint? The pictures are beautiful, but they are too damned small. Maybe this could be fixed in a future edition?

Great