A tribute to Elmer Keith - Father of the Magnum Handgun Cartridge
Vložit
- čas přidán 4. 07. 2020
- In this episode of The Cinnabar, we'll be shooting revolvers that once belonged to the legendary Elmer Keith - in calibers he developed.
Mr. Keith was unhappy with the performance of the handgun calibers of his time, so he set out to improve them. The result was a vastly improved lineup of magnum handgun calibers - the 357 magnum, 41 magnum and 44 magnum.
Elmer Keith's accomplishments in the field of firearms and ammunition development led this Northwest cowboy and rancher to become one of the most respected and revered members of the shooting community. He would go on to become a highly successful outdoor writer and author. His was a life well-lived and his story is the stuff of legend!
Thank you for your comments and kind words about my grandfather. If you ever decide to sell or come across any firearms owned by Elmer Keith under $5 k let me know please. Because of their value and my mother and sisters greed and hatred of guns,most were sold then we spent the last two years in probate after my father passed away Sept 1st 2019 but he lived a long and good honest life like grandpa did. My son and I are the last two keeping the family name and tradition going.
I'm honored that you liked this episode. I'd like to keep your grandfather's guns that I have, but I do see some others come up for sale from time to time. If you're ever in the vicinity of Paisley, Oregon, you're welcome to get in touch with me. I'd be happy to talk guns and do a little shooting if you'd like. Contact me at: CinnabarGunworks@gmail.com
In my mind, your grandfather was as important to the gun world as Samuel Colt. He was a great man.
@@tompedersen6564 Maybe more important!!
Few years ago I was in the hunting section of a Walmart by Camp Blanding. Older fella came up and said Elmer was his Dad
@@commoncorysense1809 That would have been Ted Keith He was a smoke jumper and In the early special forces early in life.
I am 80 years old. I started reading Elmer Keith when I was 11. I consider him a mentor in my life, although I never got to meet him. He taught me life lessons, and made me a handgunner who could double action six .44 Magnums into a shirt pocket at 40 yards.
I am happy watching you do this video, and reading so many of the comments of folks who feel as we do about Elmer. I'll head to the range this week. Thank you.
Thank you the tribute to Elmer Keith, one of the most influential people in the firearms history, especially the revolver world. His wisdom is just as applicable today as it was when he originally wrote it.
Excellent episode Mark! When Mr Keith visited my great uncle's gun shop and went out shooting , they tapped a few empty catridges into the end logs of the old barn . Just a little reminder of a great shooter. Thanks again !
Very cool. Hope they're still there.
I'm so glad that someone with your enthusiasm and knowledge about Mr. Keith has some of his revolvers, thank you for sharing them with us. I bought a lot of gunsmithing books at a auction a while back and his book titled " Hell I was there" was in with the books I bought, now I can't wait to read it.
One of my all-time favorite books. Enjoy the read!
Find a copy of Keith's Sixguns--it's a classic!
Yes I bought the book long ago. Many don't know who he was and done
Learn the real truth. Especially the difference between Zane Gray and Louis Lamour
@@genepenninger879 Keith was the guide for some of Zane Grey's expeditions into the Bighorns. Grey never paid Keith for his work.
Back about '74- '75 I was at the NRA convention in San Diego, standing at the Petersen Publishing booth (Guns and Ammo) Noticed some old guy in a cowboy hat standing nearby. Didnt think much of it for a minute then Holy Crap it's Elmer Keith! I did get to talk to him for a few brief minutes. People talk about meeting some actor or actress well meeting Elmer Keith was meeting a celebrity for me.
Wow, that must have been quite an experience!
@@thecinnabar8442 Shaking his hand and a brief conversation was nice but you have a few of his guns! lol
This brought back lots of memories. I use Keith style bullets pretty much for all my serious loads.
Mr.Keith evaluated my shooting in 1968. He was a wonderful man and I learned a lot from him
Many gun magazine readers from the '60s or so will certainly remember the name Thell Reed. You did some outstanding shooting with handguns on an Ed McGivern level. May have even been in some Westerns back then; it wouldn't surprise me. Best of wishes to you, sir!
What a treat to be able to shoot these pistols. Thanks for sharing them with us.
You're very welcome. I had a blast shooting those revolvers. Thanks for watching.
Elmer Keith’s Book Sixguns Is also a Great Read Mark 😀😊👍🏼 He Was an Innovative And Amazing Man Great Video and Tribute Mark
Yes, my copy has been well used by both my wife and I. 😉
Thank you great bio and video about Elmer Keith.
Elmer taught me to shoot handguns by studying "Sixguns". I'm forever indebted and hunted all my deer with a 44 Mag S&W.
Elmer taught a whole generation of handgunners. I hope there are at least a few of the younger generation who know about and study his work. Thanks for watching!
I subscribed after i heard .41 magnum
I'm a fan of the 41 magnum as well. I think it's one of the most underrated handgun cartridges. Sorry I didn't have one for this episode. Thanks for subscribing!
What awesome firearms to have in your collections! Thank you for sharing with us.
Great video! I too am a huge Elmer Keith fan. I read that book about 25 years ago. Enjoyed every word! I remember reading somewhere about the time Elmer told Jack O'Connor that the .270 Win makes "a damn fine coyote rifle." Also remember reading that Elmer Keith was an editor's nightmare. I'm glad I found your channel. You've earned yourself another subscriber!
Thanks! They certainly don't make 'em like Elmer Keith anymore.
What surprised me is how rough life was out there even well into the 1900s.
I have cast and used Elmer Kieth semi wadcutter bullet and like them. I have several of his books he’ll I was there is a great read as well as his book reference to six guns I like the old 44 special also
Anybody interested in revolvers should have copies of his books. I just love his no nonsense, down to earth style of writing!
Mr. Keith spent a lot of time developing his semiwadcutter bullets, and to this day they are superior in most revolver loads. Many have changed the measurements of his bullets, but his original design is the best.
His orginal Keith bullet in the .44 Special is like pie & ice cream . They compliment each other . . .
Great to educate those who never heard of him about Elmer, a true legend.
Another great bit of shooting to go with your tribute, as always Mark.
Man oh man, congrats on the Elmer Keith revolvers! What an amazing group of revolvers to have the pleasure of owning and shooting!
Excellent video, sir. I've long been an admirer of Elmer Keith and have several of his books. His writings sparked my interest in big bore revolvers in my early 20s. I'm 68 now, and I'm still a fan of Mr. Keith and sixguns. Thanks for sharing some of your collection with us.
Thanks Larry. That was an enjoyable episode to make. They broke the mold with Elmer Keith.
Outstanding he is one of my heros too, have many of his books and like you could not wait for his articles to appear each month. Wonderful to see his guns as well, thank you for sharing this.
You're very welcome, SGT! The man was one of a kind.
Loved the video. I too am a huge Elmer Keith fan, I also waited anxiously for each issue of Guns & Ammo. My Dad and I were both fans, one year when we were salmon fishing on the Salmon, we stopped were Elmer was living and just knocked on his door. I wish I could say we met him, but he was probably out shooting. I’m in my 70’s now but still shoot my Smith’s in 41 and 44. Good memories.
Glad you liked it! They don't make 'em like Elmer Keith anymore.
Excellent video Sir! Thanks for showing both the man and the revolvers proper respect. Glad I found your channel - subbed!
Thanks so much. Mr. Keith was one of a kind. Thanks for watching!
So wonderful that you have some of his guns. Very lucky to have them. They appear to be in good hands since you respect him so much. Thanks for sharing.
Two thumbs up for this wonderful video. Warmed my heart to the core !! Loved your setting there as well. Please oh please, make more vids like this ! Signed, Doug.
Will do. Thanks for watching
Thank you for producing this video. I remember reading "Six-Guns" when I should have been doing homework while in the eighth grade. Elmer Keith is the guy, alright. I have an early .44 Mag Blackhawk from around 1960 or so. Great revolver. Shoots real straight.
We were lucky to have Elmer Keith's influence in our youth. Nobody like him today.
"Sixguns" is a must read and own Elmer Keith book that is a treasure trove of great information about guns and Mr. Keith.
Just discovered this channels and you earned a new subscriber . Love your content and god bless!
Thanks Smitty! Glad you like the channel.
That’s a great collection!
Thanks Casey!
Great job Mark. Always learn something from you.
Thanks Jim.
Beautiful revolvers! Great history!👍🏾😀❤️🇺🇸
Thanks Jeffry. Elmer Keith was an amazing man. It's an honor to be the guardian of a few of his guns.
Great video. Keith’s “Sixguns” is a great read as well.
Really cool guns.
Thanks for sharing!
Absolutely! I've read mine cover to cover twice and refer to it regularly. Thanks a bunch for watching and commenting.
Elmer was a good friend of mine. I have Keith by Keith His Original book His Ithica 10 gauge magnum and his Ruger Blackhawk. The Ruger was the first one sold Elmer had one of the 200 specials that were Gifts to writers employees and company friends. He wanted to test the regular production ones, so he bought the first one sold. I was on the last antelope hunt he went on. My dad met Elmer in Salmon after the guide they had contracted with for a back country hunt had dropped dead and the party needed a new guide fast. Elmer, my Dad and later myself all were Master Masons. Guns Magazine put Elmer in a dry hotel in Evanston Illinois for the Chicago NSGA show in January following the hunt. He called us up just a half hour after my parents were in a bad car wreck. Mom was in the hospital Dad was beat up pretty bad we had an older childcare specialist to take care of us kids. My dad organized the rescue friends went and picked up Elmer and he slept in my bed for the week of the show. We had plenty of shooting friends who along with my dad drove him to the show each day and kept him out of most of the possible trouble he could get into with drinking and talking to the wrong people. We kept the arrangement going as long as the shows were in Chicago.
Outstanding! I believe the 10 ga. was once owned by LTC Charles Askins father, Major Askins. They were both career Army men and gunwriters, with the father specializing in shotguns.
The Cinnabar ; I thoroughly enjoyed watching this video. I too used to impatiently wait for my copies of Guns & Ammo and Shooting Times magazines. Elmer Keith, Bill Jordan, Skeeter Skelton, Jeff Cooper, Jack O'connor and, Maj. George Nonte were my "go to" gun Gurus back in the day. I've burned many pounds of 2400 and Unique powder along with the 240 gr. SWC Keith designed bullets duplicating handloads from these fine gentlemen.
Thanks for sharing this great video with us.
Stan
You're welcome. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
hey thank you sir this was a treat gave me goose bumps as i grew up reading elmer and skeeter was sad when you had to wait till the next issue came out
I remember that feeling well! Thanks for watching and commenting, Les
Nice display and run down thanks.
You're very welcome!
I grew up reading Elmer answer also have a great appreciation of his work. Living in NY we don't have too many Colt single actions around but oh how I wish.
I had a Colt Python for years and had it on my hip ever time I went into the woods. Plan buying another one when able
Those Pythons are great revolvers. I read somewhere that Colt has reintroduced them, so maybe they'll be a little more affordable than they have been lately.
He is the father of the 357 magnum too? That is too cool!!!
I too looked forward to reading Keith article's as a kid.
I am reading. Hell I was there. great book about Elmer Keith. I recommend it. the cheapest I could find a copy was 150 bucks so I got it from my library.
Hell, l wish l was there with you when you shot this video! Thank you , that was a real treat. farmer john
Thanks Johnny! That was one of my favorite episodes to make. I do love my revolvers. Thanks for watching.
the Colt SAA has always been my favorite revolver now I'll never forget the name Elmer Keith from what I learned he could have worked with Mr Samuel Colt himself
He was indeed an amazing man. Thanks for watching Carlin!
@@thecinnabar8442 if you know anyone at Ruger they should bring back the 44mag the 10/22 was based off of it was the first rifle I ever shot
Thankyou for bringing these videos to light. This one is especially important. Your information is great to hear. It brings our history and facts I was not aware of and cements oither information I thought was correct but wasn't completely straight on. Love seeing those single actions firing. Love your videos.
Thanks Robert!
Well, my name is also Keith, and being a bit of an oddball myself, it's only natural I'm a fan, shooter and collector of .41 magnum sixguns! Been reading Elmer only since the '70s, but he's had a big influence on my interest in long-range handgun shooting and many enjoyable years shooting metallic silhouette with my .41 magnum Ruger Redhawk!
Another good video. Elmer was indeed one of a kind. We will never see his like again. Keep up the good work.
Thanks Titan. I sure wish I'd had the opportunity to meet the man.
At 21 the Super Blackhawk 44 was my first revolver and yes I loaded with 2400 and Keith style hard cast bullets
Had a Ruger Bisley Vaquero in 45 Colt. Wasn’t using it so sold it with most of my WWI and WWII foreign military collection to fund my lever gun purchases. I’ve toyed with the idea of getting a Schofield Model 3 in 44-40. Looks like a new hat?
Was going for the Elmer Keith look with the hat. It looks similar to his trademark Stetson. Kind of an expensive prop for one episode though.
Great video!! Thank you!
You're very welcome! Thanks for watching.
I have an Arisaka inspected by Elmer Keith at the Ogden Arsenal . Gives you a special feeling shooting a gun that Elmer has held in his hands . Thanks for sharing . ❤️🇺🇸
That's very interesting. Have you looked in to how an Arisaka would have come to be inspected at a US arsenal? Sounds like it might be a fascinating story. Thanks for watching and commenting.
I read about all the 1917 Enfields he did, but a Jap Arisaka with the EK stamp? How in the....?
That's one helluva outro picture. The only thing I've seen more beautiful is a sunrise once in New Mexico. Great video of a Great man, thank You for sharing your collection.
Thanks. We do have some beautiful sunrises and sunsets here on the ranch. All of our episodes end with photos of them taken from our deck. Thanks for watching.
@@thecinnabar8442 You Betcha! It was my pleasure, believe me. I'm a wheelgun guy, and have been since I first shot my dad's S&W model 28 when I was 9. They've been a lifelong love affair for over half a century now.
There was another man who also made the 357 Magnum famous and that was Blood and Guts him self General George S. Patton. He bought the Smith & Wesson Model 27 for $75 with his signature Ivory grips. He called his 357 Magnum his killing gun. He was a side arm he loved to carry. Patton's model 27 was his pride and joy of his gun collection.
Very interesting! I wonder where that Model 27 is now?
@@thecinnabar8442 here it is czcams.com/video/0SSsvP-eNuE/video.html
ELMER KEITH TOLD ME ONCE; "JEHO, I DO SHOOT SOME BIG BORE HANDGUNS, LOADED FULL TILT, BUT YOU KNOW, I HAD SURE RATHER SHOOT A SINGLE SIX WITH SOME .22 SHORTS IN IT!!!!!!!!!!!!".
LMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
HATS OFF TO THE DADY OF THE .44 MAGUM - BRAVO - PLUS GREAT VIDEO, THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks a bunch Jeho! Great to hear the quote from the old master. Thanks for watching!
@@thecinnabar8442
HE WAS ONE OF A KIND - AND YOU ARE VERY WELCOME - GOOD VIDEO - BAVO!!!
Old Elmer used to teach marksmanship at Erv Malnarich’s guide school in Hamilton, MT. I started reading Elmer back in the 60s.
Good Shootin' yep Mr Keith liked those long range shots
Great reading
Thanks Raymond! Someday I'll do an episode with some long range revolver shooting in honor of Mr. Keith.
Elgin T Gates created some pretty significant cartridges in his day.
Keith's book SIXGUNS is reprinted and for sale at an affordable price, and also in Kindle format...a must for revolver enthusiasts
Absolutely!
AMEN!
Great video, thanks for sharing. I too love Elmer Keith and own mod 27, 28, and 29 S&w. All great guns. Love your shooting too, take care.
Thanks a bunch, Ken!
Great revolvers, just super that you have some of Elmers guns, I saw the display at the Boise Cabelas. I have had S&W29 & 27 Ruger RH and SRH and still have my SBH that is a centennial model, all have shot extremely well with the scoped SRH turning in a 3.5" five shot group at 100yds with a 4x scope.
Fantastic group of revolvers! When I get the time, I'd like to do a couple of episodes shooting long range with revolvers.
I have a very early edition of his first book, "SIX GUNS".
That's a great book. Mine's pretty dog-eared from being read and used for a reference.
Just found your channel you now have another loyal subscriber great work
I two tone my front sights for the distance thing similar to way he did.
I do as well. I think Mr. Keith had gold lines inlaid into some front sights for longer ranges.
My revolvers are all Rugers . They're the strongest and since Elmer is my idol , I don't shy away from high pressure . My 45 Colt Blackhawk Bisley 405 gr. cast bullets at 1100 fps equals factory 45-70 factory in a rifle and it's accurate and yes , recoil is ridiculously "almost out of control " fun .
Haha, I love it! I'll assume you do some long range shooting with that "Hand Cannon". I'm planning to do some more wheelgun episodes, including some long range targets.
@@thecinnabar8442 Actually , I have 3-.357's , a .41 , . 2- 44 magnums and a .44 Special I load like "almost a magnum ." .Oops , I almost forgot my 45-79 BFR . I use only Starline brass for my "Elmer " loads . Plinking at 4 or 500 yards has happened and bouncing 1 gallon cans at 100 is sure fun . S.A. revolvers are the real deal and I was happy to see your video . Thanks .
I believe Mr. Keith would extend the firearm toward the target before he cocked it. Good video!
There was an 8 3/8 29 in dirty Harry as well matey , they used both in filming .
Good eye Jake!
Great video! I'm also an Elmer Keith fan. Great collection you have there. My wife and I were Elk hunting in Idaho in 2005. We went and seen the Elmer Keith museum in Salmon, Idaho. I just love reading his articles in old Guns & Ammo magazines. In my opinion more people should take heed to his advice that he gave many years ago. It was, don't use small cartridges on our precious big game animals. I agree 100 percent.
Thanks David!
Hello from Pa ! I was elk hunting in The Salmon River Country in 2005 too and visited the Keith museum also ! It wasn't long after that, they moved it to Cabela's in Boise. Glad I got to see it !
I met your Grandfather once. He had a force about him.
Good video. Well done Sir
I’d really like a .44 Ruger Super Blackhawk for woods carry. I don’t Need one but I want one.
I know y’all can relate
You should be safe in the woods
i heard a story about Mr Keith that wen he was in school he had a run in with another local boy who had threatened to kill mr keith. so he went to the principle and got permission to bring his gun to class with him he kept it in his desk! ohhh how people have changed in the last century. not so much for the better it seems. wen i was younger i bought a big box full of old gun magazines and often Mr Keith's writings wer among my favorites.
When I go to the local gunshow I look for his books, I've got most of them But Hell I was there is my Favorite. My hard cover is in Bad shape. The paperback is in better shape So I usually read the paperback
Yea, I've read it a couple of times. It's been long enough ago that it's about time to read it again. Thanks for watching!
Elmer Keiths kinfe by Draper and personal collection of magazines and pictures from his grandson is for sale as part of a S&W 44 magnum commemorative auction on Gunbroker now.
Sir you are a lucky man! Shooing Elmer Keith's own guns! A wife that has her own guns! I am jealous, have you ever tried the short barreled sixguns? I have 2 a Ruger and a Cimmeron they are very nice! Have a great day!
I carry a 4 3/4" Colt clone on the ranch, but that's as shortest barreled revolver I have. If I felt the need to carry one for defense in town, I'd get a short barreled one. Thanks for watching Max!
Good show old chap....
Thanks Jack!
He had one SAA sighted in for 200 yards.
💖
Wow this has been out for two years BoobTube was hiding your channel from me I guess I am a new sub thanks for sharing 👍👍
Mr Kieth and my Old Grandad were friends..They exchanged Knowledge..Mr Kieth taught my grandad finer points of firearms and Grandad taught Mr Kieth,the finer points of Packing..The last Revolver my Grandad purchased was a Ruger Blackhawk per Mr Kieths suggestion..
That's great to have that connection to Elmer Keith. I hope that revolver is still in your family.
@@thecinnabar8442 Yes sir,it is..
Excellent job guys. We should talk sometime mark about my model 29 357-44 bain and davis.
Thanks Traves. I'd love to hear about your model 29. Maybe over a beer sometime.
Wait, is that last SAA the same as the number 5 that was on Forgotten Weapons 6 years ago?
Absolutely amazing.
This one's similar to the Number 5 in that the sights have been upgraded, but it doesn't have the modified grip frame that Elmer Keith did on that revolver. I sure wish it did though. Thanks so much for watching and commenting.
I think the original #5 sold at auction for around $85,000 a while back.
@@tompedersen6564 I reckon the Cinnabar's piece would fetch a similar amount....or more.
In my youth, I read much of Elmer Keith articles in Guns and Ammo . Elmer was a big bore guy but had his limits for practicalities. I doubt he would be impressed with the 460 and 500 S&W. If I remember correctly from reading in Guns and Ammo , he did not believe turning a handgun into a rifle. He also perfered the balanced and handling of the Colt single action army over the Ruger Black Hawk. He refered to the Black Hawk as being more like a Dragoon revolver.
Do you ever have a problem with the trigger guard on the Blackhawk hitting your knuckle, when shooting?
I didn't like the way the trigger guard was squared off on my Super Blackhawk, so I put rubber Pachmayr grips on it shortly after I bought it. They fill the gap between the trigger guard and grip frame and make it much more pleasant to shoot.
The SUPER Blackhawk square triggerguard smacks the heck out of my knuckle . It seems to be about 50/ 50 for shooters .
The XR3 , XR3 RED ( " regular Blackhawk) and Bisley are fine .
@@filianablanxart8305 I put a big set of Herrett’s stocks on my SB; now I can cut loose with no problems whatsoever.
Beautiful guns and one heck of a history behind those three. How did you like your Super Blackhawk? I've looked at the same model you have for years for my first 44 Mag, but just haven't pulled the trigger quite yet.
Thanks Will. I've had that Super Blackhawk for nearly 40 years. It's still my favorite handgun.
@@thecinnabar8442 Your Welcome, That's something special, I bet you have some good memories with it.
@@thecinnabar8442 I know it's a little out of theme for the channel, but it would be nice if you could do a video on the Blackhawk revolver, Thanks
I may do that in the future. I really like the Blackhawks.
@@thecinnabar8442 That's awesome, they're one of my favorite guns
N frame 29 was offered in 1956 in a p+45 Colt ...
What is the favorite Elmer Keith load using 2400? And are the projectiles gas checked?
Very cool! Any way to know what the original caliber was?
Mr. Keith's Colt is a 38 Special. It had the cylinders opened up to accept the longer 357 magnum cartridge.
@@thecinnabar8442 didn't know the .38 had been around that long!
@@chrislang5659 Colt started chambering the SAA in .38 Special around 1930.
@@MrTruckerf I had no idea!
I was hoping to see a S&W mod 57 41 mag in there maybe next time
Sadly, I don't have an example of every model of firearm ever made to demonstrate on these videos, but I'm working on it.😃
@@thecinnabar8442 maybe someday
Where is the Cinnabar Ranch?
We're in remote Southeastern Oregon, Mr. Browning
What…no 41rm?
Sadly no. I must correct that someday. Thanks for watching and commenting.
One way to stay married is to make sure your wife has a good collection.
Excellent point! My wife's collection of Colts is of higher quality than my Winchester collection. She has a better eye than me.
Nothing as nostalgic as lying down in buffalo shit..lol
Can you purchase a handgun @ age 18 ... ?
You can't now, but I was 18 a very long time ago. 😉
Great shooting. Hitting needs a lot of work, though.