Big Bore Handguns

by John Taffin

Brian Pearce

Review from the August 2003 issue of Handloader by Brian Pearce:

“Noted gun writer John Taffin has completed his third book titled Big Bore Handguns.   It contains 352 pages and 17 chapters, more than 300 black and white photographs and a 16 page color section.   Previous titles have included Big Bore Sixguns and Action Shooting Cowboy Style.

Having read this book cover to cover, I found in full of valuable experience and first-hand knowledge on a variety of handguns including double and single action revolvers from Colt, Smith & Wesson and Ruger. It includes chapters on Freedom Arms single action's, specialized single shot handguns, the venerable model 1911 and many other makes and models.   John researches history to remind us of our colorful heritage and the important role big bore handguns have played in the lives of Americans.

Correct handling and shooting techniques are discussed for a variety of handguns and a commonsense approache is taken to what guns, cartridges and loads will serve best for hunting to personal defense.   There are chapters on favorite holsters and rigs that serve from concealed carry to hunting, Cowboy Action Shooting or for the TV Western buff, and there's a section listing top holster makers that range from El Paso Saddlery, which began making holsters in the 1880s and supplied rigs to lawman, outlaw, and cowboy the real West to small shops that have sprung up in recent years.   There is useful handload data for the most popular handgun and rifle cartridges including the .357 Magnum, .38 WCF, 10 mm, .41 Magnum, .44 WCF, .44 Special, .44 Magnum, .45 ACP, .45 Colt, .454 Casull, .480 Ruger, .475 Linebaugh, .50 AE and others.   There is even data for popular rifle/handgun cartridge combinations such as .357 Magnum, .44 Magnum and .45 Colt.

John has been a personal friend for more than 20 years, and I have hunted and shot with him many times.   He is genuinely honest, and his writings reflect this.   Big Bore Handguns will offer entertainment and useful information which is often lacking in many of today's books.”