The sixguns of Elmer Keith hell, he was there! - The Sixgunner

American Handgunner, Sept-Oct, 2003 by John Taffin

His everyday working gun was the third short-barreled .44 Magnum. It was obviously a favorite as it was carried daily and shows extensive blue wear. This is a standard blued .44 Magnum except for the ivory stocks and his name engraved on the sideplate. All the rest of his .44s were carried in floral carved holsters; this everyday working gun was carried in a plain Milt Sparks' FBI style. He helped to design this holster by asking for a hammer extension to protect the inside lining of his coat. Many years ago, Elmer's son Ted Keith verified this was the sixgun Keith packed everyday.

Keith led what on the surface seems to be an ideal life. He spent the vast majority of his life guiding, outfitting, hunting, and shooting. He also went through much heartache and pain. He survived several devastating fires, attacks of influenza and lost his first child, Druzilla to influenza. He himself was so sick with the flu he could not even attend her funeral. His most interesting life is chronicled in his autobiography Hell, I Was There! This is the type of book that, started in the evening, could easily result in one's reading all through the night. Many of the sixguns I have mentioned are found in his book Sixguns By Keith. First published in 1955, and updated in 1961, it still remains a valuable resource. After his death, plans were made to have a museum built housing all of his firearms, game trophies and memorabilia. Those plans did not materialize and the public will probably never get to see his sixguns on display. I hope these pictures help in some small way.

Keith four favorite packin' S&W 44's, Leather by Milt Sparks George Lawrence and Ed Bohlin.

Three of Keith's custom Single Action Colts: (top to bottom) a 7.5" .44 Special, a 4.5" .45 Colt, and the famous "#55A", a 5.5" .44 Special.

Keith's double action 44's: (left to right) 4.5' .44 Magnum a pair of 4' .44 Magnums, 4" .44 Special. All wears specially carved ivory stocks and all are fully engraved except one plan blue working gun' a 4".44 Magnum.

One of Keith's favorite long-range sixguns was this custom 7.5. Colt Single Action .44 Special with ivory stocks, adjustable sights and short action by king.

Keith's .45 Colt SAA set up to be used with the Jesse Thompson speed rig.

Close-up of the #5SA: Note special base pin and catch, adjustable rear sight, Bisley hammer spur, and flat-topped frame.