Greetings,

This weekend I was in an 'antique' shop and was surprised to find a fair number of old shooting books from the 1960's. Most of it was major manufacturer's stuff from the time period--no autographed books by Elmer, i'm afraid.

Surprised me when I came across a book I had not heard about, by Chic Gaylord, the Handgunner's Guide. First copy, with sleeve (is that like the 'box'? ).

Anyways, it was a great read and I finished it quickly. It is a nice work and there were some neat points discussed. The thing I really liked about it more than just about anything else is that you got a sense that the man was simply in a room talking to you, while you read it. It was his point of view, just discussed informally, like we were having a cup of coffee together.

Good read. I'd recommend it.

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Rather be outdoors

I bought mine in 1968, I've lost track of how many times I have reread it over the years. Good read with some neat photos.

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Keep Shootin' and check 6

Bought one off of a remainder table in a bookstore in Escanaba, MI in the mid-'60s.
Was glad to see a reprint come out a few years ago.

Ask Lefty at BCO about Chic Gaylord.

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I'm with the banned ...

I have 2 copies, one which was autographed by Gaylord to a local dentist-also have the copy of Gaylord's catalog he ordered.

A very nice find indeed. With a name like Chic Gaylord you know he had to be tough with a good sense of humor! The man knew his stuff.

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Stay safe people!

I seem to recall someone on here mentioned knowing him personally. Lefty?

Lefty (Charter Oaks Holsters IIRC), if you have a chance, could you add to the dialogue? I would be interested, and I am sure others, of any first-hand stories you could tell. Thanks in advance

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Rather be outdoors

I too have the book. As I recall, there were photos of handguns with exposed trigger guards but Chic Gaylord deserves credit for helping modernize holster design.

As this book was published in the 60s, we should remember that tactics and the legalities of armed defense have evolved considerably since then.

I particularly "like" Gaylord's method of drawing from an ankle holster, a method that would work if you wear your pants about six sizes too large.

In 1966[Jul.-Aug, IIRC] I was in N.Y. on leave preparing for my second tour in RSVN. I had just graduated Army Flight School and was a "bright and shining" Warrant Officer One.I made the trip into the city and looked up Chicks with an interest in purchasing a couple of holsters for a USGI .45 s.
If you've read the book, you can see that Chick was a man of imposing stature with a permanent semi frown and I "suffer no fools" attitude.
I was "resplendent" in my uniform with gleaming Silver Wings and, I suppose he took pity on this "young neophyte" as I told him I needed a open carry holster and a concealed carry holster for an issue .45. He said words to the effect that he didn't keep holsters in stock ,that he built custom holsters by order.Well, after a discussion of ,I didn't know where I would be assigned when I arrived "in country" etc., etc., etc. , he said he would check his "inventory" and see what he had. 20, maybe 30, minutes later he came back with 2 holsters, one "Speed Scabbard" and one "Concealment Scabbard".These holsters stood me in excellent stead through that tour. I gave them away to Gun Team Mates with the thought that I could get some new ones on the way home. Made the order, sent the check and... nothing! When I got to N.Y. [my mother lived in White Plains] I went to Chicks shop only to find a sign that Chick had passed away.Boy, do I wish I'd kept those holsters!
Lefty, at BCO Leather told me that it was VERY unusual for Chick to do something like that, it wasn't his nature!
Well, I don't know ,to this day, whether Chick sold me holsters that had been made for someone else ,of if he was able to whip together two holsters while he was in"in the back". I do know I would jump for joy if I still had those originals. Nick

Taken

If anyone would like to read this book, I have a ratty old copy to give away. Somehow I ended up picking up an extra book along the way. It's no collectible (yellowed, possible basement/smoke odor, warped hardcovers) but it's all there. Shoot me a PM if you want it.

Taken

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SWHF #448

Pm on the way.

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Dave

What amazes me is how such a fine book on handgun lore came from the anti-gun (especially anti-handgun) environment that NYC has always been.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103