In Memory of John Taffin — GMP #274

Published on March 13, 2025
Duration: 35:26

This episode of the Guns Magazine podcast is a tribute to the late firearms writer John Taffin. Hosted by Brent Wheat and featuring guest Roy Huntington, the discussion celebrates Taffin's life, his immense passion for firearms, particularly revolvers, and his significant legacy in the gun writing world. They highlight his prolific career, his deep knowledge, and his unique approach to evaluating and writing about firearms.

Quick Summary

John Taffin was a legendary firearms writer celebrated for his deep passion, particularly for revolvers, and his extensive contributions to Guns Magazine and American Handgunner. He was known for his meticulous research, hands-on approach, and influential status in the firearms community, often associated with the term 'perfect pack and pistol.'

Chapters

  1. 00:04Introduction to the Podcast
  2. 00:21Tribute to John Taffin
  3. 01:19Roy Huntington Joins the Podcast
  4. 02:01Remembering John Taffin's Passing
  5. 02:46John Taffin's Writing Career Start
  6. 03:36John Taffin's Passion for Guns
  7. 05:39First Meeting with John Taffin
  8. 07:12Taffin's Fascination with Single Action Revolvers
  9. 09:17Roy Huntington's Editor Role
  10. 10:14John Taffin: Gunwriting Royalty
  11. 11:09The Era of Print Gunwriters
  12. 12:17Developing New Ideas in Firearms
  13. 13:17The Decline of 'Royalty' Gunwriters
  14. 14:04Analog vs. Digital in Firearms Writing
  15. 15:05Editing John Taffin's Prolific Work
  16. 16:19The Challenge of Editing Long Articles
  17. 17:34Focusing the Core of a Topic
  18. 19:32The Editor-Writer Relationship
  19. 20:34Struggles with Film Photography
  20. 21:11Taffin's Photography Issues
  21. 23:34Transition to Digital Cameras
  22. 24:41John Taffin's Gentlemanly Nature
  23. 25:01Taffin as an Elementary School Teacher
  24. 26:00Taffin's Writing Criteria: 'Six Gun' vs. 'Wheel Gun'
  25. 27:13John Taffin: The Real Deal
  26. 28:22Taffin's Broad Firearms Knowledge
  27. 29:25The 'Perfect Pack and Pistol' Legacy
  28. 30:20True Passion for Firearms
  29. 31:03Taffin's Generosity and Helpfulness
  30. 32:02What Happens to Taffin's Guns?
  31. 32:46Taffin's Iconic Innovations
  32. 33:11Celebrating John Taffin's Legacy
  33. 34:00Podcast Wrap-up and Housekeeping
  34. 35:13Outro Music

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was John Taffin and what was his significance in the firearms community?

John Taffin was a highly respected and prolific firearms writer, particularly known for his expertise on revolvers and custom guns. He contributed extensively to publications like Guns Magazine and American Handgunner, influencing industry trends and inspiring enthusiasts with his deep knowledge and passion.

What was John Taffin's primary passion in firearms?

John Taffin's singular passion in life was firearms, with a particular and deep love for revolvers, especially single-action models and custom variations. His enthusiasm for these firearms was evident in his extensive writing and personal collection.

How did John Taffin approach firearms writing and research?

Taffin was known for his 'analog' approach, relying on extensive personal experience, hands-on experimentation, and deep dives into his personal library rather than solely digital resources. He believed in testing and experiencing firearms firsthand before writing about them.

What does the term 'perfect pack and pistol' refer to in relation to John Taffin?

The phrase 'perfect pack and pistol' became a legendary term associated with John Taffin, reflecting his enthusiastic and thorough approach to evaluating handguns. It signified his quest for an ideal combination of a firearm and its accompanying gear, always finding something positive to highlight.

What was John Taffin's impact on the firearms industry?

In his era, John Taffin was considered 'gunwriting royalty.' His reviews and opinions carried significant weight, capable of influencing consumer choices and even prompting manufacturers to consider changes or innovations based on his insights.

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