Best gun writer ?

With countless books, articles and photographs to his name, few have cut as wide a swath in outdoor journalism as Wayne van Zwoll. And recently, the legendary journalist’s contributions were recognized for his work in the field. He got a Lifetime Achievement Award from Bushnell.

Who would you vote for and why?

Pieter

Ross Seyfreid , because he doesn't have to write " how does the 270 and 30-06 really stack up." He comes up with some odd and interesting gun stuff.

Finn Aagaard. His blend of firearms knowledge, military service, technical expertise, reloading, hunting, African PH, and USA guiding experience remains unmatched by any other shooting or hunting writer. He would bring all his knowledge, skills, and experience together using his very entertaining and readable writing style.

Finn Aagaard +1...my favorite gun writer growing up.

Terry Wieland - for his knowledge of big bore- and safari rifles.

M

Craig Boddington.

Gun Companies build limited runs of tribute rifles to him, he has made more trips to Africa than any other writer, his books are both educational and entertaining, mostly in equal parts, had a great run at TAA until envy and politics got involved, and the show is now beyond moribund, proving his star power, the list of accomplishments goes on and on.

And, he is one genuinely fine human being, unlike many in his field who consider themselves way above any interaction with we mortals.

Boddington has definitely been there and done that when it comes to hunting and has much more experience than most other gun writers. He's always been very kind and seemed genuine whenever I talked to him.

For me it's a toss up between Brian Pearce & Craig Boddington.

Warren Page a true rifle nut. I have spent many hours reading old articles of his.

i really like to read Phil Shoemaker and John Barsness.

My vote for the "Best Gun Writer"? The real gun writers of Accurate Reloading! I've learned more from these guys than most any gun rag! Seriously!

quote:

Originally posted by Idaho Sharpshooter:
Craig Boddington.

Gun Companies build limited runs of tribute rifles to him,

Do you own any CB tribute rifles?

I would want one about as much as people want a Tiger Woods Tag-Heuer.

quote:

Originally posted by Rusty:
My vote for the "Best Gun Writer"? The real gun writers of Accurate Reloading! I've learned more from these guys than most any gun rag! Seriously!

10-4 Rusty. roger

quote:

Originally posted by Rusty:
My vote for the "Best Gun Writer"? The real gun writers of Accurate Reloading! I've learned more from these guys than most any gun rag! Seriously!

That would be tough to argue with. For all its faults this forum is a great information source.

For me Bob Hagel.

Keith

My favorite on top of the grass is Ross Seyfried. I enjoy reading his articles for the diverse subject matter he writes about and his style. He's not your average one trick pony writer.

My favorites on the wrong side of the grass are Elmer Keith and Col. Jeff Cooper. Their writing always felt more accessible and personal to me than other writers.
I find myself turning to Sherman Bell's articles for a good read too.

Finn Aagard, Barsness, Ross Seyfried, and 458Win, Massad Ayoob in no particular order.

Finn Aagaard.

I've really enjoyed Elmer Keith. The factual, no BS writing style always made me chuckle.

Pondoro had a similar style of zero BS writing.

I haven't read any Finn...yet. I think I'll fix that this weekend.

I think, though, my favorite of old may have been Bob Milek as a rag writer. I remember being glued to his words even as a six year old.

Trax,

Don't mope, just because you can't afford either...

Yes, I do have one.

For me CB and Gregor Woods above ground.

Jeff Cooper and ol' Elmer underground.

I agree Elmer's writing was atrocious, and many years ago it used to irritate the crap out of me, until I decided to treat his books as a seat around the campfire listening to the old man reminisce and then it all came into focus.

ISS,
Did you also purchase a " lucky CB used Safari T-shirt" when they were available?....

BTW: your idol Boddingtons 'African adventure series' was punched out in .375 Ruger, called the "LION"!!!
I understand you detest the .375 Ruger.

I don't mind CB articles, but I do miss Mr Aagaards contributions.

quote:

Originally posted by bartsche:

quote:

Originally posted by Rusty:
My vote for the "Best Gun Writer"? The real gun writers of Accurate Reloading! I've learned more from these guys than most any gun rag! Seriously!

10-4 Rusty. roger

I agree. And Mike Dettore has compiled a nice list of all that wisdom.

What I have learned on AR:
1. The proper answer to: Where is the best place to get a steak dinner? is…Mel's Diner has the best fried chicken in town.
2. Big game animals can tell the difference between .015 of an inch in diameter, 15 grains of bullet weight, and 150 fps.
3. The laws of physics do not apply to firearms in that there is a difference in the performance of two identical projectiles launched at the same velocity if they came from different cartridges and some cartridges are so powerful their kinetic energy can knock big game off its feet but not knock the shooter who fired it off their feet.
4. While a double rifle is the perfect DGR, every 375HH bolt gun needs to be modified so it can carry at least 5 down.
5. While a floor plate and a detachable box magazine both use a mechanical latch, only the floor plate latch is reliable. Disregard the fact that almost every modern military rifle uses a detachable box magazine including those chambered in 50 BMG.
6. The Remington 700 is unreliable regardless of the fact it is the basis of the USMC M40 sniper rifle for 40+ years with no changes to the receiver or extractor and is the choice of more military and law enforcement sniper units than any other rifle.
7. PF actions are not suitable for a DGR and it is irrelevant that the M1, M14, M16, & AK47 which were designed for hunting men that can shoot back are all PF actions.
8. 95 deg F in Africa is different than 95 deg F in TX or CA and that is why you must worry about ammunition temperature in Africa (regardless that most safaris take place in winter) but not in TX or in CA.
9. The size of the ding in the gun's finish doesn't matter, what matters is whether the ding occurred in the safe or in the field because safe dings are ok but field dings are worse.
10. One in a row is a trend, two in a row is statistically significant, and three similar occurrences in a row is an irrefutable fact.
11. The AR Posting Quotient: the total number of posts divided by the number of days as a member: if greater than 2.5, recommend therapy.
12. Never buy a WSM or RCM cartridge for a safari rifle because if they lose your ammo you can't find replacement ammo but don't worry, 280 Rem, 338-06, 35 Whelen, and all Weatherby cartridges abound in Africa.
13. Never buy a WSM or RCM cartridge for your go to rifle in the USA because if they lose your ammo you can't find replacement ammo but don't worry, 280 Rem, 338-06, 35 Whelen, 9,3x62 and all Weatherby cartridges abound in back country stores.

Ross Seyfried was an incredible writer. I thoroughly enjoyed his writings. A lot of his articles can be found here:
http://www.scoutrifle.org/index.php?topic=5120.0

Just fyi, the server is slow so does require some patience

My vote for best of all time would go to Jack O'Connor With Gary Sitton in 2nd place. My vote for best currently writing would be a bit more difficult, but I'd probably vote for Terry Wieland.

Ross Seyfried and Elmer Keith-

Ross was/is a disciple of Elmers

+2 for Phil aka 458Win

Finn Aagard followed by Boddington.

I'm afraid Pondoro does not quite fall under the "no bullshit" title. I have to say his telling of shooting through 7 kudu and a tree with one shot is a little much!

Spot on - totally practical real world stuff. No PC B@#+ S#!+

Both of them have the ability to come up with a new perspective. John Barsness is great for challenging "proven truths" and coming up with new truths!

quote:

Originally posted by medved:
i really like to read Phil Shoemaker and John Barsness.

quote:

Originally posted by theback40:
I'm afraid Pondoro does not quite fall under the "no bullshit" title. I have to say his telling of shooting through 7 kudu and a tree with one shot is a little much!

Eland, not Kudu.

And, yes, I cry BS on that.

Ross Seyfried
Finn Aagaard
Craig Boddington
Wayne van Zwoll (seems its just Pieter and me that likes his work!?)
Gregor Woods

For gunwriting:
Ross Seyfried
Elmer Keith

Reloading "writing":
Dean A Grennell
Bob Milek

Ross Seyfreid. I never felt that he had anything to sell, just some toys he found interesting and a story to tell.

I enjoyed Jack O'Connor back in the day, learned a lot from him.

Best current: Barsness, barsnone.

Best past: O'Connor

Worst Current: There are a dozen tied for that honor.

Worst Past: Elmer Keith

Roy Dunlap, his book (Gunsmithing) is biblical.

Another vote for O'Connor. When you read an article by him you knew about the gun and scope he was using plus load details. He was a college professor so his writing was very easy to read. I still read his books and enjoy them.
Best amateur is our own Judge G! I always look forward to his hunt reports. Second best Will. I have both of his books and found them informative and entertaining.

you obviously never met Jocko. He was about as popular with people here as obama...

Elmer Keith was a good natured man, and always welcomed visitors to his home in Salmon. The only person I ever heard him speak ill of was Jocko. His one wish was to live long enough to piss on his grave...

John Taffin...if you are into handguns.

I saw John about three hours ago at the Boise Gun Show...