As Dot Taffin invited me into her home, I walked into the living room with John Taffin coming to meet me, but the only problem was that I expected the man to be 10 feet tall. I told him that for someone who has read his articles, used his handload data listed in the Freedom Arms Collector Journal and elsewhere and everything he has done for handgunning I figured he would at least be 7 foot 6 inches.... Next thing Dottie ushered me into "John`s" room
and had me pull up a chair alongside of John`s easy chair. The experience was like going to confession. We then spent the better part of the afternoon discussing what serious handgunners
discuss..... When we talked of Elmer Keith he pointed out that Elmer used big bore rifles when hunting because when a big bodied elk jumped up he had to take the shot that was given or else risk losing fresh meat for his family. He could not wait for a broadside shot with a .270 if you get my meaning. Our conversation covered as much as I could ask in the short time I had. Again, for those members who may never get to Boise, let me share my afternoon with John Taffin in the photos I took... [img]http://www.handgunhunt.com/photopost/data/722/P1010248.JPG[/

Above pictures:
1) JT meets JFJ
2) Dottie Taffin
3) Mtn.Lion- JT`s hardest hunt
4) Framed poster
5) Announcement at Cabelas for JT`s appreciation banquet in Oct.
6) The desk where he does all his writing...
7) A number of exotic trophys
8) JT and the 50AE....
9) Drawing of JT along with his friends signatures. I don`t have to tell you whose names were there....
10) More trophies
11) John and Dot Taffin in their kitchen
12) On my way to SLC airport after a great trip

As I end this journey with you I want you to know that before I left John Taffin`s home he presented me with a gift of a replica statue of the American Handgunner Award
which I`am sure you know will be displayed alongside my other handgun trophies......Thanks John, Your friend in Jersey, James

Awesome, James.

Look at all the exotics John Taffin has taken!! I know getting to talk with him was an excellent experience. You, my friend, had a wonderful trip. I wonder if folks give him as much BS about hunting behind a fence as they give us....I bet not!

Franchise, I have to agree with you about the bs.....

You have ranked up a trip that any of us would love to duplicate. Congratulations We are all jealous.

Wow James!! A sit down with John Taffin?! I'm a huge fan of his writings and accomplishments. Thanks for sharing your trip with us!

Truly a once in a lifetime experience for many handgunners.

I too am jealous.

Larry

That"s just awesome.

I didnt know that he was a boise boy!

James, you have had quiet an adventure! I only hope my retirement is as half as good as yours has been.

Sorry I missed your call yesterday; I was enjoying some time on a motorcycle.

Congrats James on the sit down. There aren't a lot of people alive that I hope to meet someday, but he's one. Wow. That's all I have. WOW!

PH

Another cool visit. there are a LOT of critters mounted in that house aren't there

I think it was in the 80s if I remember correctly and as you look around, you can remember the stories he wrote about each hunt in various books. Glad you had a great time!

JFJ - another highlight of a trip to remember...congratulations on your Western tour of handgunning greatness!

Great recap of your meeting with Mr. Taffin! I had the pleasure of hearing John speak at the S&W Annual Collector's meeting that was held in Boise two years ago. It was great to see him in person. Thanks for sharing your visit.

Very cool James! Thanks for sharing!

James, I have really enjoyed the photos and details of your recent trip out West to visit Freedom Arms and some of the "legends" of handgunning. When are you going to come down South to see me? I'm a legend (in my own mind)!

Good stuff, thanks for sharing!

But Darr, I`ve been to your neck of the woods 4 times already. Where were you?? I`ll tell you what... I`ll be there in November and I will make sure to bring some humus.... In all seriousness come by and I take you to dinner with David. Don`t know how far you are from SC but the invite is there....

Ive got some of johns books and love them. Congrats on being able to sit and speak with him

James, you must've taken a wrong turn somewhere to end up in Boise. Guess I'll have to have the father in law take me over to John's house next time I'm down there. Thanks for the story.