doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Don Zutz

In response to the thread �The true purpose of a beaver tail forearm, I posted �According to Don Zutz, the purpose of a beaver tail forend is compatibility with a pistol grip and to keep the hands in alignment.�

A member posted, �Just one of many stupid things that Zutz wrote. A classic purveyor of misconceptions. How he ever came to be a "recognized authority" is one of the mysteries of the cosmos.�

The above is the first negative response to Zutz� work that I have read and I was wondering what others think of Mr. Zutz� writing?

I thought his stuff was pretty well thought out myself.

I always thought he was OK.....but we all have our own opinions...

I did not always agree with his opinions but he did give his reasons for them which is more than most do. Some of his work was very good and his explanations were logical. His opinions were just that and he was as entitled to them as anyone else. I did read all his stuff I came across so I did figure it was good enough to consider.

But when younger, I became so enamored with the writing of Jack O'Connor and the .270 being capable of killing everything in North America that I ended up taking a Brown bear with it while in Alaska. Not my intent, but sometimes the devil drives and the bear was the devil that day. Bear was not on my menu but he had me on his. He dropped within 15 yards of me, a another second later and I'd just be another stupid dead hunter. Under gunned, over my head, 3X9 scope cranked all the way up, hunting moose and not even thinking a bear was around. So after that I took everything I read with a large grain of salt and never forget the bad things that can happen.

I didn't believe in some opinions of O'Connor and Carmichael either, even more so those of Whelen and the short, big-hatted, quick-draw six-shooter. Generally, Mr. Zutz was right up there on shotgunning although I suspect with less influence than others among growing audiences of more sophisticated readers.

That is a memory that will stick with you for the remainder of your days I'm sure.....any pics?

Not a fan, but probably because he didn't have the literary skills of some of his contemporarys. Struck me as more of a journalist than a writer. I always read his stuff because the subject was one that interested me; not because I was attracted to his opinion.

R.

I like Zutz' stuff. Practical, down to earth, opinions based upon his actual experience in the field (for the most part). Don't have to agree with him, but worth reading.

Here you go Steve. I was never much of a fan of Elmer Keith's style in his later writings. But he did have a ton of experience to share.

Kind of takes us back to that Pipe Smoking thread...:)