2026 Quarter 1 RestoMod: Elmer Keith's M1911

Big hat, big car, big man go far, Elmer Keith was as much of a legend in his own time as he is in ours. From ridiculous long-range six gun feats to dramatic stories of hunting on the Dark Continent, there has never been a more “gun guy’s gun guy” than Elmer Keith. His stories, articles, and findings regarding small arms shaped an entire industry, leading Elmer Keith to be one of the most influential gunmen to ever pull a trigger. While most people know the ‘ole bronc buster for things such as the No. 5, Magnum cartridges, and big game rifles, few know of Keith’s experiences with Automatic handguns. It makes sense- his book is titled “SIXGUNS”, after all. Not, “AUTOMATICS”. Like anyone with taste in guns, Keith did, on occasion, have an old M1911 in his saddle bag. Although, much like anything associated with Keith, the tale surrounding this particular 1911 was taller than even the man who toted it and would become an emotional keepsake from a good friend gone too soon…