Goodby to Chuck Taylor: From Vietnam as an Army Ranger to Firearms Author and Instructor
Written by Mark Fricke, a good friend of Chuck’s over a lot of years.
Yesterday we lost another icon in the gun and instructor world. Gaylord “Chuck” Taylor passed away after a long and hard fight from cancer.
Chuck had a long and successful career. He was Capt. in the Army Rangers serving in Vietnam where he received his CIB and a Bronze Star for his service. After the Army he began writing for Soldier of Fortune magazine specializing in evaluating the weapons of war. In the early days he was a world rated IPSC competitor.
He attended Gunsite in the late 70’s, shortly after Col. Cooper made him operation manager. This is where I met Chuck in 1978 while attending one of my many classes. We became friends. Upon my moving to Prescott in 1980, Chuck had decided to leave Gunsite and start his own shooting school, the “American Small Arms Academy” which he asked me to be one of his assistant firearms instructors, which I was for 12 years. During that time, he continued to write gun and tactic’s articles for several publications. Tiring of every gun is the best gun rags. He started his own “S.W.A.T. Magazine” in June 1982, which he was the founding Editor and Chief. It was devoted to truthful evaluations of guns, ammo, gear and tactics. I was honored to be on the masthead. In addition to the magazine Chuck authored nearly a dozen books, three of which I have displayed here. Definitive works of their time. A mutual friend penned an article, “Chuck Taylor: The Professional’s Professional” which is as good of description as any. Working for Chuck as an Instructor and staff writer was the major influence on making me the Instructor I am today.
The Metalife S&W M-15-3 displayed was Chuck’s and has been featured in numerous books and articles. Several years ago, he was culling his collection and the 15 ended up in a local gun shop. My wife found it, bought it and gave it to me for Christmas one year. The gun has a velvet smooth action. The diamond stocks and grip adapter were how Chuck dressed the gun. While the grip adapter does not work for me, I don’t have the heart to permanently remove it. This revolver has a place of honor in my collection.
Sadly, as happens in this field, we went our separate ways in 1992 and while living in in the same small town we rarely saw each other. It did not matter; I cherished the time and experiences we shared. I am honored to have called him a friend and mentor. Chuck’s training and writings have influenced generations of Shooters and saved untold hundreds of lives. His training concepts are still being used today.
I never got to say these words until now; Chuck thank you for all you did for me. I am a better man for knowing you and having you be part of my life. Rest in Peace my friend, the world will miss you.