Alamo Fast Draw

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Defining the Old West most trigger happy gunfighters is a tall order. So who were the Western Gunfighters is much more complex than one might think. The stereotypicl gunfighter from the movies and fictional books,did not exist for the most part.

In the real wild west it would not have been the smart gunslinger that stood head to head in the street of Laredo (or many other street) ready to show his fast draw skills. The white hat good guy, black hat bad guy was fun for the movies but it was not that easy to figure out who the bad guy was.

Getting the drop on your opponent was probably the most effective way of staying alive. It does a cure to me that getting the drop on your opponent might be a fast way of getting yourself locked up or hung. But I suppose being alive to argue the point with a Lawman of the day might have been much preferred over boot hill.
I have had many discussions with others about holster styles that some of the gunfighters of the old west might have been using. We all agree that the holsters portrayed in the typical western would not have existed. Yes there are some of the newer westerns that have been more accurate on the authenticity of the western holster and Reg but even this is a subject of debate.
The six-shooter could be described as a necessity for many in the old west but was most likely one of the least used tools. The expense along with the time it took to maintain such a valuable piece of hardware would I think for most westerners dictate the kind of holster was used to secure them. The tight fitting holster that covered most of the gun was probably more important than being able to achieve a fast draw. If there is a way to make a holster that is comfortable to wear in most situations the gunfighters of the old west may have been prone to choose just such a holster. I would venture to say that many of us modern day gunfighters remove are rakes whenever we are not engaged in an hour gunslinging activities. I have noticed that many competitors in the fast draw sports remove their holsters in between rounds on competition day.

So for most activities in the old west I would think that for comfort reasons alone that there would be many variations in holsters to suit the individual. And I bet that the holsters for the most part were not geared for fast draw. A six-gun for the cowboy was meant to be fired deliberately not swiftly.
I read an article at one time or another that disgust the handling of a single action pistol while wearing a coat. Although I dislike the look of a rig being worn with the holster and pistol riding directly in front, it made sense that some westerners would do this especially during cold weather season it would be much more effective to reach through the front of your coat and have the gun there at your fingertips than to have to open the coach and maneuver your gun from the side. The cross-draw would be a very effective way for a person wearing a coat, sitting a horse or sitting at a card game to have his hog leg ray for quick use. The gun in this position can be put into action quickly and effectively. But not too quickly!
The shotgun was a go too weapon for many gunfighters and it would probably have been my choice as well for a close distance fight. It takes some of the guesswork out of the picture or maybe I should say it is more forgiving in a tight situation.

These are just some thoughts I want to get out and maybe get some feedback from the rest of you gunfighters out there. Is anyone in the San Antonio area would like to try some fast draw whether it comes in the form of World Fast Draw, Cowboy Fast Draw, Showdown Fast Draw or some other form of fast draw or if you are already in to fast draw and are looking for a club to join The Alamo Gunslingers is in San Antonio and is looking for gunfighters. Bob Graham and I would be happy to help you out you can contact me by e-mail at lledslinger@gmail.com

Just a reminder we are having a Showdown Championship October 18th 2008 Find out more

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