Surviving a gunfight

[KLB]

Those old timers—Earp, Masterson, Hickok and the rest—didn’t have access to the equipment that we have today. They had to make do with a small assortment of guns that were suitable for the task. They had to rely on gun rigs that were not much more than leather pockets. Their choice of ammo was lead bullets and black powder, and they hadn’t even heard of ballistic gel. Yet they survived, and some survived quite a large number of deadly fights.

I think that the key is found in the words of Bat Masterson. Masterson is quoted as saying that three things were important to survive a gunfight—deliberation, accuracy and speed—in that order.

https://www.shootingillustrated.com/art ... to-basics/

[joe817]

How true that is! In that order. Good article. Thanks for posting.

[DynamicDan]

And practicle practice

[The Annoyed Man]

I just finished a book yesterday about the life of Frank Hamer. When asked about how he had survived so many gunfights, he said very much the same thing. I don’t remember exactly how he worded it, but he basically said that it was more important to make the first hit than to get the first shot off, and that steady and accurate was better than fast.

[Lynyrd]

I just finished a book yesterday about the life of Frank Hamer. When asked about how he had survived so many gunfights, he said very much the same thing. I don’t remember exactly how he worded it, but he basically said that it was more important to make the first hit than to get the first shot off, and that steady and accurate was better than fast.

I just saw the exhibit devoted to him at the Texas Rangers Museum last week.

[jason812]

Skill sure helps, ignoring panic is vital.

I heard or read (can't remember) that one reason Wyatt Earp escaped the OK Corral without injury was because he was calm and practically stood still. When everyone's adrenaline started flowomg, not moving basically made him invisible has the eyes pick up movement. The others moving around caused the focus to be on them and not Earp.

[Paladin]

Great article!

The principles for surviving/winning a fight are pretty timeless:

Essential Tactical wisdom... from 350 B.C.

[Beiruty]

In a Battlefield, especially in urban area, those matter most.
1) Nerves of steel
2) Battlefield awareness
3) Focus
4) Focus
5) Did I say focus on what to do

[bblhd672]

And practicle practice

Perfect practice of the fundamentals. Dry firing daily, training classes that go beyond standing and shooting at a target, more dry firing.