Why One-Handed Shooting Dominated in Old Westerns and Why It's Unreliable in Modern Times
Always, when you watch those classic old Western movies, you might notice a recurring shooting pattern: characters often use their revolvers with a single hand. Yet, in today's reality, wouldn't it make more sense to use a two-handed grip for more accuracy? This article delves into the history, methods, and effectiveness of one-handed versus two-handed shooting, backed by modern insights into firearms.
One-Handed Shooting in Old Westerns
In the era of old Western movies, particularly in the 1930s to the 1950s, it was common to see characters shoot their revolvers with a single hand. This was often for practical reasons, such as simulating injury or using their non-primary hand for other tasks like holding up their drink. Sometimes, shooting is performed one-handed during actual combat situations. Training manuals and historical accounts suggest that shooting one-handed was appropriate for the firearm's design and the era in which it was used.
Training in the 1980s and Earlier
During the 1980s, military forces, including the US military, trained with one-hand shooting. The need for one-hand shooting was evident even before World War I, as individuals had to hold reins while shooting. This required a method of shooting that didn't impede their ability to control a horse. Germans during WWI used one-hand shooting with target-style pistols, which were less powerful and suited for one-handed use.
Why One-Handed Shooting Is Less Accurate Today
The world has changed, and so has methodology. In the 1970s, isocoles grips became popular, and this trend influenced training in law enforcement (LE) and the military. Today, two-handed shooting is the norm due to its superior accuracy. It is crucial, however, to learn one-handed shooting as well, as it enhances versatility and survival in emergency situations.
Modern Pistols and Training Techniques
The transition from one-handed to two-handed shooting happened over several decades. In the 1960s, Colonel Jeff Cooper, a retired USMC officer, began to study championship pistol shooters and developed the "modern technique of the pistol." His findings became widely accepted by the 1980s and 1990s, with both LE and military personnel adopting these methods.
Historical Context of One-Handed Shooting
One-handed shooting has been the dominant method for centuries, as it was the only practical way to use firearms. During times like the American Civil War, where mounted individuals needed a free hand to hold reins, one-handed shooting made perfect sense. Similarly, during duels, one handed shooting was used to show courage in facing fire. In police work, officers often needed to multitask, using one hand on a gun while the other dealt with other duties.
Modern Evidence and Analysis
Modern analysis clearly shows that using a two-handed grip and getting into the sights is more effective. While fewer people today have guns, those who do are more likely to be interested in their accurate and safe use. This aligns with modern shooting ranges where pistols are typically fired with two hands to achieve the best accuracy.
The Role of Westerns and Fiction
Westerns, with their focus on quick draws, have perpetuated a myth of one-handed shooting. In reality, most quick draw events did not match the Hollywood depiction. Quick draws were a common occurrence, but they rarely featured the classic Western showdown. Many modern films and TV shows have perpetuated this fictional image, leading to the widespread belief that one-handed shooting is an effective method.
Understanding the history and evolution of shooting techniques is crucial to appreciating both the artistry of old Western movies and the practical realities of modern firearms. While one-handed shooting might look cool on the big screen, it does not offer the same level of accuracy and safety as a two-handed grip in real-world situations.