Both fast and true
At the age of six, most of us had the world figured out. We knew we could ride a horse (despite never having actually done so). We had the running of a steam locomotive as part of our skill sets (despite never having actually even seen one). And we could handle all firearms. All of them. Again, despite never having seen anything other than a single shot .22 rifle.
TV had educated us. When one of my friends received a pistol and holster with leg ties, we knew that we, too, would one day control the shootout at the old corral. I mean, we were ready, and our supply of cap rolls was our way of telling the world.
So, reality check. I’ve never worn a real holster. And I certainly haven’t (EVER) faced down an opponent in a quick draw situation. However, I received affirmation of my weak skill set, after watching a quick-draw expert critique the techniques in a rounded dozen movies. (that means ten, if you’re trying to keep up).
It turns out that the movies do a credible job of demonstrating technique. Better than my teachers (Roy and Hopalong). If you practice, and try to strengthen your wrist muscles, and don’t shoot your (own) arm off, then you might survive a real shootout. Particularly a black powder version, where the lack of accuracy keeps barn doors safe from harm.
Besides, does anyone in a white cowboy hat ever die? Heroes win, even in sports where “the blink of an eye” is a real measure of time?
