The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #129533   Message #4066045
Posted By: GUEST,Observer
27-Jul-20 - 04:35 AM
Thread Name: Origins: El Paso: Why did he run?
Subject: RE: Origins: El Paso: Why did he run?
cnd "duels" are not gunfights as depicted in Wild West novels, in retrospectively written songs or in the movies.

Your first link - take a look at the time line it covers. From Flint-lock, through cap-lock to single action and then to double action handguns.

If you are talking about "gunfights" as described in the song that this thread is about you can basically discount anything from your list using anything but double action revolvers, certainly anything using flint-locks or cap-locks [No quick draw possible due to nature and size of the weapons - these were the two men pacing out ten steps turning on command and both taking aim before firing type duels]. A quick draw using a single action pistol is problematic as to fire the gun it takes the following distinct actions to fire the weapon:

1. Drawn the weapon from a belt or from a holster;
2. Use your thumb or spare hand to pull back the hammer to cock the weapon;
3. Aim the weapon;
4. Pull the trigger to discharge the firearm.

[So as I stated before Tutt was dead the second Hickok cocked his firearm - as Hickok had bought himself time to take deliberate aim - i.e. not a western gunfight as inaccurately portrayed in fiction, in song, or on film]

As opposed to a double action where you just draw the gun and pull the trigger. The "double" in double action refers to the pulling of the trigger performing the double action of cocking the gun and releasing the sear to allow the hammer to strike the cartridge.

So much for:

"So in anger I challenged his right for the love of this maiden
Down went his hand for the gun that he wore
My challenge was answered in less than a heartbeat
The handsome young stranger lay dead on the floor
"