Western Gun Tricks?

[Raguleader]

So, in old western movies, what do they call it when a guy sorta spins his gun around on his trigger finger (other than the obvious "Darned dangerous")?

Just randomly curious, and thinking of maybe using it in one of my short stories that I'm always in the process of not writing.

 

[Wiley]

They called it showing off. And not dangerous at all if one is using a single action revolver with the hammer down on an empty chamber, as is the only proper way to carry an SA.

 

[gunsmith]

some modern single actions

like the Rugers, are perfectly safe with all chambers loaded.

I wouldn't try that spinning trick with real guns.

 

[Texfire]

I think they called it tomfoolery. Now cock the hammer first and it's damnfoolishness.

Tex

 

[Old Fuff]

It is sometimes called "twirling" or "spinning," and it was invented in Hollywood, not the Old West. The few old gunfighters that lived long enough to comment (including Wyatt Earp) held this kind of behavior in utter contempt.

 

[mustanger98]

According to Sheriff Jim Wilson's writings in Shooting Times ("Gunsmoke"), Harvey Logan was one of the very few old outlaw gunfighters who did spin his guns. Now, as we all know, the ability to spin guns never won any gunfights. However, Sheriff Wilson commented that having the strength and dexterity this gymnastics requires may on the other hand enhance the shooter's hand's ability to handle the gun.

Personally, I've been known to spin a Ruger's Vaquero as well as some Ubertis. I can tell a lot about the way a revolver feels and balances by how it spins. Besides, sometimes I just like to get a little fancy with my BBQ gun. However, I never do this with a loaded revolver as it WOULD BE dangerous to myself and/or the rare bystander.

The quickdraw/spinner artists are usually using a die-cast replica, but some also use a real SAA and load stage "safety" blanks. Those blanks must be used with care as they can break a balloon out to 15'. I remember Bill Oglesby demonstrating these so-called safety blanks once... he broke a balloon and then said "if that's a safety blank, I don't want to see the other kind".

 

[DonP]

Winchester "Twirl" ala John Wayne/Chock Connors

FWIW for any of you folks interested in doing the Rifleman or Johnny Ringo/Rooster Cogburn twirl with your Winchester or Puma '92 ...

Here's something I picked up from the guys at Leverguns.com.

"Yeah, the "twirl" is cool. I have been watching reruns of "The Rifleman" on local TV. Lucas does the twirl very well, but he also does something else. Lucas "tosses" the butt of the rifle up and forward, which forces the barrel down, and the rifle winds up behind his elbow. Then with little, or no, twitching, the rifle returns to his hand, ready to go. It's very low-key, and just another way to cock the rifle with one hand.

A couple of days of practice, and you can twirl with the best of them. The bruises on your arms go away after two weeks. Part of learning these tricks is that they could make others think that you know what you are doing.

As far as the mechanics goes, start with an empty rifle. Hold the rifle in one hand, thumb off to the side of the receiver, rifle resting in your hand, with barrel up at about a 45* angle, and the butt down. Push the rifle away from your body, butt forward, barrel backward, while making sort of a circular movement with your hand. You need to find a balance point, as the rifle may tip side to side. The biggest hazard is severely bruising your bicep(s). Try this with, and without, gloves. Sweaty hands can grab the lever. A little oil may help complete the spin. Watch out for "Hammer bite" in the web of your thumb, on completion of the twirl. Don't drop the gun! Practice makes perfect.

That pretty much describes the technique. But tie a handkerchief around the front sight. This keeps the front sight from cutting into your arm or any other part. Also try twirling it over a couch or bed. If you drop it it won't hit the floor. Doesn't take long to get the hang of it. After you get comfortable with twirling with your strong-arm switch to your weak arm.

Also if you decide to twirl with live ammunition you must give it a fast twirl. To slow a twirl will jam the round. This mostly occurs with rifle caliber's. You should have no problems with pistol caliber's.

Can't shoot yourself. Not possible. Action is wide open when barrel sweeps your body."

 

[ArmedBear]

I've practiced a little spinning with the help of a video I bought from a stuntwoman in Arizona. http://www.pistolpackinpaula.com/

It's fun. It takes strong wrist and hand muscles. Otherwise, things start to hurt in ugly ways. I gave it up for a while, and worked on those muscles in the weight room (for other reasons, actually, like climbing), and now I've been doing it again.

I've used a dummy pistol (Spanish-made non-firing replica) both because it's 100% guaranteed not to be loaded, and because it's a lot cheaper than my real guns, if I drop it one too many times.

One caveat: a trick holster is really expensive. I can spin my gun into my regular trail holster, but now and then it doesn't just drop in smoothly because the leather is soft and doesn't stay wide-open and flared.

Good spinners can fire the pistol while spinning it (blanks, generally). I haven't tried that, and probably won't. But anyway, it's a fun little thing to try. And it does help you feel the balance of a single-action revolver at the shop, though it does make them sort of nervous.