Demonstrating the Cavalry/Twist Draw

[duelist1954]

I was out shooting a pair of 1851 Navy revolvers this week. I like to draw these guns using what some people call the cavalry draw, and others call the twist draw.

I stopped using this draw during CAS matches over 15 years ago because ROs were so twitchy about it. But if done right it is safe. people think you sweep yourself during the draw, but, actually, it would be hard to do that without hitting yourself with the gun barrel.

I put together a short video that demonstrated the draw so you can see what I mean. Here are some stills of the draw as well:
http://i.imgur.com/pDEIC.jpg http://i.imgur.com/anAs5.jpg http://i.imgur.com/Ayy8D.jpg http://i.imgur.com/xKc8M.jpg http://i.imgur.com/POJSn.jpg http://i.imgur.com/4S6UY.jpg http://i.imgur.com/r9EwR.jpg http://i.imgur.com/XyUMP.jpg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYrE7e1VmgY

 

[Don]

Looks safe to me. You have it pointed down range before you even twist it upright.

Don

 

[jdkerstetter]

I always liked the high calvary draw as it brings the gun to eye level quickly. It was very popular in the "old west" and there are surviving examples of vests that have holsters sewn to them in this arrangement. Many believe the low slung, tied down, hip shooters are a Hollywood invention or the exception, rather than the rule. Leg tied pistols are very impractical on horse back.

I way I was taught was proper to do it was a little different though. I was taught that as your hand grasped the pistol you catch the notch formed by the hammer and it's spur with the web between your index finger and thumb.

As you twist you're wrist around to bring the gun to bear you are cocking it so it is ready to fire as soon it's pointed. Now this really unnerves the range masters. :grin:

Cocking the hammer after the gun is brought to bear is likely "safer" but it is slower. Done properly the way I was taught is very fast, accurate and safe. Give it a try!

Enjoy, J.D.

 

[pargent]

That's safe but it will send numb nutted RO's into a headspin for sure.

 

[bobthemotorcycle]

Thanks for showing me this. I was wanting to get two Hickok type holsters for my C&B revolvers. You just helped me confirm that that is what I will do.

 

[necchi]

While you do plainly show that your draw is indeed safe, Your Practiced.

I can see where someone that hasn't practiced that draw would indeed easily drag the muzzle across and pointing at their belly during the motion,
Getting the revovler high enough and forword enough before the twist is something many won't be able to do as they practice being cool.

Mike, your not a typical guy. You have a ton of revolver experiance and practice :thumbsup:

 

[duelist1954]

While it is true that I have a fair amount of revolver experience, I think it would be hard to sweep yourself with C&B revolver, particularly one with a period correct barrel length.

I think you'd hit yourself with the barrel.

But, it is probably a moot point because many CAS range officers won't let you do it because they assume you'll sweep yourself.

This draw is quite fast if you do it in real time, so ROs really don't see where the muzzle travelled. From their perspective it is in your holster...then it is pointed straight out.

 

[jdkerstetter]

Do you have any opinion on the cocking while bringing the gun to bear? As I understand it, it is the proper way to exicute this technique. It is faster.

Enjoy, J.D.

 

[swathdiver]

How timely Mike, I was just looking this up yesterday morning! Something I want to learn to do well. Thanks!

 

[duelist1954]

I used to practice this draw a lot. I would cock while drawing. I don't on video because I get tired of emails from the "safety patrol"

 

I can only imagine what kind of crap you get, Mike.

I agree, one should begin cocking the sixgun as soon as it clears leather and you begin bringing it up. By the time it's pointed towards the target, it should be cocked and the hand in a shooting position but the safety patrol might get their panties in a wad.

 

[PaulN/KS]

Another interesting and informative video. Thanks for sharing all your expertise.. :hatsoff:

 

[jdkerstetter]

Yep. That's why I like practicing alone sometimes....away from prying eyes. Enjoy, J.D.

 

[rafterob]

Remember the video going around last year of the guy who shoots himself practicing quick draw (with a semi-auto) He was by himself :shocked2: I try to fight the urge to shoot alone,the consequences of an accident are greatly magnified. Ever since a co-worker shot himself in the thigh "cleaning" his pistol, I have been a little nervous about loaded handguns. He had to crawl accross the living room to the phone and passed out from loss of blood during the 911 call. Thankfully, EMS arrived very shortly after that.As an afterthought;you ever notice how many people shoot themselves while cleaning their weapon? Seems like just as many people that get DWI's after having only 1 drink

 

[cynthialee]

my mom acidently shot my dads 12 gauge in the livingroom when she was trying to clean it
The look of stunned shock on her face was priceless.

 

[Billnpatti]

Whille I have a cap and ball revolver that I shoot only occasionally, I do not consider myself a pistolaro. I can see where an inexperienced person may sweep his belly while doing this draw. It is also obvious that with experience, one can perform this draw safely. The secret is in the practice with an empty revolver and lots of it before attempting to do it with a loaded revolver. Doing it safely is a learned skill. Practice, practice and more practice in front of a mirror with an empty revolver is the way to learn to do it perfectly safely. I am a strong advocate of gun safety and I do not believe one can be too safe when enjoying the very satisfying sport of firing guns.

 

[DOUBLEDEUCE 1]

I enjoyed the video and still photos. The draw sort of reminds me of a way to throw a frisbee. :idunno: