Fast and Fancy Revolver Shooting

by
posted on August 28, 2009
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
wiley-clapp.jpg

Ed McGivern was one of the most unlikely handgunners of all time. He had no background in professional use of the handgun, i.e., police or military service. A stocky little man with fantastic eye-hand coordination, Montanan McGivern was a sign painter by trade.

Back in the 1930s, he became intrigued with the alleged feats of the western gunman of the Frontier era. The interest drove him to attempt to duplicate their feats and eventually led to revolver shooting way beyond what the old-timers had ever done.

Part of this came from far better guns, but more of it was an analytical approach and practice, practice, practice.

Much of his work was reported in a great book, Fast and Fancy Revolver Shooting. He did long range work with a handgun at hundreds of yards and shot up to six targets thrown in the air, but was best known for speed. When he reported shooting five rounds into a playing card at 15 feet – in 45/100 of a second – he set off a wave of controversy.

I have seen some grainy old film of McGivern at work and I believe he did everything he claimed he did. The book is a great read and has been reprinted several times.

Latest

NRA’s New America’s Rifle Challenge
NRA’s New America’s Rifle Challenge

Inside NRA’s New America’s Rifle Challenge

NRA has developed a new competition designed to promote better marksmanship with America’s rifle—the AR-15 platform.

The Armed Citizen® Sept. 1, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Numerous Companies Offering Firearm, Ammo Rebates This Fall

Now that summer 2025 is drawing to a close, we'd like to welcome in the rebate season, and this year's specials are hard to ignore!

Preview: North American Arms Sentinel

The Sentinel from North American Arms combines the aesthetic and .22 WMR chambering of the Pug with the Sidewinder’s frame-mounted swing-out cylinder (to the right side, mind you) and far simpler reloading process.

New For 2025: Chiappa Big Badger

Chiappa's Little Badger has long been a popular, affordable, break-action survival rifle chambered for the .22 Long Rifle cartridge. Now, the design has been upsized into the Big Badger, available in several centerfire chamberings.

Preview: Self Reliance Outfitters Pathfinder Canteen Trail Kit

The U.S.G.I. canteen and cup are classic pieces of kit due to their efficient design and durable construction, and they are practically updated in the Self Reliance Outfitters Pathfinder Canteen Trail Kit.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.