Dave Spaulding, author of "Handgun Combatives", is a well-known figure in the world of firearms instruction and practical shooting. He's also a big fan of the Old West, both fictional and "factional", if I can put it like that.
Mr. Spaulding has published a three-article series on what really happened before and during the infamous Gunfight at the OK Corral in Tombstone, Arizona in 1881. In order, they are:
Gunfight On Fremont Street: O.K. Corral Part 1
"Here They Come!": O.K. Corral Part 2
30 Rounds In 30 Seconds: O.K. Corral Part 3
They provide a lot more information than the "usual sources", and are obviously based upon years of research and background reading. If the Old West interests you, I highly recommend these three articles. You'll find them fascinating.
(Mr. Spaulding's book is also well worth reading. Recommended.)
Peter
Good articles!
ReplyDeleteInteresting reading. Thanks for linking.
ReplyDeleteGreat articles, and yes, very well researched.
ReplyDelete"History Detectives" or some similar show had an episode on the fight years ago. The one thing I remember is that they established how far Doc Holiday was from Tom McLaury by figuring out the distance needed for the shotgun pellets to spread to a the width of one hand. Interesting.
ReplyDeleteGood series. There were three types of holsters in 1881. A cavalry holster with a full top flap. The Slim Jim holster which could be configured for a traditional hip location, as a cross draw that made it easier to be drawn while on a horse, and as a shoulder holster. The Mexican Loop holster that rode high on the hip.
ReplyDeleteA little more info. Smokeless powder was not invented until 3 years later. Any time a gun was fired the smoke needed to clear to be able to aim at the next target.