I have been reading up on lawman Jelly Bryce for an article that I am working on. In the midst of doing that, I got to thinking about all of the really great shootists that came out of that generation, men like Bill Jordan, Charles Askins, Jr., Elmer Keith, Jerry Campbell and many, many others who were as good with a handgun as any we have ever heard of.
These handgunners were all products of the Great Depression. What that means is none of them had a lot of money, and by today’s standards, they didn’t own a lot of guns. In many cases, the handgun they owned had to do service for personal defense, field use, target matches and any other use they might have for a pistol. Times were hard, money was scarce and a man had to make do with what he had or could scrounge. However, those tough times made for some awfully good pistol shots and mighty dangerous gunfighters.
I have often said, “Don’t tell me what you carry; show me what you can do with it.” And yet, here I sit, owning quite a number of good handguns – never mind exactly how many. Owner of all – master of none.
So, I have decided to spend the next 12 months, as much as possible, with just one gun. I recently acquired a like-new early Smith & Wesson 4-inch Model 19. I just believe I will see if I can’t wear that thing completely out. Besides personal defense, I need a gun that I can use on coyotes, feral hogs, bobcats and rattlesnakes, so this revolver should fit the bill. There will be times that keeping it concealed will be a challenge in and of itself, which presents another good learning opportunity.
In addition, scrounging around in my little gun room, I found that I have a goodly supply of .38 Spl./.357 Mag. ammo, so I should be able to shoot as much and as often as I can manage. I’ve also got quite a number of useful holsters that will fit and a goodly supply of speed loaders and speed strips.
One gun, focusing on perfecting the marksmanship skills of sight picture, breath control, and trigger squeeze. One gun, focusing on a quick draw stroke and sight alignment. One gun to live with for 12 months.
Now, I’m not a gunwriter telling you what you ought to do. I’m telling you what I need to do. Of course, you are welcome to join me, if so inclined, with the handgun of your choice, whatever that might be. And, periodically, as the year goes by, I will give you some updates.
This is going to be fun. I’ll keep you posted.
