A Pretty Fair Shooter Named "McGivern."

Interesting and entertaining video about a "master handgun blaster."

Enjoy.

L.W.

Interesting. I think Elmer once wrote that he didn't believe the reputation of McGivern was true since he (Elmer) couldn't replicate the feats.

Originally Posted by BOBBALEE

Interesting. I think Elmer once wrote that he didn't believe the reputation of McGivern was true since he (Elmer) couldn't replicate the feats.

Much more difficult when using a heavy recoil handgun! Both were great …..within their domains! memtb

Originally Posted by BOBBALEE

Interesting. I think Elmer once wrote that he didn't believe the reputation of McGivern was true since he (Elmer) couldn't replicate the feats.

He also wrote, I believe it was in "Hell, I was there" that someone else who was also a doubters paid Elmer to prove Ed wrong. Elmer practiced a lot, got very good at Ed's "trick" shooting, and changed his opinion about him.

Good stuff.

Hunting or shooting videos from the old days are always interesting.

McGivern was great. Elmer was good but his ego far outweighed his skill.

I think Jelly Bryce was pretty good but not an exhibitionist.

Cool vid, Leanwolf. Thanks for posting.

The only parts of the video I disliked were of him leaning forward and completely off balance. Apparently, his shots were already completed by the time he hit his next step. But still..

Sure did have a nice collection of revolvers.

I have just been rereading McGivern’s book. It’s pretty dry but the man was methodical and backed everything up with his measuring equipment.

A great shooter and experimenter.

I knew an assistant U.S. attorney who grew up in Lewistown, where Mr. McGivern lived. He said Ed offered to give free shooting lessons to any young man who wanted, and his greatest regret was not taking advantage of the offer. He said by the time he knew Ed, the old man had palsy or some such that made his hands shake uncontrollably, until just before his paintbrush made contact, (as the video says, he was a sign painter) whereupon he was completely steady and in control, until the brushstrokes was complete. The same with his shooting; shaky until on target, then completely steady.

Could he hit a thrown corn dodger from the back of a horse while drunk?

I've had his book for many years. In fact I used his method of training to prepare for a combat style double action revolver match at my gun club, and did very well. My time was only wrecked by bullets frequently slipping their crimp and locking up the action on my stock Model 15 S&W. I had bought a case of the stuff very cheap. I think it was S&B.

Originally Posted by OGB

Could he hit a thrown corn dodger from the back of a horse while drunk?

Great Jeff Bridges role.

Originally Posted by DHN

I knew an assistant U.S. attorney who grew up in Lewistown, where Mr. McGovern lived. He said Ed offered to give free shooting lessons to any young man who wanted, and his greatest regret was not taking advantage of the offer. He said by the time he knew Ed, the old man had palsy or some such that made his hands shake uncontrollably, until just before his paintbrush made contact, (as the video says, he was a sign painter) whereupon he was completely steady and in control, until the brushstrokes was complete. The same with his shooting; shaky until on target, then completely steady.

Great story!

I’m in the middle of his book right now. Interesting read to say the least.

Bill Jordan was no slouch with a handgun, lightning fast on the draw and could hit the smallest of targets quick draw from the holster. I saw one of his last exhibitions before his passing. Met Elmer at the innaugural SHOT show and Jerry Miculek at NRA Convention. Jerry is fast not only with the handgun but rifle and shotgun too. The shooter with the most enormous of egos was Bob Munden but he did amazing things with a single action handgun.

Wrong Shooter McGavin, sorry