Making the Hickok Tutt Shot
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- Опубліковано 17 жов 2024
- At six o'clock on the evening July 21, 1865, Wild Bill Hickok made the most famous cap and ball revolver shot in Western history, by shooting Davis Tutt through the heart, at a distance of 75 yards, during their gunfight across the city square in Springfield, Missouri.
In this video I'll discuss the history of that fight, and I'll dispel some persistent rumors that have been associated with the affair.
After that I'll attempt to re-create Wild Bill's 75-yard heart shot.
This video is a bit on the long side, so I hope you’ll stick with it. Let me know if you like it.
If you enjoyed this, please support me on Patreon at
/ duelist
And Hickok later went on to create a successful youtube channel where he showed off some of his favorite firearms
LMAO
😂
Some day he still makes dad jokes to this day
@@invadervim9037 good ol ball grease and nipple wrench.
🤣
Bill reportedly shot his guns every morning, cleaned and reloaded them before going out in public. That tells me he knew exactly what point of aim to use at a given range and may in fact have altered the sights on his gun. Plus, he was very skilled at instinctive aim/point shooting. So my belief is he was capable of making that shot even if there was a smidge of luck by hitting the heart or a major artery. Im sure he was capable of hitting center mass.
I've seen no evidence that he ever point shot, even at close range.
My dog informed me that your dog did not chew the book , but had trouble turning the pages.
My home town is Springfield, Missouri. I am well familiar with this location on the city square. I first heard this story when I was ten years old in 1956 from my great-grandfather. It was a while before his time but he had known someone who witnessed the shooting as a kid.
Thats crazy
@@swojal1493 Yeah.... It really put perspective on timelines... This really makes you understand that it was not that long ago...
@@aumenarysI know that weird feeling when I learned my great grandma who only passed last year was born while Wyatt Earp was still kicking around.
I love it when history is brought to life.
Me too
Living history of dying. ;)
Hickok was said to shoot his revolvers a lot. So he would most likely have known where to hold his sights for such a shot.
Where this looked like your first effort at longer range shooting with your revolver.
Fun video!
You are a keeper of History and therefore Very Valuable to our Society.
Best Wishes! M.H.
I wonder if he had the sights modified by a gunsmith, too. Not unusual in those days.
I've shot a 8 inch target at 50 yards using a Remington New Army replica and I did it from a rest using both hands. I'm impressed that you did so well on camera while standing. Thank you for the years of entertainment and the new goal to try with my handguns, both BP and modern day.
The speed of the shot and distance is pretty amazing. Bill surely had his gun dialed in as he was a long time shooter with occasions of violence. A good shot coupled with luck or bad luck (as it really got his legend going which later led to his death) and he must have been an instinctive shooter. I can't hit the side of a large barn when I use the sights and take my time. I was taught a method where you point a gun like pointing a rod in your hand or point your index finger at what you want to hit and I hit almost every time. Not as precisely as a SAMMI Pro Shooter but... I am pretty good. Not 75 yards good though. I think you did Yeomen's Service hitting twice at that distance. Darn good!
Mike , awesome video. I really enjoyed the story of the Hickok/Tutt gun fight. But, what put it over the top was you ringing the steel at 75 yards . You are truly a " fine pistoleer".
Guns
j j : 110% agreed man, except I’d call him fine & exceptional “pistolero” haha👍😜
What a fantastic video! I love the random gunshots to segment the dialogue, and the images of Tutt and Wild Bill at the end was icing on the cake! Thank you for what you do!
After 40 years, Best explanation I've heard of the Springfield fight. Thanks
Let me add a couple of comments from an experienced match shooter, PPC Master Class. I own a Belgian made replica of an 1860 Army Revolver, the sights are incredibly crude, hammer notch and post on the barrel, but the interesting point is that in spite of the crude sights, it is an incredibly accurate pistol, far more accurate that most people would ever guess, I have shot it quite a bit at 50 yards using the standard Police B24 target and people are amazed at how accurate it is. Biggest problem is follow up shots due to caps falling into the action etc. Hickok's shot was definitely possible by a skilled pistol shooter and maybe a little luck in his favor. Mike showed some pretty good shooting, he might have only hit the kill zone once, but to hit that target at all showed a fair amount of skill with a pistol with those kind of sights.
I have one of those Belgian 1860s as well ("1960 New Model Army"). It functioned a lot better after I did some cleanup work on the hammer and breechface. Prior to that the cylinder would bind and caps would fall into the action all the time.
Excellent shooting. My daughter was amazed when I told her the distance of the shoot-out. She goes to the shooting range on a regular basis and is just getting comfortable hitting a target at 30 yards.
👍👍 75 yards with any handgun isn’t easy.
The .36 with conical lead bullets was very accurate. Still, 75 yards! Amazing!
the best way to make the hickock tutt shot is.....
be wild bill hickock
EXACTLY!
And you can spell his name correctly.
50% with a cap and ball at that range is still pretty darn good. wouldn't want to bet my life against it, especially against a known pistol shootist of the time. well done sir.
U have good taste in period clothing. U bring class to this sport very nice to see.
Great video, Mike. It's one of your best. I've read all of Rosa's books on Hickok. Just reread the book on Hickok's gunfights about a month ago. Although I'm more partial to Wyatt Earp, there's no doubt Hickok's shot on Tutt is perhaps the most remarkable documented shot in an actual gunfight.
I just received my copy of J.G. Ross's book on Wild Bill Hickok gunfighter. Thanks for the reference, it was a good choice.
I'm glad you mentioned that watch because all my life I heard that it was about a pocket watch that was a family airlom his grandfather s watch holds pride and family values
Came for the guns, but really enjoyed the history.
I do recall reading somewhere that Tutt took Hickock's watch but couldn't recall the details. Thanks for filling out the story.
I love your videos, I really do. In fact, you were the reason why after almost 30 years of shooting, building, fixing, buying, selling, trading, collecting e.t.c., e.t.c. e.t.c... a vast number of modern guns of all possible calibers, shapes and configurations, I'd finally decided to enter the domain of Mr. Black Powder. To be honest with you, I'd never thought it could ne such a FUN!!! :)
Thank you, Mike!
Really enjoy your videos. I have learned a lot from your videos as I am big fan of black powder firearms. I have duplicated that shot as well with my 1851 Navy and was really impressed with that pistol, especially after during the modifications you recommended. Thanks
Mike, you are a fountain of Information on black powder history ; from the longhunters, to fur trappers, to the civil war, to the wild west. Fun and informative video! I read somewhere, probably one of Rosa's books, that the way to approach a gunfight was not to draw fast and get off the first shot, but to take your time and don't miss!
Duffy Sullivan - I seem to recall a quote from a gunfighter that implied something like he had killed a lot of men who were busy "not missing".
take your time in a hurry
75 yards? Possible. 75 yards from the draw? That's Hickock territory! An impressive shot even by today's standards!
Oh, and Mike, gotta say, I like the outfit.
It wasn’t from a draw. He had rested the barrel on his forearm before Tutt drew.
Always up for a good history lesson, thanks!
Awesome video Mike. Extremely high quality with a very interesting subject.
My gunsmith once worked on Hickok’s 1851 Colt Navy, which remains in private hands (yes, “the gun”). He’s of the opinion that “the shot” itself never happened. I’m not sure what his, or his source’s, reasoning is, but you’ve eliminated the “it’s unlikely to the point of impossibility” argument. Great shooting; good on you!
I'm amazed Hickok never seen 40!!! Just his looks in pics made me think he was in his 50's when murdered! Great video...very well done!
Now........I'm truly impressed! Great shooting my friend! Thanks for sharing that tidbit of history. WOW.....
Best show ever ! Will be waiting for the follow up with conical bullets . MORE PLEASE doing history shows .
This may be my favorite video you have made. History plus interesting shooting on guns I am not experienced with at all. Impressive feat you hit the orange at the end at that distance with sights like that gun. Hickok was a phenomenon who also practiced daily. I think this fight leads to the genesis of 1950's cowboy gunfights on TV from Gunsmoke to Wanted Dead or Alive. There is a famous Tombstone battle where two guys jumped up across a poker table both emptied their six shooters. Nothing was left when the smoke cleared of a problem and both were untouched. They sat back down and went back to playing. This makes Hickok's feat with black powder even more remarkable.
Another great video, Mike. And some fine shooting to boot. Only took my 1858 out to 50 yards but I was quite happy with my results. As always can't wait for your next video man thanks for all your hard work.
Patrick Cavanaugh
excellent, pleasantly surprised. as a fan of the Lincoln county wars, your pursuit of accuracy is refreshing.
A great re-telling of this famous story. The watch story is the one I'd always heard as the reason for the fight, and it seems the most credible. Love that pair of London Navys you have. Beautiful. I guess old Wild Bill must have practised a great deal with his 1851's at 75 yards, to be able to make that shot from a rapid draw with his first ball. Great video, as usual! Thank you.
Hello Mike, i am french shooter, thank you for all yours videos about cap and ball and western guns. Great History, great gun, and great Wild Bill... God bless America.
Mike, l really enjoy your videos. l live in the UK and own a Pietta 1851 Navy in.44 cal. Thank you very much for making your informative videos.
Excellent video! I like how you not only told the story but showed just how difficult that shot would have been. Even with a modern pistol that would be tough. Good shooting.
Great story and great shooting sir.
BEST Channel ever Mike. Many thanks. Cheers.
The story in the papers said that Hickok emptied his guns daily, so he could clean and reload them. One could become well acquainted with way the pistols shot, making a long shot possible.
Considering the pistol being used and hitting that target at that range, that's some admirable shooting skills.
The Duelist, your videos are fantastic, your a great historian as well.
Thanks for sharing!
Kind regards, Eric Dee.
I love your channel and info on the west and great firearms
Keep ‘em coming
Bravo! Simply wonderful storytelling and reenactment of a historical event along with myth debunking.
great video mike! you inspired me to bring out my cva colt navy yesterday and ring steel at a pathetic 10 yards! that was a top shot moment!
Mr. Beliveau please make more videos like this one! You’re a natural born history teller! I wish there was more youtube entertainers that deal with the history of wild west.
No matter how bad harper's was, better than CNN.
Excellent video and excellent marksmanship. As usual, very entertaining. Thanks for all of the hard work and effort you put into your videos.
Graet Video.
Thanks 5 years later.
Appreciate it.
Informative and entertaining, you did this one well, thanks
If he used one of his Navy revolvers, it wasn't one of the engraved and ivory handled pair he wore in the famous photograph. Those weren't manufactured until 1868- 3 years after the fight.
This is fascinating. There is great wonder as to what actually occurred that day. The distance is not disputed. Hickok was known for this. However, the type of pistol he used is the curious part. He had plenty of time to get ready for this altercation. All knew it was coming and there was a crowd around. Hickok basically knew he would be confronting Tutt at about this distance. There are photos of Hickok with 60 Armys in his belt. He was known to have a Dragoon as well. In that he was prepared for this, he may have made the shot with one of the .44s. The damage to Tutt as well. The ball entered between ribs on one side (he was standing sideways), after passing through the clothing, went through his heart, exiting between ribs on the other side. Passing c o m p l e t e l y through his body and clothing. The charge/ball that would have been in the Navy is not known. He did use envelope cartirdges at times. The reduced powder charge, with a crtridge etc leaves question as to whether or not the Navy could have done that kind of damage at that distance.
What do you think?
Not thru his torso at that range, No !!
WOW!!! Excellent video! The fact that you hit steel at 75 yards AT ALL, is really good! Even with modern handguns, strong hand only... that's good shootin'!
Great video I think this is one of your best. You should definitely do more of these old West vignettes in the future. There's so much history and lore with the old west it's cool to hear the truth from a credible source. Thanks.
I just bought the Gunfight book. Looking forward to a good read!
Mike, your videos never disappoint. Awesome job!
I don’t know why anyone would give a thumbs down for a narrative of history.
The thing with your shot is that you took your time and got good shooting form, Hickok fire in a split second and I doubt he squared up and all that, so the remarkable part of his shot was the speed and (not noting his stance) his ability to just point shoot so spectacularly so often, this on being the extreme of distance.
I had to re-visit this one. I was hoping for a red sash belt. Awesome video's, sir and thanks for "fleshing out" history. They have rendezvous outside of Springfield from time to time.
Excellent video. Please make more like this.
Very good video, I think one of your best. I liked the guns, the outfit and the history lesson. Great shooting. I hope to see more of these kind of vids. Thanks Mike.
al g Thanks Al. I'll see what I can come up with.
Very interesting and VERY well done Sir.
Thank you duelist1954..
that is some good fusion of goodshooting and goodstory telling Sir!
Thanks So Much Mike! For we history/period gun Lovers this is perfect! Many Blessings! DaveyJO across the Susquehanna
outstanding. Makes you appreciate the old western guys even more. You are defiantly an expert on Black Powder pistols. I know you will be modest and say you are not, but Nice shooting partner.
I've always been intrigued by this event in so many ways. It is said to be one of the only "street showdown" type gunfights of the old west. Hickock was said to have practiced shooting every day, which you would have to in order to get that good with a pistol that has such a great of difference between the point of aim and the point of impact. Which brings me to the question of do you think the .44's are any better?
I think .44s are better but the reason the Army carried a .44 was that a .44 would kill a wounded horse humanly. The Navy figured a .36 was enough to stop and man and it was. Hickcok made more than 1 one shot kill with his .36s. Hickock supposedly emptied his revolvers every day, cleaned and reloaded them. Now, from his biography, Hickok said "When I pull, I must be sure." In those days your life depended on it.
What struck me the most was the age of the two contenders: Tutt was 29, and Hickok was 28.
I've just realized I'm older than they were at the time. Damn, Hickok died at 39 and I'm 36! This really puts things in perspective for me.
Yeah,because you are Wild man like Bill was and you take chances against Injuns and Banditos,never mind a Civil War and glaucoma!
@@pashapasovski5860 That's exactly what I meant: it gives perspective on how far life expectancy grew in the last century and a half. :)
@Bjornvetr specially in certain areas of the world at that time!
Autopsy showed shot went through his body entirely (through clothing on both sides, passing through ribs on both sides), standing sideways! Could the Navy do this from 75 yards? What type of ammo (combustable cartridge, loose powder and conical/round , .)?
Anticipating gunplay, Hickok was up 'in his room' preparing his pistol(s), and was 'fetched' to witness Tutt 'Packing the watch . .'. Have you heard this?
Hell of a shot !!!! Awesome you hit it 3 times!!!
ANY 75-yard heart shot with a percussion pistol is a pure matter of chance. The very best shooters using a modern pistol can hit you about every shot at that distance, but not in a chosen leg, arm, head or heart.
Always happy to hear stories about my Great Uncle! I love black powder as well.
If your his great uncle you should have some history on wild Bill,I know I would like to hear some family stories letters etc.
Awesome video Mike! I like the format and the story you told. Excellent job!
Like most everything in his his life. Hickok's shot was equal parts skill and luck.
Don't think it was the quickest draw. Remaining calm under these circumstances was the key, and of course careful aim. Seems like Hickok was nearly fearless or didn't care
Similar to Doc Holliday. Had resigned himself to death after contracting TB (consumption). Most people have nagging fears of death, or concerns about being hurt. Seemed not to matter to Doc, always thought he had a death wish.
@@Stephen-wh7jf Except Bill didn't have TB, nor was he dying, at least no faster than anyone else, he was going blind (Glaucoma) probably from complications due to past infections from VD. It was another common affliction in them thar days. Venereal disease, syphilis, if not treated in time often led to blindness and other fun stuff. That's why you see depictions of Bill wearing dark glasses, he couldn't take the sunlight.
no such thing as "luck" it was all skill,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
@@DIDYOUSEETHAT172 Never say he did, although he was losing his eyesight reportedly. I was referring to the demeanor of both men when it came to facing death.
You certainly make blackpowder and guns of the old west lovers lives enhanced through your writings and videos. One must wonder what happened to Hickok after his shooting of his friend, Mike Williams, at Abilene Kansas. The master shooter reportedly gave up being a cracked shoot , lawman, started puffing on wacky weed ,drinking increased and dropping his guard. Just as if he had a death wish.
I read any thing you write and digitally report like I'm starved Greater stuff -thank you kindly.
To die over an argument over $20. Reminds me of a movie plot but considering Tutt was a traitorous double agent I see no great loss no matter which side he betrayed.
P.S. Great shot btw, I've shot 1851's and 1858's in competition at 50 yards and cant do have as well
Heyyyy, ya done good, Mike! Thanks for an extremely interesting vid; I'd never known any of the details on that fight, so the history lesson along with the shooting was really cool! To be gut-level honest, I'd have to conclude that even as good as Hickock was, he got off a lucky shot that day.
I agree with that, luck played a part
75 yards as a "quick draw" so that the shots were almost simultaneous *and* hit a heart sized target...
Pretty amazing marksmanship. Would have liked seeing you incorporate the draw into this shot.
Still, not too bad shooting on your part, Mike. I'm pretty sure I cant hit at 75 yards from a rest!
More than likely it was an exaggeration on the report, but it's pretty remarkable none-the-less.
SubMan USN I doubt it was a quick draw and aim and shoot in one motion. He prolly drew quick and took his time to aim for a second or 2 and shot.
I agree, they probably both drew quick, took a couple seconds to aim, and just happened to fire at about the same time, with Hickok’s hitting on target.
Great video Mike. I always think of this story when people start arguing over caliber and cartridge in handguns, as these 1851s are just .380 FMJ levels, and not just wounded but killed at 75 yards. Just goes to show that as always, it comes down to the skill and determination of the shooter over anything else. "Fast is fine, but accuracy is everything. In a gun fight... You need to take your time in a hurry."
The power of a .36 revolver is entirely dependent on the powder used and granulation (FFg = lowest velocity, FFFg, FFFFg = highest velocity). A musket grade black powder like modern GOEX, will keep round-ball, 36 power levels down around 380 ACP levels, and conical 36 power levels a bit higher. A high performance sporting grade black powder like modern Swiss will move 36 round ball power levels well above 380 ACP, and conical levels closer to modern 38/9mm 125gr/147gr levels. In Hickok's day, one of the best pistol powders was Hazard Number 1 Pistol Powder, a black powder that would generate greater velocity and power than even modern Swiss 3Fg! Modern shooters usually load replica C&B revolvers to much lower power levels than the originals were loaded to in the 19th Century. 19th Century shooters had many good high performance black powders to choose from, powders that would outperform modern GOEX by a considerable degree. So modern replicas only give us a hint of what the original revolvers were capable of as far as accuracy and power. The originals, when new, were much better fitted and finished than modern replicas, and were usually fired with much hotter black powders than modern shooters generally use.
Where did you get your glasses? I would like to buy a pair, are they prescription lenses or just reading glasses? Great video man, very informative.
Jas. Townsend and Son has good quality, accurate reproduction frames.
Well done Mike. More gun history lessons please!
I really like this video! I would like you to do more like this! Thanks for the great video and history!
You are very interesting to listen and learn about the west! Great presentation!
Author Tom Clavin says in his Wild Bill biography, it was 103 feet (not 75 yards) ...which seems much more likely.
rkcbva The location was, and is, well known. The distance has been measured many times. It is 75 yards.
@@duelist1954 Sorry, 75 yards appears to be is an oft restated myth. Even author Rosa refers to different distances from "witnesses" (only 4 people witnessed the actual fight and all testimonies differed in court) and he only states "local historians" concluded it was 75 yards. Author Connelly says 75 feet, author Clavin says 103 feet. Think about it... at 75 yards they couldn't hear each other speak and wouldn't be able to see the details of hand movements. They didn't have bullhorns and binoculars. Even at 33 yards, a single shot to the heart, offhand, is an amazing feat.
@@rdkrklnd There is no point in arguing, because I wasn't there. So, 75 feet or 75 yards, either way Tutt was dead, and Hickok went down in history. To be honest, at 75 yards, I would probably try to get away from an opponent, but if there was no decent cover close by, I would choose to stay and shoot it out. I know that with a gun with decent sights, I can hit a man's chest at 75 yards all day long. I would assume anybody getting ready to shoot at me from that distance would be capable of hitting me. The Colt Navy's sights aren't great, but Hickok shot his guns every day, and he is credited with some very good shooting, in Rosa's research. So, at either 75 feet, or 75 yards, I think Wild Bill could do it. As a footnote, my friend Stuart Barber made that shot with an 1851 Navy repeatedly on one of Michael Bane's TV shows Outdoor Channel TV shows...not at 75 yards...he did it at 100 yards. It is quite do-able...if you can shoot...Wild Bill could shoot. But, I appreciate your well researched position, and I'm glad you dropped me a line about it. Not every comment I get is as well put. Take care.
IMO you did a great job @ that range , I couldn't have done better . Great historic video & keep up the good work .
I like your videos very much. This one is no exception. Bought the book on your recommendation, and am enjoying reading it. Hickok was a colorful character for sure, and you are as well. Thanks for posting.
Great shooting...All day, twice on Sunday... great video.. I’ve read about the watch
I love old west history, told orally, the way it used to be told.
Great video Mike
Excellent video! Thanks!
Excellent Mike, Thank you. Rosa's books are absolutely the best. I would like to see if the Walker was as "Accurate as the common rifle at 100 yds." Thanks again.
I dont think it's ridiculous to believe Hickok steadied his gun on his forearm. What's known is the two stood sideways, they were 75 yards apart, and Hickok hit while Tutt missed. It's also known that Hickok holstered his guns backwards (which makes sense both as a cavalryman and a gambler who'd be seated while playing). Keeping all of that in mind, it seems believable that Hickok stood sideways with his LEFT side facing Tutt, drew with his right, used his left forearm as a rest, and fired almost like a rifle. That may be slower and firing quickly, but bear in mind the distance at which these men shot and the fact that each only fired once; they both likely took a moment, albeit a quick moment, to aim before firing.
I really like your video Mike. I congratulate you on your marksmanship. I doubt I could hit that target at all. Personally I think Hickok's heart shot, like Carlos Hathcock's scope shot are both a matter of pure luck and trying to replicate either require the Sun, the Moon and the Stars to all align just so in order to make or duplicate. FWIW The Colt Navy attributed to Hickok at the Cody Museum in Wyoming has a dovetailed blade front sight, while the Hickok Navy in the Autry Museum does not.
All the books I've read agree it was a fight over the watch, only difference was the claim that Hickok lost a poker game to Tutt & handed the watch over until the debt was settled. Tutt was warned not to wear it around town but ignored the warning. The book also alleges Hickok did kill his first man over a woman.
PS : Pretty good shootin there !
Very cool. Thanks for sharing.
Good story. Good video. Those guys did a lot of shooting at a lot of moving targets. Sometimes, the quick instinct shot is the most accurate shot. It happens when throwing snowballs or rocks or basketballs. And when shooting.
I guess the really good shots are the ones that can analyze what happened and then repeat it. Like the bow and arrow sharpshooters that can hit an aspirin thrown in the air. Practice, coordination, and in some people, everything just clicks right. Genetically, they seem to have superior skill. Anyway, thanks for posting.
All the guys who had a puppy at home have at least one book with the dog chewing corners... I have several...
🤣🤣🤣
"This ain't Dodge City, and you ain't Bill Hickok!"
Nah, just kidding, those are great shots from that distance! (But I love that quote from the movie, ... wait a minute, YOU tell me the name of the movie, Mike!)
Quigly Down Under
Check your FB page!
Said I never had uch use for one. Never said I didnt know how to use it.
duelist1954 .....another great line was,” said I didn’t have much use for them, never said I couldn’t use one”....great movie!
@@ahope4u2 That's what Spring Bloom said a year before you, no glory stealing here thx! :D
This video has been on UA-cam for two years, so I don't know if I'll get a reply or not. It seems to me that the fly in the ointment is the distance between the two men; not so much for the shot, bu,t for them to be conversing at a distance of 75 yards. They'd have to be shouting and it seems no one has said that they were. Maybe they talked and then walked away from each other before the gunfight, but that means they were possibly facing away from each other, so I don't think that argument holds water either.
I wasn't there, but there was a public trial. The distance has been verified any number of times, and witnesses testified to the dialog. whether the witnesses were honest and accurate...I can't say.
@@duelist1954 You weren't there? I'm shocked! LOL. Thank you for your prompt reply. I'm not taking you to task for something that happened in 1865, nor am I accusing you of bad scholarship. It does seem, however, that there's a piece of the puzzle missing. If the two were seventy five yards apart it seems that they would have had to be shouting at each other.
Good point! Plus there would have been people in the square, they would have had to shout over the crowd. witnesses like to spin yarns, especially back in those days. The reality of this duel will never be clear. Like John Dillinger's shooting, the JFK assassination, the MLK
assassination. Pure Americana.
Great story, awesome shooting. Thanks for sharing.
Great History Mike thanks for the Great Video 😎👍🏼