Making the Hickok Tutt Shot
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- Опубликовано: 8 сен 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.
🤣
My dog informed me that your dog did not chew the book , but had trouble turning the pages.
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 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. ;)
👍👍 75 yards with any handgun isn’t easy.
The .36 with conical lead bullets was very accurate. Still, 75 yards! Amazing!
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.
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!
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!
the best way to make the hickock tutt shot is.....
be wild bill hickock
EXACTLY!
And you can spell his name correctly.
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 just received my copy of J.G. Ross's book on Wild Bill Hickok gunfighter. Thanks for the reference, it was a good choice.
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
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👍😜
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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!
U have good taste in period clothing. U bring class to this sport very nice to see.
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 !!
I just bought the Gunfight book. Looking forward to a good read!
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 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!
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!
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
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.
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
Best show ever ! Will be waiting for the follow up with conical bullets . MORE PLEASE doing history shows .
Howdy Mike. I'm a bit late, but this is an outstanding video. I love The Old West, percussion sixguns and stories of classic shootouts. Your editing is superb and you mixed theory and practical in perfect proportions. You discussed some great points; the Dragoon issue, Bill's Navy revolvers, the whole mix. The Hickok shot at the end was great, very cool to see it done and not just spoken of, I thought you shot well considering no warm up etc. I hope you will do more like this, comparing different weapons from real Old West shootouts would be cool too, to see what advantages each person(s) had and the capabilities of their shooting irons. Great job and thankyou.
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.
excellent, pleasantly surprised. as a fan of the Lincoln county wars, your pursuit of accuracy is refreshing.
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.
Now........I'm truly impressed! Great shooting my friend! Thanks for sharing that tidbit of history. WOW.....
Anyone skilled at handgun shooting knows that a 75-yard heart shot with a cap and ball revolver is virtually a matter of chance.
Always up for a good history lesson, thanks!
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.
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.
Hell of a shot !!!! Awesome you hit it 3 times!!!
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
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!
Great story and great shooting sir.
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'!
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.
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.
Graet Video.
Thanks 5 years later.
Appreciate it.
Stories like this were so long ago that no one could truly know how exactly things happened in history unless it was recorded then and there. This is how stories turn into legends and legends into myth. Information gets muddied as time goes on because people will keep putting their own spin on it.
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.
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.
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.
I've busted bricks at 100yds. with my Ruger Super Blackhawks, BUT they had adjustable rear sights and 7.5" barrel, and I didn't have someone shooting back at me either.
Awesome video Mike. Extremely high quality with a very interesting subject.
Wild Bill was also a Red Legger and did raids on the Missouri inhabitants .
iv always poo pood the 75yd shoot by wild bill, how could he even SEE the watch at that distance, ? and it is stated that bills eyesight was failing, anyhow YOU SIR PROVED SUCH A SHOT IS DOABLE WELL DONE MR DUELIST.
No matter how bad harper's was, better than CNN.
I don’t know why anyone would give a thumbs down for a narrative of history.
I love your channel and info on the west and great firearms
Keep ‘em coming
I love old west history, told orally, the way it used to be told.
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.
I would be willing to bet that Tutt remained conscious long enough to realize that he just made the biggest mistake of his soon to be ending life.
Nice shooting! Thinking about handguns at that distance reminds me that I need a new eyeglass prescription!
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.
Bravo! Simply wonderful storytelling and reenactment of a historical event along with myth debunking.
Mr. Hickok was known from what I have read was probably the best pistolero in the old west.He was a war veteran, army scout, and lawma in several cowtowns. He practiced his pistol skills a lot.He had to be cool and steady to draw aim and fire with Tutt firing just before he did.And killed Tutt at 75 yards with one quick shot in great life and death pressure.Lucky shot? I dont think so.Never read in any accounts that witnesses said he was lucky that day.Now I have read Bill sometimes carried a double barrel shotgun along with his handguns sometimes while patroling townstreets.
Just a damn tough town marshall in those tough Kansas cowtowns.He retired after unfortunate incident when he killed his deputy by accident when he came around a corner suddenly during a incident with rowdy cowpunchers un Abeliene, Kansas. His eye sight was deteriating also.
One of the good guys in the old west I believe.Cant believe some say he had a lucky shot.Not this man
john leber 6
that is some good fusion of goodshooting and goodstory telling Sir!
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.
It is hard to believe that Hickok used a Dragoon revolver in a gunfight. He was most known for carrying a pair of 1851 Navy revolvers. At 4.4 pounds I thought the Dragoon was usually carried in a saddle holster. Hardly a gun to use in a gun fight. Especially if it was drawn as quick as witnesses say.
I agree, I'm sure that some people back then would belt carry Walkers and Dragoons. But, I believe that to be the exception not the rule. If you ever get the chance you should read Sixguns by Elmer Keith. In it Mr. Keith tells a story of a trapper using a 3rd Model Dragoon for California Grizzlies and other such endeavors.
Informative and entertaining, you did this one well, thanks
Very interesting and VERY well done Sir.
Thank you duelist1954..
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.
That's the best looking outfit for you. Considerably better than ones you've worn in other videos
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.
Seventy five yards with a ball and cap pistol is mighty far. I qualified with a 1911 at 20 feet, in the USMC.
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 !
When Tutt refused to give up Wild Bill’s pocket watch Bill asked Tutt if he would please place his watch in one of his rear pockets. Tutt placed the watch in his right rear pocket and as his arm swung back to the front his hand found his revolver and continuing the motion he fired one shot at Wild Bill Hickok and missed. Almost Instantly Bill also fired one shot and Tutt fell; mortally wounded. Bill retrieved his Pocket Watch and went to a card game
All the guys who had a puppy at home have at least one book with the dog chewing corners... I have several...
🤣🤣🤣
Excellent video and excellent marksmanship. As usual, very entertaining. Thanks for all of the hard work and effort you put into your videos.
Even if this guy doesn’t hit it at 75 yards. That doesn’t mean Hickok couldn’t. Hickok was one of the best shots in the world.
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.
Thanks So Much Mike! For we history/period gun Lovers this is perfect! Many Blessings! DaveyJO across the Susquehanna
IMO you did a great job @ that range , I couldn't have done better . Great historic video & keep up the good work .
One of the misconceptions is that the shot was 75 yards when in fact it was only 75 feet or 25 yards, which is still a pretty good shot in the time with the guns in use at the time.
Really?
how can you prove that?
Mike cited the source for his information on the duel, now it's your turn. Post your sources, or don't make the claim.
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.
The lesson that I take from this is that if a man with a reputation like Bill Hickok says he'll pay you what he owes you but in the meantime would you kindly return his watch, the correct answer is YES. (Of course, Tutt was probably thinking about his own reputation.)
Excellent video. Please make more like this.
being good with a gun today and being good with a gun when your life depended on it daily are two different things. as bernard books said it ain't always being fast or even accurate. it's being willing
The story I know is that Hickok lost all his money to Tutt playing cards and then played for his pocket watch and lost that. Tutt then said and Im going to wear your watch until you can pay me back and started parading around town wearing Wild Bill's pocket watch. Thats when Hickok had enough and they met in a dual. Tutt shot but being 75 yards the shot hit near Hickok's feet and Hickok rested his shooting arm over his left arm and shot Tutt by aiming probably over his head if his genuine 1851's shoot anything like my reproductions lol.
We probably will never know the exact story but I would say it was certainly over money and a pocket watch.
They used to have Hickok Days and a reenactment on the Square in Springfield, but haven't in years (wonder why?). The brass plaques where each stood are in the roadways at the southeast and northwest sides. Interesting accompanying history regarding Hickok running for town marshal and being a witness for an officer-involved shooting in the fb page for the Springfield Police History Museum (just west of the Square).
You are very interesting to listen and learn about the west! Great presentation!
Don’t forget the Austin mounted cop, that dismounted, held his horses reins with his left hand, and made a 100 yard shot on a perp and put him down. Takes practice. I’ve moved my daily practice target from 25 to 40 yards, and put 12 rounds of .357 on it before I go to work every day, its good to own a farm.
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
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.
Great shooting. 3/6 one handed that far was awesome.
Mike, your videos never disappoint. Awesome job!
Oh sure, your dog chewed it up. Well that's what my old English Teacher used to say to me. Great video as usual.
Great shooting...All day, twice on Sunday... great video.. I’ve read about the watch