Exhibition shooters on the History Channel

[bigmike45]

Last night on the History Channel there was a show on that showcased the exhibition shooters of past and present. There was some really fancy and speedy pistol work performed by Jerry Miculek, Bill Ogolsby and even some vintage clips from Ed McGivern. Then there was the amazing Tom Knapp showing what could be done with a shotgun, semi-auto and pump. They even showed some old Annie Oakley and Wild Bill Hitchcock shooting talents. They set it up in a format where some of the shooting talents and well known feats performed by the great shooters of the past, were re-enacted by the present top guns. I had heard that Jerry Miculek was fast but I never realized, until last nights show, just how fast......and accurate he is. You just have to see him in action to believe it. It was a 2 hour show that was very entertaining. Hope you all got a chance to see it.

tex

 

[madmattmd]

I’ve watched this show several times. In addition to seeing current top shooters, Jerry Miculek and Tom Knapp, it was great see footage of Ed McGivern. Also, I was introduced to the Topperweins and Herb Parsons. I’ll be looking online to learn more about their feats. Hopefully, I’ll be able to find a copy of Ed McGivern’s revolver shooting book.

If you’ve missed the show, check out the History Channel’s website for viewing times.

Matt

BTW, does that guy Oglesby rub anyone else the wrong way? Maybe it’s just me (the bow and arrow guy on Shooting USA creeps me out too). That’s the first time I’d heard of him.

 

[griz]

I caughgt the end of it and will definetly watch the whole thing. Jerry M had a revolver in each hand and hit 12 shots in something less than a second.

 

[jerkface11]

The only thing i couldn't figure out was why wasn't Bob Munden on the show? And did you guys see the trapdoor springfield that one guy had wow!!

 

[jason10mm]

The show is called "Sharpshooters", for those looking for it.

It was a tough choice since it aired opposite a Mythbusters "Mega Movie Moments" episode that featured lots of gun related stuff, including trying to shoot a hole in the floor and busting locks. I must admit I thought a .357 would reliably open a Masterlock padlock. I wish they did more shooting though, maybe shoot 5 locks with each caliber to prove the first attempt was not a fluke. After the time and expense of building that shooting shield a few more locks wouldn't add to the cost much.

Shooting through the floor apparently only works if your floor is made from Hollywood drywall I liked the Dog Soldier (and Terminator 2, IIRC) version where he shoots though the WALL, not the floor.

 

[bigmike45]

Thanks Jason,

I could not remember the title!!!

I too wondered why Bob was not on the show.

 

[Old Fuff]

Ed McGivern's book

madmattmd:

Be aware that Ed McGivern's book: Fast and Fancy Revolver Shooting can be found in two flavors. The original editions, dating from the late 1930's and early 1940's sell for big bucks - often over $100.00 in decent shape. There are reprints though that are just as good so far as the information is concerned, that sell for much less - say in the $30.00 range. For your purpose look for a reprint - and you'll likely find a copy in the used books section at www.amazon.com.

I have a unique copy. It belonged to Col. Rex Applegate, and has his hand-written notes in the margins.

 

[madmattmd]

Old Fluff,

Thanks ! for the info on the McGivern book editions. It would be great to have a true piece of shooting history like your copy, but I’ll settle for the reprint.

Take care,
Matt

 

[No_Brakes23]

BTW, does that guy Oglesby rub anyone else the wrong way? Maybe it’s just me

It ain't just you, but this is The High Road, so I can't fully expound on what it is that makes him that way. Suffice it to say, I think the guy is probably just fine, but his actions and speech patterns are very much the same as anyone else who is deeply involved in their hobby to the possible detriment of their social skills. You know, like the guy who has trouble talking to girls, but has an encyclopedic knowledge of Star Trek minutia. Nothing wrong with that, just a tiny bit socially akward at times.

He certainly shoots a lot better than I can.

Anyone notice he had he finger all over the trigger while on camera?

I really liked the clay pigeon exhibitions, and Miceluk's jaw dropping speed. Too bad they didn't show his speed loading ability, he is amazingly fast at that as well. If you do a search here, you may find a video of Miceluk putting two cylinders worth of rounds through his revolver. Amazing.

 

[bg]

Never saw a bullet split before. Saw it on the show last
night. Also saw a 22 split and shatter causing the two
ballons to go pop ! Now that was some shootin'.

 

[Deanimator]

I caughgt the end of it and will definetly watch the whole thing. Jerry M had a revolver in each hand and hit 12 shots in something less than a second.

What I found interesting was that some of his most spectular shooting was done with 4" Model 65s or 64s. I guess you don't need all kinds of plastic sights, tailfins and weird finishes to shoot straight.

I'd like to see what he could do with a 3" Model 13 or Model 65...

 

[DFW1911]

What a great show...

The wife asked me if I learned anything by watching the show. "Yes...I need more range time!"

Pretty incredible stuff overall.

Thanks,
DFW1911

 

[Kruzr]

BTW, does that guy Oglesby rub anyone else the wrong way? Maybe it’s just me (the bow and arrow guy on Shooting USA creeps me out too). That’s the first time I’d heard of him.

Same here and his "shots" really aren't that hard. We split cards with .45's at 7 yards, it's not that difficult. The margin of error with a half inch bullet is much bigger than the margin between a falling aspirin and a .22!

 

[madmattmd]

Yeah, I forgot to say I had to restrain myself from yelling "FINGER!" (sorry, IDPA training) when Oglesby was talking/preparing to shoot two balloons at the same time. Admittedly, he is a much better shooter than I, but he wasn't nearly as impressive as Miculek (can that man SHOOT!) and Knapp (phenominal).

I've seen Jerry M on Shooting USA and he's incredible on his reloads. His revolver skills are amazing and it was nice to see him unload the 1911 too.

One thing I have learned from watching footage of Jerry M and interviews is that you can be a Champion and Gentleman at the same time. I don't care for any trash talking and the top handgun shooters generally seem to respect each other and their abilities. Kind of refreshing with all the "professional" atheletes and some race drivers. I guess the old adage I've heard must be true, "It's hard to show a man disrepect when he's holding a loaded handgun."

Take care,
Matt

 

[obm]

Yeah, I forgot to say I had to restrain myself from yelling "FINGER!" (sorry, IDPA training) when Oglesby was talking/preparing to shoot two balloons at the same time.

what about the other guy(forget his name) who shot the flintlocks w/o eye protection...

 

[Car Knocker]

what about the other guy(forget his name) who shot the flintlocks w/o eye protection...

Greg Martin, antique dealer.

 

[Silver Bullet]

The wife asked me if I learned anything by watching the show. "Yes...I need more range time!"

 

[lyonhunter04]

Ogolsby and two baloons

Just foudnd this sight. I've seen Ogolsby do the two-target thing. It is a slight-of-hand trick. He is really using bird shot. Shooting USA on the Outdoor Channel got Bob Munden this season and I'm looking foward to his first appearance. Munden doesn't use tricks, just amazing shooting. I got his collectors edition DVD and its awesome. There is a bonus section on there, with him narrating showing him using SA in the Bianchi Cup. It will melt your brain. www.bobmunden.com.

 

[Nicolai]

The show is definitely worth watching again.
My wife and I saw Jerry M. in an exhibition shoot in 2000 and he's even more impressive in a live performance--he can shoot anything well.
Looking for old books? I've had a great deal of success with www.abebooks.com. Found some really old stuff by John Jobson, George Herter, and Rusty Annabel, through abebooks, so they might be a source for the McGivern book mentioned

 

[Davo]

That show rocked! I was lucky enought to see Tom Knapp a while back and it was incredible.