Which Pistol Do You Start With?

[Wild Ben Raymond]

This question has to do with your pistol transitions, (gunfighters exempted) going from one gun to the next. Tell me what pistol you normally start with (weak-side or strong-side) and why? Also, do you ever change to the other pistol because of the way the stage is designed and or if pistols are seperated by rifle and/or shotgun. I normally start with may strong side pistol first when any stage requires a 10 shot string (both pistols being shot back to back). Now, if my pistols are seperated, (Ex. Pistol, rifle shotgun, pistol) I usually start with my weak side revolver just because I'm used to reaching for my rifle or shotgun after shooting both pistols. Like wise after shooting my rifle & or shotgun, I'm usually reaching for my first pistol which is my strong side. Hope this makes sence but lets hear from others here and give us your reasons. Wild Ben Raymond

[Doc Shapiro]

Strong side.

- I can get the first shot off much quicker. 
- Since I have to do a pistol transition anyway, might as well be holstering that one while drawing the other.
- I like to pick up long guns with my strong hand. I can free that up when holstering the weak side gun.

Practice both until you can do either without thought, then put it on the clock and test it out.

Doc

[Deadeye Don]

Clock???    What clock? 

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[Granny Annie]

Depends on the movement in the stage.  If I have to move to the right I start with the right pistol and if I have to move to the left I start with the left pistol.  This assumes you are shooting both pistols from the same position.  Why?  My hubby got a stage DQ in Maine (and he deserved it) cause he did it the other way and tried to holster while moving.  He missed the holster and broke the 170 degree rule.  Stage DQ!     At least he didn't drop it!!

If there's no movement I usually shoot the right one first so I can use my right hand to pick up the long gun while holstering the left pistol.  If the two guns are split then I'd probably shoot the left one first regardless of movement so I don't have to remember which one to use later on.  It's an old age thing!!   

[Wymore Wrangler]

You already know this one about me Wild Ben, since we shoot together, but I since I'm a double duelist, I pull the pistol on which side the sweep starts on, left first on the left, right first on the right...

[Tensleep]

For me it depends on the stage design and movement involved.

[Marshal Will Wingam]

I have two strong side holsters. I also change depending on the movement the stage requires. Usually left first if the sweep is left to right and right first for the other way. If I have to change locations, it depends on which way I'll be heading. Given no motion and my choice of sweep, I'll start with the left first because I can transition to the right faster.