Throwin’ Down

by
posted on August 28, 2012
wiley-clapp.jpg (5)

“Throwin’ Down” is an old-time expression for drawing a handgun—typically a revolver—and demonstrably aiming the piece at a live target. I think it may have originated in the south and migrated west as the frontiers were conquered. It conveys an impression of a kind of flamboyance, but also one of deadly intent, as when… “Earp threw down on Curly Bill.” Sure, the term is slang, but slang is what makes our English language so expressively colorful. There are numerous examples of gun terms becoming slang terms with much broader meanings. How about “Don’t go off half cocked” to indicate a lack of preparation or “Lock, stock and barrel” to suggest completeness.

There may be more than to “Throwin’ Down” than we realize. In the early days of caplock revolvers, percussion caps on the chamber nipples were a necessity. They were manufactured in huge quantities and sometimes quality control was lacking. The caps would often shatter and drop particles into the various spaces at the closed rear end of the cylinder and then into the action. In an effort to get this debris out of the gun, some shooters would pull the revolver clear back by their head and then cock it with a down and forward throwing motion. When the revolver was upside down, above the shoulder, the debris from previous shots could drop free of the gun. The term persisted, even if the caplock revolver did not.

Latest

SAAMI Sporting Arms & Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute EST. 1926 logo
SAAMI Sporting Arms & Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute EST. 1926 logo

SAAMI Conference Reflects Growing Industry Dedication To Innovation

“This year’s record attendance is a clear indication of the importance of this event to the ammunition and firearm development and testing community, as well as government and law enforcement test labs and procurement activities,” said Joe Bartozzi, SAAMI president and CEO.

Favorite Firearms: Outstanding Customer Service!

I purchased my first pistol, a .32-cal. Walther PPK in 1969. Why choose a .32 ACP and not a more powerful .380 ACP? Because .32 was the chambering that Ian Fleming’s fictional character James Bond switched to when Q forced him to give up his beloved .25-cal. Beretta.

 

Preview: N8 Tactical Mini Xecutive

The Mini Xecutive from N8 Tactical is an inside-the-waistband holster intended to be carried in the appendix position.

A Pair Of Fiesty Felines: The 80X Cheetah And 30X Tomcat Get Home Bag

Few manufacturers have embraced the mouse-gun concept as thoroughly as Beretta—and proof is in the updates to its two smallest pistol lines.

The Armed Citizen® Nov. 11, 2024

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Colt's Early Automatic Pistols

No matter how you look at them—as outstanding examples of John Browning's genius, an interesting phase in American firearms history, or superb material for a gun collection—the .38 Browning automatics were remarkable pistols.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.