Why Did Wild Bill Wear His Guns Backwards?

Few figures from the Old West are as legendary as Wild Bill Hickok. Known for his long hair, calm demeanor, and deadly skill with a revolver, Wild Bill became one of the most famous gunfighters in American history. One of the most recognizable parts of his image was the unusual way he carried his guns — with the grips facing forward, often described as wearing them “backwards.”

But why did he carry them this way? Did it actually make him faster? And did other cowboys carry their guns like that too? Let’s explore the real story behind Wild Bill’s famous gun style.

The Famous Reverse Holster Style

Most gunfighters in the Old West wore their revolvers with the grips facing backward, allowing them to pull the gun straight up and fire in one motion.

Wild Bill did the opposite.

He typically wore two revolvers in a crossdraw position, with the grips facing forward. This meant he reached across his body to draw each gun.

Hickok was often seen carrying a pair of Colt 1851 Navy Revolver pistols tucked into a sash or holsters with the grips pointing forward.

This style became one of the most iconic images of the American frontier.

Did Wearing Guns Backwards Make Him Faster?

Surprisingly, speed was probably not the main reason Wild Bill carried his guns this way.

In fact, the crossdraw method is usually slower than a traditional straight draw.

However, it had several practical advantages:

1. Better While Sitting

Wild Bill spent a lot of time:

Gambling
Playing poker
Riding horses
Sitting in saloons

Crossdraw holsters are much easier to access while sitting down, especially at a card table.

This was important for Hickok, who was known as much for gambling as he was for law enforcement.

2. Easier for Dual Pistols

Wild Bill often carried two revolvers at the same time.

The crossdraw setup allowed him to reach each gun naturally with either hand without the grips colliding or getting tangled.

It also kept the pistols clear of his coat or vest.

3. A Smooth “Flick” Draw

Many historians believe Hickok developed a smooth sweeping draw rather than a quick straight pull.

Instead of jerking the gun upward, he likely:

Reached across his body
Pulled the revolver out in a sweeping motion
Rotated the muzzle toward the target

Some eyewitness accounts claimed he could draw and fire extremely quickly, even with this method.

Did Wild Bill Flick the Guns Out of the Holster?

Stories from the Old West often exaggerate gunfighters’ skills, but several reports say that Hickok could draw both pistols smoothly in one motion.

However, the idea of him dramatically flicking the guns out of his holsters like in modern movies is probably more myth than reality.

Wild Bill was known for something more important than speed:

accuracy and calm control.

He reportedly practiced shooting constantly and preferred careful, deliberate shots rather than flashy gun tricks.

When Did Wild Bill Start Carrying His Guns This Way?

Historical photos suggest Hickok began carrying his guns in the crossdraw style during the late 1860s, after he became famous as a lawman and gunfighter.

By the time he served as marshal in Abilene, Kansas, the style had become part of his public image.

Photographs from that era clearly show him wearing two pistols with the grips facing forward, usually tucked into a sash rather than a traditional gun belt.

This look became so famous that it was copied by actors in early Western shows and films.

Other Old West Gunfighters Who Used Crossdraw

Wild Bill wasn’t the only one to carry a gun this way.

Several Old West figures used crossdraw holsters, especially those who spent a lot of time on horseback.

Some examples include:

John Wesley Hardin – one of the most dangerous gunfighters of the frontier
Bat Masterson – lawman, gambler, and friend of Hickok
Wyatt Earp – famous for the events surrounding the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral

Crossdraw holsters were popular among riders because the gun was easier to reach while mounted on a horse.

The Truth Behind the Legend

While Hollywood often portrays lightning-fast gunfighters with spinning pistols, the real Wild Bill relied on discipline, practice, and confidence.

His backward-worn guns were not just a style choice — they were a practical setup that suited his lifestyle as a:

Lawman
Scout
Gambler
Professional gunfighter

The unusual crossdraw method became part of his legend and helped cement his image as one of the most recognizable figures of the frontier.

The Legacy of Wild Bill’s Guns

Today, the image of Wild Bill with two pistols worn backwards is one of the most famous images of the American West.

Even modern shooters and cowboy action competitors still experiment with the crossdraw style inspired by Hickok.

And of course, the legend of Wild Bill Hickok lives on — from his gunfighting days on the frontier to his final poker game in Deadwood, South Dakota.

⭐ On this site you will learn everything about Wild Bill — his guns, his adventures, the Old West towns he lived in, and many stories that most history books never tell. So saddle up and enjoy the legend of the cowboy whose spirit still rides the frontier.

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I’m Jeff and I am a big fan of the Old West. I am an Amazon Associate and if you make a purchase through my links, I may earn a small commission that helps me maintain this website. You do not pay any extra.

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