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  • /Lot 1541

Lot 1541:Ed McGivern’s Used World Speed Shooting Record Target

May 3rd, 2025|Bedford, TX
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  • /Lot 1541

Lot 1541:Ed McGivern’s Used World Speed Shooting Record Target

May 3rd, 2025|Bedford, TX
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Estimated Price$5,000 - $7,000
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Historic, Documented Ed McGivern’s August 20, 1932 Used World Speed Shooting Record Target

Ed McGivern (1874-1957) was known as “the World’s Fastest Gun.” This target was used by McGivern in August 1932, when he sent 5 shots into a 1 inch group at 20 feet in 9/20th of a second, a record he still holds today. The revolver he used was an S&W Military & Police Target No. 286600, and this speed shooting record setting revolver is featured in the previous lot. The upper left corner of the target has the typewritten notation: “Shot by Ed McGivern/At Lead, S.Dak., Rifle/Club, Aug. 20, 1932./Peters new 158 grain/wadcutter bullet. Time/between 2/5 and ½ sec./distance 20 feet.” This notation is above a list of typewritten witnesses. These witnesses have signed their names on the right corner of the target. Below the signature is the following handwritten notation in pencil: “shot by Ed McGivern/with 38 spl 286600 M&P/Smith and Wesson 6” barrel/target sights McGivern favorite/at Lead Rifle Club/Aug 20-32. 20 feet/peters new/158 grain/wad cutter/bullet/38 spl.” The M&P revolver is again mentioned by serial number on the target: “S&W/GUN 286600 PETERS CTG.” The S&W .38 Military & Police Target Revolver No. 286600 is featured in the previous lot. No. 286600 was used by McGivern in a number of speed shooting records, some of which are listed on the gold plaque mounted on the revolver. The August 20, 1932 demonstration as recorded by our subject target is not listed on the gold plaque. This indicates that No. 286600 was used by McGivern in other incredible shooting feats than just the ones listed on the plaque. The shots recorded in the August 20, 1932 demonstration are featured in the lower right corner of the target, and the 5-shots are clustered within the size of a silver half dollar. A half dollar was traced around the grouping of shots. Next to the 5-shot grouping are a set of notations (“Peters new/1/2 to 2/5/and/second,” “9/20 SECOND” and “Shot on right corner/of used target”) documenting the speed shooting record. The back of the target has the number “81490” written in pencil. This target is featured in Ed McGivern’s “Fast and Fancy Revolver Shooting” on page 152, where it is incorrectly cited as an S&W .38-44 Outdoorsman being used to accomplish the 5-shot cluster. His renowned marksmanship for firing 5-shots in 9/20ths of a second at a target 20 feet away is a feat McGivern achieved multiple times. Provenance: The Mike Priwer Collection

ConditionVery good with clear and legible markings. A fantastic piece to famed handgunner Ed McGivern's legacy, one that is truly in the record books!
Details
TypeOther
ClassOther

Item LocationBedford, TX
Views638
Catalog page467
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