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| credit: http://theswash.com |
In addition to Sharon’s and my novels, I write about a great many things. Frequently, I write about swords and about handguns. In the military context, both swords and handguns have utility beyond mere use as a weapon. They have been and still are symbols of leadership. In battle, the officer leading his unit into the fray frequently hasn’t the luxury of carrying a rifle with fixed bayonet. Often, he needs to have a hand free, either for hand and arm signals, or, in some cases in the past, prepping a whistle for command signals.
During the “modern” era of United States horse-mounted cavalry, the handgun would be worn on the right side of the belt, holstered butt forward. This carry method enabled the officer or enlisted man so equipped to “crossdraw” his handgun, with the left hand, or perform a twist or “cavalry” draw, with his right hand. More often, the cavalry draw was what was used. But, when the saber was to be employed, it was drawn from the left side with the right hand and the left hand was used to draw the pistol.
During the “modern” era of United States horse-mounted cavalry, the handgun would be worn on the right side of the belt, holstered butt forward. This carry method enabled the officer or enlisted man so equipped to “crossdraw” his handgun, with the left hand, or perform a twist or “cavalry” draw, with his right hand. More often, the cavalry draw was what was used. But, when the saber was to be employed, it was drawn from the left side with the right hand and the left hand was used to draw the pistol.
