Was Wild Bill Hickock the Most Dangerous Gunman?

[Blitzpuppy]

James Butler “Wild Bill” Hickok is often considered the most accomplished 19th-century Western shootist. Hickok is known to have killed seven men in six gunfights, and his reputation for fearlessness and proficiency with six-shooters surely scared off countless others. But was Wild Bill a more dangerous foe than such noted gunmen as John Wesley Hardin, Clay Allison, “Killin’ Jim” Miller, Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday, Billy the Kid, Ben Thompson and Harvey Logan? Share your opinions.

[johnbryan]

Originally Posted by Blitzpuppy

James Butler “Wild Bill” Hickok is often considered the most accomplished 19th-century Western shootist. Hickok is known to have killed seven men in six gunfights, and his reputation for fearlessness and proficiency with six-shooters surely scared off countless others. But was Wild Bill a more dangerous foe than such noted gunmen as John Wesley Hardin, Clay Allison, “Killin’ Jim” Miller, Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday, Billy the Kid, Ben Thompson and Harvey Logan? Share your opinions.

I'd go with Wild Bill overall. He was utterly fearless and a deadly accurate shot in any gunfight. He always hit and killed whatever he aimed at, even one of his own Deputies on one mistaken occasion. His overall, steely-eyed visiage alone could make any hardened gunslinger stand down and walk away from a gunfight. He preferred to use cap and ball pistols at a time when cartridge revolvers like the Colt Peacemaker and Schofield pistols were widely used and readily available. Wild Bill Hickock was one of a small, select fraternity.

[Benedict XVI]

I'm another Wild Bill fan

[Centrix Vigilis]

Originally Posted by johnbryan

I'd go with Wild Bill overall. He was utterly fearless and a deadly accurate shot in any gunfight. He always hit and killed whatever he aimed at, even one of his own Deputies on one mistaken occasion. His overall, steely-eyed visiage alone could make any hardened gunslinger stand down and walk away from a gunfight. He preferred to use cap and ball pistols at a time when cartridge revolvers like the Colt Peacemaker and Schofield pistols were widely used and readily available. Wild Bill Hickock was one of a small, select fraternity.

Agreed yet honorable mention goes to John Wesley for utter ruthlessness and 'Doc' for fearlessness as evidenced by his total diisdain fer Ringo's rep.

b
CV

[johnbryan]

Originally Posted by Centrix Vigilis

Agreed yet honorable mention goes to John Wesley for utter ruthlessness and 'Doc' for fearlessness as evidenced by his total diisdain fer Ringo's rep.

b
CV

Yes, but the good doctor knew full well that he had nothing to lose by actively engaging in every gunfight that he was ever involved. ("You're a daisy if you do!") He was on borrowed time and he knew it. Consider his options. A bullet through his brain pan or through the heart means a quick, nearly painless death vs. one of weeks and months spent enduring the agony of literally coughing his diseased lungs up in a sanitarium, while growing ever weaker with each passing day and knowing there was no hope.

[Centrix Vigilis]

All astute and true JB; yet from his youth on and even after his diagnosis (which remains controversial as to time frame but certainly includes several years) DH was a fierce sportsman and evidenced little fear of opponents that i can recall.

be well ole hoss.
CV

[johnbryan]

John Wesley Hardin could be quite the peaceable, productive citizen and all round engaging guy when he wasn't drinking. For some strange internal reason, the "Demon Rum" brought out his base instincts that made him into a cold blooded killer. Something of a Dr Jekyll/Mr Hyde personality.

[johnbryan]

Originally Posted by Centrix Vigilis

All astute and true JB; yet from his youth on and even after his diagnosis (which remains controversial as to time frame but certainly includes several years) DH was a fierce sportsman and evidenced little fear of opponents that i can recall.

be well ole hoss.
CV

IIRC, Doc Holiday learned of his tuberculosis, early in life while he was a practicing dentist in Georgia. That was the reason that he went west, to take advantage of the dryer climate that was said to be better for his lungs.

Right back atcha' CV! How goes the tiswin production these days?

[Centrix Vigilis]

fer yer reading pleasure.......

http://www.brimstonepistoleros.com/gazette/feb05.html

[Jon Jordan]

Did Billy the Kid have a higher body count?

It sounds like John Wes was a tough gunfighter as well, and probably faster on the draw with his shoulder holsters. In a very close fight, I might go with Hardin. At longer distances, I don't think any pistolero could match Wild Bill.

[Centrix Vigilis]

JB probably knows off the top i'll research it as permitted...
best
CV

[johnbryan]

Originally Posted by Jon Jordan

Did Billy the Kid have a higher body count?

It sounds like John Wes was a tough gunfighter as well, and probably faster on the draw with his shoulder holsters. In a very close fight, I might go with Hardin. At longer distances, I don't think any pistolero could match Wild Bill.

Billy the kid claimed that he killed 21 men in gunfights, but the actual number was probably half that. Hardin claimed 44, but he was an inveterate liar.