Page 469 - 4094-BOOK2

LOT 1541
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.
CONDITION: Very good with clear and legible markings. A fantastic
piece to famed handgunner Ed McGivern’s legacy, one
that is truly in the record books!
Provenance: The Mike Priwer Collection.
Estimate: 5,000 - 7,000
As pictured & described in Ed McGivern's
Fast and Fancy Revolver Shooting
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