Why Was Hip Shooting Ever a Thing?

Published on March 29, 2024
Duration: 11:03

Hip shooting was a prevalent law enforcement technique from the late 1930s to the 1980s, popularized by FBI agent Jelly Bryce's perceived speed and accuracy. However, it was largely a fad based on unique individual skill and potentially manipulated training films. Modern analysis and techniques like Jeff Cooper's 'Modern Technique' demonstrate that eye-level shooting is equally fast and significantly more accurate for the average shooter.

Quick Summary

Hip shooting was a law enforcement standard from the 1930s-1980s, influenced by FBI agent Jelly Bryce. However, it was often based on unique skill and manipulated training films. Modern analysis shows eye-level shooting is equally fast and more accurate for average shooters, having replaced hip shooting.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Hip Shooting
  2. 01:04Early 20th Century Training Shift
  3. 01:54The Rise of the Modern Technique
  4. 02:43Jelly Bryce: The Gunfighter Influence
  5. 05:01FBI Adoption and Spread
  6. 06:40Flaws of Hip Shooting for Average Shooters
  7. 09:09Debunking the Hip Shooting Speed Myth

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was hip shooting used by law enforcement?

Hip shooting was popularized in law enforcement from the 1930s-1980s, largely influenced by FBI agent Jelly Bryce's perceived speed and accuracy. The FBI adopted it for close-range engagements, and this technique spread through training and media.

What replaced hip shooting as a standard technique?

Jeff Cooper's 'Modern Technique,' introduced in the 1970s, replaced hip shooting. It emphasized the Weaver stance, flash sight picture, and two-handed, eye-level shooting for improved accuracy and consistency.

Was hip shooting actually faster than eye-level shooting?

No, historical training films often used edited footage to create this illusion. Modern analysis indicates that for the average shooter, eye-level shooting is just as fast and significantly more accurate than firing from the hip.

Who was Jelly Bryce and why is he relevant to hip shooting?

Delf A. 'Jelly' Bryce was a legendary FBI agent and gunfighter whose exceptional speed and accuracy in real gunfights made him a model. His technique heavily influenced the FBI's adoption and promotion of hip shooting.

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