When cowboys had a gun duel, did they rush to get the best position so the sun wasn't in thier eyes?

Question

When cowboys had a gun duel, did they rush to get the best position so the sun wasn't in thier eyes?

Answer 1

As I recall (not that I was there) gun battles were typically arranged at 'high noon', so the sun wouldn't impede either cowboys' vision, since it was directly above their heads.

Answer 2

Yes, in the movies and TV. But in reality the old west was made up of much more than just cowboys. Lawmen, miners, bankers, store clerks, lawyers, doctors etc. and all were involved in gun-play at various times.  

  When a gunfight erupted it was rarely executed the way it is in film. Guns were drawn, shots were fired, blood spurted and people died. The sun wasn't a factor since many shots were fired from concealed areas when an opponent wasn't aware. Most gunfights were also spontaneous, guns were carried in pockets or shoved in waistbands mostly, no fancy holsters.

Answer 3

Was just complaining about the sun in my eyes this morning after hanging out the 3rd load of washing, and you're not suppose to notice that sort of stuff, I'm always saying, but hang on, he or she didnt have that before watching shows and am told not suppose to notice, we used to have a show here called bloopers, were you could send in the show or ad and point out the error, you could win prizes too, should bring it back, maybe could win some prizes, now that I seem to notice everything lol! :)

Answer 4

This is the origin of the cliche of a shootout at high noon.

Answer 5

Pistols at the time were accurate to about 12 feet, so it probably wasn't that big an issue.

Shouldn't  imagine the idea of fair play was high on the agenda either, but it was the wild west.

Answer 6

no, because in it is noon or night when the dual takes place.... and the sun is over the head of cowboys.... :D

Answer 7

No, but in decisive battles, military always tries to use the sun to its advantage. Thats why you always have better photos of the Victors. Losers seem to be squinting alot.

Answer 8

Recent studies have shown that when duelling 'at dawn' cowboys would play paper, scissor, stone to decide at which 'end' they would play.  Quite often the result of this game would have a major impact on the result of the duel.