No Second Place Winner

by William Henry Jordan

"Be first or be dead ... there is no second place winner in a gun fight! The subject of this book is the way and means to stay alive when using guns in mortal combat."

Genres: Nonfiction

114 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1965

About the author

William Henry "Bill" Jordan (1911–1997) was an American lawman, United States Marine and author.

Born in 1911 in Louisiana, he served for over 30 years with the U.S. Border Patrol, while also serving as a US Marine during World War II and the Korean War. He retired from the Marine Corps Reserve as a Colonel.

Jordan is credited with developing the 'Jordan' or 'Border Patrol' style of holster. The Jordan rig is rigid and unmoving, always holding the gunbutt in precisely the same relationship to the gun hand. The revolver’s trigger guard is completely exposed, and the gun is held away from the back portion of the holster by a plug of leather, allowing the trigger finger to enter the guard as the draw is commenced. He also collaborated with Walter Roper in the design of wooden grips intended for heavy-calibre double action revolvers, which are now made by Herrett's Stocks as the "Jordan Trooper". Jordan always favored a double action revolver for law enforcement duties. He was largely responsible for convincing Smith & Wesson to adapt its medium K-frame series revolver to accommodate the .357 Magnum cartridge, resulting in the (S&W Model 19 and S&W Model 66) "Combat Magnum".

After retiring from the Border Patrol, Jordan served as a Southwestern Field Representative for the National Rifle Association. He was a contemporary of Charles Askins, Elmer Keith, Skeeter Skelton and to a lesser degree, Jack O'Connor. He wrote numerous articles on all aspects of firearms, as well as books such as No Second Place Winner, Mostly Huntin and Tales of the Rio Grande. Jordan was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Ronald Reagan.

Reviews

[Checkman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just because it's old doesn't mean that it's out of date. Some of the tactics and philosophy has changed of course, but not that much. Ironically those of us in law enforcement have seen something of a return to some of Jordan's techniques.Just because it's old doesn't mean that it won't work.Also this is just a great read.

[J Blake · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great look in to a time capsule of law enforcement, gun fights, and the guns and gear of the time. There are a few nice anecdotes given by Mr. Jordan, but some of the stories might be too much, or offend modern sensitivities. Its great to how much has changed, and also what has remained the same.

[Kbullock · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's dated and intended for law enforcement officers who openly carry revolvers in leather holsters. Still, there is a lot of value here, and it's worth the read for Jordan's dry wit. Although I don't do cowboy action shooting, I imagine this would be quite valuable for those who do.

[Al "Tank" · Rating 5 out of 5]

A friend loaned me this book a few decades ago. I learned a LOT and made some major changes to how I carried and my mindset. Fortunately, I've never needed the advice, but if I ever do, I hope my reactions will be better than if I'd not seen this book.

[Gary Merrill]

A fascinating first-person story of serving in the border patrol in what are now the "old days". Overly racist at times, but insightful.

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I met the author many times. I've read his book several times, it's still applicable to personal defense and the history thereof; laws change, the culture shifts, history repeats itself.

[Mickey Basden]

Relevant and valuable for this young an as i entered a career in law enforcement

[Pat Dugan · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a retired military (Marine Corps Infantry) and Law Enforcement guy, I highly recommend this book to all who want to go into that field. It is a CLASSIC and I was honored to have know this man very well. He was one of a kind! Last of the old school Pistoleros. He was also a very good teacher.This is NOT the first publishing of this book! It has been out about 40+++ years.

[Jeremiah · Rating 2 out of 5]

A little disappointing, thought there would me more stories and talk of calibers and specific guns. More geared for law enforcement but not bad for people who are initially getting into handguns. Definitely not on same level of Elmer Keith books.

[William Sariego · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written in 1965, this books primary value now is nostalgia. Bill was an old school lawman when the double action revolver reigned supreme. It was still a entertaining read for me, but then again I'm 'over the hill' myself.

[Carl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full of practical details, a 1965 classic by a Border Patrolman based on 30 years experience winning gunfights by shooting fast and accurately.

[Tom Armstrong · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bit dated, but a fun and informative read nonetheless.

[Robert W Archbald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Guidance from a master of his craft. I bought copies for friends.