Hollywood Westerns have long romanticized the image of the quick-draw gunfighter, but some actors weren’t just pretending—they were the real deal. While many stars relied on clever editing and camera tricks to make their gunplay look fast, a select few had the skills to back it up.
In our recent YouTube video, Top 5 Fastest Gunslingers in Hollywood, we ranked the most skilled quick-draw artists in Western movies. But there’s more to the story than what made it into the video. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the legendary actors who could handle a six-shooter with speed and precision, along with some surprising details about their training, real-life duels, and behind-the-scenes moments that set them apart.
1. Ben Cooper: The Lightning-Fast Underdog
Ben Cooper may not be as widely known as John Wayne or Clint Eastwood, but when it came to gun handling, he could outdraw almost anyone. Known for films like Johnny Guitar and Gunfight at Comanche Creek, Cooper took quick-draw training seriously, honing his skills until he could fire faster than most of his co-stars.
One of the most impressive aspects of Cooper’s ability was his reaction time. According to those who worked with him, his draw was so fast that even the best stuntmen had to adjust their timing to make scenes look realistic. Despite his incredible skill, he never became a household name like some of his peers, which raises the question—why didn’t Hollywood elevate him to the same status as other Western stars?
2. Audie Murphy: The Real-Life War Hero Turned Gunslinger
Audie Murphy wasn’t just a Hollywood cowboy—he was the most decorated American soldier of World War II. His experience under fire translated naturally to Westerns, where his sharp reflexes and steady hand made him one of the most skilled gunfighters on screen.
Unlike many actors who trained for months to master the fast draw, Murphy’s ability came from real-world combat experience. He was known for his uncanny ability to shoot accurately under pressure, and his Western roles often showcased his skill in handling firearms with deadly precision.
Murphy’s military background gave him an edge in Hollywood, making his gunplay look far more authentic than most. But despite his fame, his career was tragically cut short, leaving behind a legacy of both heroism and cinematic excellence.
🎥 Check out our ranking of Hollywood’s fastest gunslingers:
Top 10 Fastest Gunslingers in Hollywood Western Movies – YouTube
3. Sammy Davis Jr.: The Showman Who Could Outdraw the Best
Most people know Sammy Davis Jr. as a legendary singer, dancer, and member of the Rat Pack, but few realize he was also one of Hollywood’s fastest quick-draw artists. His gun skills weren’t just for show—he trained extensively and could outdraw nearly any Western star of his era.
Davis took up gun spinning and fast draw as a hobby, but it quickly became a signature part of his act. He performed incredible gun tricks in front of live audiences, and even seasoned stuntmen were impressed by his abilities.
His passion for Westerns ran deep, and he appeared in several, including Sergeants 3, where he showed off his quick-draw prowess. Had he pursued a full-time career in Westerns, he might have been recognized as one of the genre’s greatest natural talents.
4. Glenn Ford: The Unassuming Gunfighter
Glenn Ford wasn’t known for playing flashy, over-the-top gunslingers, but his real-life speed with a revolver was no joke. Many Hollywood insiders claim Ford was among the fastest actors ever to wield a six-shooter, surprising given his often laid-back on-screen presence.
Unlike some actors who relied on theatrical movements, Ford’s draw was economical—no wasted motion, just pure speed. He trained extensively and was known to practice for hours at a time, ensuring his technique was flawless. His skill made gunfights in films like The Fastest Gun Alive and 3:10 to Yuma look effortless, and he remains one of the genre’s most underrated gunfighters.
5. Scott Glenn: The Modern Quick-Draw Master
Scott Glenn may be best known for his grizzled, veteran performances in later Westerns, but in his prime, he was one of the fastest draws in Hollywood. Unlike some actors who performed only what was necessary for a scene, Glenn took pride in mastering gun handling as a legitimate skill.
He trained with some of the best in the industry and even impressed real-life marksmen with his ability. While his name might not be as closely associated with Westerns as others on this list, his quick-draw skills put him in the elite category of Hollywood gunslingers.
Who Was the Fastest Gunslinger in Hollywood?
With so many skilled quick-draw artists in Hollywood history, it’s tough to name just one as the fastest. Each of these actors brought something unique to the table, from combat experience to sheer technical mastery.
Who do you think was the quickest gun in Hollywood? Let us know in the comments below!
📺 And don’t forget to watch our full video on the fastest gunslingers in Western movies! Top 10 Fastest Gunslingers in Hollywood Western Movies – YouTube
