Why did people only use one hand when firing pistols up until the 20th century.

Question

I’m pretty sure it’s not just Hollywood, I’ve seen old drawings and paintings of people in battle or duels and they always only use one hand to aim and fire pistols, even after multishot revolvers and pistols are developed.

Why? It’s not like using two hands only became more supportive and stable after 1910.

In: 557

Answer 1

And to add one more thing to the really good answer, had to hold onto your horse. Cavalry units pioneered revolvers in the American West, as being able to use a multi-shot firearm with one hand while the other gripped the reins of your horse or the saddle was pretty great.