Bill Jordan

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This article is about the lawman and writer. For the outdoorsman, see Bill Jordan (outdoorsman). For the New Zealand politician see William Joseph Jordan.

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Bill Jordan was an American lawman, Marine and writer.

Born William Henry Jordan in 1911 in Louisiana, he served for over 30 years with the U.S. Border Patrol, while also fitting in stints with the Marines during World War II and Korea. He retired from the Marine Reserve as a Colonel.

Jordan is credited with developing the 'Jordan' or 'Border Patrol' style of holster. He also collaborated with Walter Roper in the design of wooden grips intended for heavy-calibre double action revolvers, which are now made by Herret'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".

He wrote numerous articles on all aspects of firearms, as well as books such as No Second Place Winner and Tales of the Rio Grande.

After retiring from the Border Patrol, Jordan served as a spokesman for the National Rifle Association. He was a contemporary of Charles Askins, Elmer Keith, Skeeter Skelton and to a lesser degree, Jack O'Connor (American writer).

Using a double action revolver, Bill Jordan was recorded drawing, firing and hitting his target in .27 of a second. See No Second Place Winner by Bill Jordan.