Bill Jordan (American lawman)
William Henry Jordan (May 20, 1911 – October 7, 1997) was an American lawman, United States Marine, and author. He was born in Cheneyville, Louisiana, and served in the U.S. Border Patrol from 1941 to 1971, working for more than 28 years. He also served in the United States Marine Corps Reserve during World War II and the Korean War, retiring as a colonel.
Jordan helped create the Jordan holster, a rigid, unmoving holster that keeps the gun in a fixed position. He and Walter Roper also developed wooden grips for heavy-caliber revolvers, known today as the "Jordan Trooper" grips.
He favored double‑action revolvers for law enforcement and played a key role in convincing Smith & Wesson to adapt the medium K-frame for the .357 Magnum, leading to the Model 19 and Model 66 Combat Magnum.
After leaving the Border Patrol, he worked as a Southwestern Field Representative for the National Rifle Association. He wrote many articles and books on firearms, including No Second Place Winner, Mostly Huntin', and Tales of the Rio Grande. He was a contemporary of Charles Askins, Elmer Keith, Skeeter Skelton, and Jack O’Connor. In 1963 he helped Keith and Skelton develop the .41 Magnum.
Jordan was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Ronald Reagan. It is said he could draw and fire a double‑action revolver in 0.27 seconds. He appeared on television programs such as To Tell the Truth, I've Got a Secret, You Asked for It, and Wide Wide World.
He died on October 7, 1997, at age 86 in Linden, Texas, and was buried in Linden Cemetery.
This page was last edited on 3 February 2026, at 18:27 (CET).