Fanning (also known as fan firing) is a revolver shooting technique in which the shooter uses one hand to hold the gun and pull the trigger, while using the other hand to cock back the hammer repeatedly in a slapping-like fashion without touching any other parts of the gun.
This allows for the rapid firing of single-action revolvers, and the technique is used extensively in fast draw exhibitions.
The idea (as spread by old western films) that gunslingers in the "Old West" fanned their revolvers in actual gunfights with any regularity is considered a caricature.
It was probably not common in actual firefights, because it does not lend itself to most real-life tactical situations, accuracy, or the use of cover.
One longtime firearms instructor, George L. Tooley,[1] said: "Fanning is hard on the revolver, in addition to being inaccurate, and is not recommended".