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Shotgun?

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Troggles | 18:51 Thu 08th Feb 2007 | Word Origins
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Where does the saying 'To ride shotgun' come from?

it is used to call priority to ride in the front passenger seat, but where did it originate?

Drew
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In the American west, especially during the expansion years following the Civil War, stagecoach companies provided transportation for passengers and a limited amount of freight. To defend their passengers and cargo against highwaymen, the companies added another man carrying firearms next to the driver of the horses. Both sat high atop the front part of the coach. The weapon of choice was a shotgun or often called a "scattergun" since it was most effective at close range. The position he occupied came to be known as "riding shotgun"...
Never seen a Western movie, Troggles?
Question Author
lol not many, mabye i should watch some more!

Stagecoach companies provided passenger and small freight transport. Both companies added his second man with a gun to protect passengers and cargo from robberies. The weapon of choice was a shotgun, also known as a "shotgun" due to its effectiveness at close range.

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