man of his hands

[vil]

Dear teachers,

Would you be kind enough to tell me whether I am right with my interpretation of the expression in bold in the following sentence?

They were men well fitted for war…well-mounted horsemen, pioneers and men of their hands accustomed to guard their own heads amid a hostile population.

a man of his hands = a man of experience

Thanks for your efforts.

Regards,

V

[SoothingDave]

Not a teacher.

It means they were tough men, used to working with their hands, doing physical labor, providing for themselves.