We’re ready to jump into fall pursuits like using black powder rifles to put wild game in the family freezer. But first, how many of you realize that 2023 is an important year in Old West history? Well, this year marks the 150th anniversary of the Colt Single Action Army
With its terrible carnage, the Civil War did push technical innovation. A new rifle was needed to replace the muskets, and one of the first attempts, the Volcanic Repeating Rifle—which fired a “Rocket Ball” bullet with a hollow base containing powder and priming compound—never achieved popularity. However, fortunately, Henry Repeating
Americans, both the North and South variety, have had an affinity for lever-action long guns since they were perfected some 160 years ago. The lever gun is uniquely American and initially gained popularity during the era of the Old West. And lever action .22 LR rifles, like the Rio Bravo
The most recognized Old West sixgun was the 7.5-inch Colt Single Action Army. It was the version of the 1873 Peacemaker chosen by the U.S. government for its mounted soldiers. Likewise, it also inspired many revolvers that followed, like the Pietta “Last Stand” Great Western II. Setting the Foundation for
For fans of Western movies, 1973 was what might well be described as a pretty darned good year. Great Westerns just seemed to dominate the silver screen that year. I’ll admit, I’m old enough to have seen a few movies when they were first released in the theater. Don’t Forget
Last year marked the 50th anniversary of the Ruger Old Army. And even though the gun was discontinued by Ruger in 2008, black powder enthusiasts still consider it the best 19th-century percussion revolver that was never made! The Ruger Old Army .44 These hefty, six-shot, black powder wheelguns were produced
