The phrase “The Gun That Won the West” conjures up images of lone gunfighters facing off in the dusty streets of a western town armed with the 1873 Colt Single Action Army. Known as the Peacemaker, this firearm is still being produced in various guises to this day and remains
This Iconic Firearm Has Been America’s Choice for Over 180 Years Arguably the first lever-gun was patented by Samuel Colt in 1837 when he invented a revolving rifle actuated by a ring lever. Since that time the lever-gun has evolved from the primitive Volcanic Arms repeating handgun to the original
Bill inwardly smiled at the hand he was being dealt. He already had two pairs: aces and eights. Things were going well for him, even though for the first time in years he had his back to the door instead of facing it. He didn’t expect he would need the
When we discuss the Old West, we often mention Dodge City, Kansas. Few towns played as much of a role in westward expansion and the development of legendary stories. It’s time to take a closer look at this iconic gateway to the Old West. Built on Cowboys, Gunfighters and Gambling,
If you are a fan of the Old West—and I figure you are—you’re probably familiar with lawmen like James Butler “Wild Bill” Hickok, Bartholomew “Bat” Masterson and Wyatt Earp. You might even have heard of Pat Garrett, Heck Thomas, or Bill Tilghman. Then there are famous Texas Ranger Captains such
If any group of lawmen in history is worthy of the moniker “gunfighters,” it’s the legendary Texas Rangers. Doug Dukes is a native Texan, and retired career Austin police officer turned full-time historian. He spent years analyzing thousands of historical records held at the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and
