Ride Cowboy, Ride!

On September 26, 2024, True West’s 2022 True Westerner of the Year and beloved Firearms Editor Phil Spangenberger died suddenly during a heart procedure. Phil was considered one of the most noted experts on 19th-and early 20th-century American firearms. He was a contributor to True West for over 20 years, and for four decades the black powder firearms editor for Guns & Ammo. A highly regarded film and television firearms consultant and coach, Phil was the founder of Red River Western Wear and Old West Gun Holsters. Many likened him to a modern Buffalo Bill, who inspired generations of men and women to become reenactors, to collect and wear correct period Western clothing, and become participants in Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association and the Single Action Shooting Society. He was an inspiration to thousands around the world, a renowned horseman, reenactor and Western entertainer. Phil, a native of Florida, is survived by his beloved wife, Linda J. Spangenberger, of Chino Valley, Arizona. He was 84 years old.

True West will publish Phil’s final column and review in the January-February 2025 issue with an extended memorial of his life and career.

–Stuart Rosebrook