Novelist, Musician, Filmmaker Ray Herbeck, Jr. is a historical novelist, Americana musician (SlackJawBros.com) and former film/TV writer/ producer....
What History Has Taught Me: Ray Herbeck, Jr.
read more
Departments
My Top Ten Favorite Movie Moments
True West’s Firearms Editor applauds authenticity. Western movies are made for entertainment, and we must consider them strictly as such, and not as...
Colt Gallops Away with Big Money at Auctions
Morphy and Rock Island prove collectors still love the classic American firearms. Samuel Colt patented his first revolver in 1835,...
The Lone Star Myth of John Ringo
His time in Texas was not what it’s been cracked up to be. In August 19, 1875, a rider—or maybe riders—approached the Bader ranch in Mason County,...
Native History Celebrated Large
Only months old, the First Americans Museum in Oklahoma City is dedicated to truth-telling. It was once called Indian Territory, a dumping ground as...
Billy the Kid, Gunfighters and Rewards
During a film class on Western films it was observed while watching the film The Gunfighter a main character was wearing one spur throughout the...
Best of the West 2022: Western Wear
Kick Up Your Heels! Western wear companies keep the West alive with their best boots, hats and clothing. Since John B. Stetson invented his...
What History Has Taught Me: W. Michael Gear and Kathleen O’Neal Gear
Authors, Archaeologists, Historians AND Ranchers W. Michael Gear and Kathleen O’Neal Gear are award-winning archaeologists and New York...
Best of the West 2022: Western Preservation
Bringing History Alive Awards are already piling up. I get to write about winners. Risk-takers. Visionaries. Bullheaded folks who have...
Best of the West 2022: Firearms
Old West Classics Remain Popular Timeless frontier six-guns, rifles and scatterguns lead the list for this year’s top guns. While the...
Best of the West 2022: Western Fare
Oysters and Champagne Ring in the New Year The tradition has been enjoyed across the West for more than 150 years. German immigrant Jacob Schram...
Best of the West 2022: Art & Collectibles
It’s Not Just the Money; It’s the Story Auction houses and Western collectors enjoyed a banner year of selling and buying art, collectibles and...