In the years before the 1840's the favorite side arm was a knife, and the big guy with long arms had a distinct advantage. Before the coming of the...
The Birth of the Colt Revolver
read more
Firearms
Guns of the Young Wild West
Here’s a rundown of some of the more famous guns—and their modern replicas—from before 1873, when the Old West was young. The year...
Texas and the Paterson Colt
One hundred and eighty years ago, Samuel Colt’s revolutionary handgun broke trail for the Lone Star State and has been associated with Texas ever...
A Firearm Bonanza
The Rock Island Premier Auction lived up to its reputation for buyers and sellers. Decorated by Winchester’s famed engraver John Ulrich, Zane...
The 1873 Trapdoor Springfield—One Model, Many Changes
Despite the prominence of repeating rifles of the late 19th century, the U.S. Cavalry largely relied on this single-shot carbine to bring an end to...
Remington’s New Model Army Revolver
Rugged and accurate, this six-shooter was a mainstay of the Civil War and the American Frontier during the cap-and-ball era. What today’s firearms...
Shooting Back
Our readers remind us of the variables and vagaries of historic truths, “well-established” facts, headlines and historical photographs. Did Bob Ford...
The Lawful and the Lawless
Firearms at the Rock Island Auction tell stories of violent days of frontier law and order. Rock Island Auctions presents firearms collectors with...
Colt Cylinder Scenes: History or Promotion?
More than just decoration, these roller-die-engravings were shrewdly added by Sam Colt to his revolvers to boost sales. Colonel Samuel Colt...
The Yellowboy
What was the so-called "Yellow Boy?" It was the Model 1866 Winchester, so-called because of its brass receiver. It replaced the Model 1860 Henry and...
Best of the West 2023: Firearms
1873 - Year of the Gun 2023 is a special year for several iconic Old West guns, as well as True West magazine, and Firearms Editor Phil...
Western Cavalry Training
True West’s Firearms Editor Phil Spangenberger was asked to share with us 10 significant photos of the Old West. His nine other photos and...