More than just decoration, these roller-die-engravings were shrewdly added by Sam Colt to his revolvers to boost sales. Colonel Samuel Colt...
Colt Cylinder Scenes: History or Promotion?
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guns
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...
Western Legends
The Rock Island Auction hammers out Wild West shootists' sidearms. The Rock Island “Premier Firearms” auction held August 26-28 included...
Caplock Rivals
Two open-top and solid-frame designs reigned supreme in the age of percussion revolvers, and each type had its advantages and drawbacks. ...
How Common was the Cross Draw?
The cross draw was popular among cowboys of the Old West so their pistols wouldn’t get in the way of their work around the ranch. It was also easier...
The Colt Single Action Revolver
Although many other makes used, the Colt single-action six-shooter was the weapon of choice for most gunfighters. In his hands it was both a tool of...
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,...
Best of the West 2022: True Westerner of the Year
Riding - and Writing - for the Brand! Phil Spangenberger If you have ever spoken to Phil Spangenberger about the Old West, historical firearms,...
Mr. Authenticity
Many fans of Westerns, especially the True West maniacs, are guilty of picking them apart for the anachronisms all too often found in such...
The Metallic Cartridge
Linen or paper wrapped cartridges had been around for a long time and had obvious problems. The percussion ignition system didn’t place the primer...