The single best and most economical arm for hunting and defense in the Wild West was the double-barreled shotgun. At the sign of...
King of the Scatterguns
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guns
Five or Six?
Did frontiersmen of the Old West fully load their single-actions or did they leave an empty chamber under the hammer? Experienced shooters realize...
Firearm Conundrums
A few questions puzzle nimrods and veteran shooters alike. Single Action, Double Action? One of the many enigmas to newcomers in the Western gun...
The Hawken Rifle Turns 200
Just as the Colt revolver and the Winchester rifle are icons of the post-Civil War West, one gun symbolizes the era of the fur trade. ...
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...
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...
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...