Doc Holliday was known to carry two primary revolvers during his time in the American West: an 1851 Colt Navy and later a nickel-plated .41 caliber Colt Thunderer.
Doc Holliday, a figure synonymous with the American Old West, was a dentist turned gambler and gunfighter whose choice of firearms played a significant role in his legend. His preferred weapons evolved over his career, reflecting both personal preference and the available technology of the era.
Early Revolver: The 1851 Colt Navy
Early in his Western career, Doc Holliday's weapon of choice was an 1851 Colt Navy revolver. This particular firearm held significant personal value, as it was a gift from his uncle.
Key characteristics of this revolver:
- Model: 1851 Colt Navy
- Origin: One of four revolvers given to him by his uncle, with the other three going to his uncle's sons.
- Type: A cap and ball percussion revolver, renowned for its balance and accuracy. It typically fired a .36 caliber lead ball.
Later Revolver: The Colt Thunderer
As Doc Holliday's career progressed and firearm technology advanced, he transitioned to a more modern cartridge-based revolver. He later carried a nickel-plated .41 caliber Colt Thunderer.
Details of this later firearm:
- Model: Colt Thunderer (specifically, the Colt M1877 Double Action revolver)
- Caliber: .41 Short Colt
- Finish: Distinctively nickel-plated, which would have made it stand out and offered some corrosion resistance.
- Action: The M1877 was one of Colt's first successful double-action revolvers, allowing the user to fire by simply pulling the trigger without manually cocking the hammer for each shot.
Summary of Doc Holliday's Revolvers
To provide a clear overview, here's a table summarizing the revolvers Doc Holliday carried:
| Revolver Model | Caliber | Key Characteristics | Period of Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1851 Colt Navy | .36 (typically) | Gift from his uncle; percussion revolver; known for balance and accuracy. | Early career |
| Colt Thunderer | .41 Short Colt | Nickel-plated finish; one of Colt's early double-action revolvers. | Later career |
These firearms were not merely tools but extensions of Doc Holliday's persona, cementing his image as a formidable figure in the annals of the Wild West.
