Gunslingers in the American Old West primarily favored robust and reliable revolvers, with iconic models such as the Colt Single Action Army (often known as the Peacemaker) being the quintessential sidearm of the cartridge era. However, earlier percussion revolvers, like the Colt Model 1851 Navy, were also widely used, especially in the earlier decades of the gunslinger era.
The choice of revolver often depended on the specific period, personal preference, and the availability of ammunition. The transition from black powder, cap-and-ball revolvers to metallic cartridge revolvers marked a significant evolution in firearms technology during the peak of the Old West.
Iconic Revolvers of the Old West
The firearms carried by gunslingers were tools for survival, self-defense, and often, their trade. Their effectiveness, reliability, and ease of use were paramount.
1. Colt Single Action Army (SAA)
- Era: Predominantly post-1873.
- Significance: Unquestionably the most iconic "gunslinger" revolver. Introduced in 1873, this .45 caliber (and later other calibers) metallic cartridge revolver became the standard sidearm for the U.S. Army and was widely adopted by civilians, lawmen, and outlaws alike. Its robust design, powerful cartridge, and simple operation made it immensely popular.
- Key Features: Single-action mechanism, six-shot cylinder, various barrel lengths (e.g., 7.5-inch "Cavalry," 5.5-inch "Artillery," 4.75-inch "Civilian/Gunfighter").
2. Colt Model 1851 Navy
- Era: Mid-19th century (1850s-1860s).
- Significance: A highly popular and elegant percussion (cap & ball) revolver. This .36 caliber revolver was lighter and handier than its larger predecessors. Wild Bill Hickok famously carried a pair of Colt Model 1851 Navy revolvers, demonstrating its popularity among notable figures.
- Key Features: Open-top frame, octagonal barrel, often seen with a navy battle scene engraved on the cylinder. Because cap & ball revolvers were time-consuming to reload, carrying a second revolver was a practical solution for quick follow-up shots, though carrying a pair may not have been universally common.
3. Remington Model 1858
- Era: Mid-19th century (1850s-1860s).
- Significance: A strong competitor to Colt's percussion revolvers, especially during the American Civil War. The Remington featured a more robust solid frame, which allowed for easier and quicker cylinder changes compared to the Colt's open-top design.
- Key Features: Solid-top frame, often .36 or .44 caliber, popular for its durability.
4. Earlier Colt Percussion Revolvers
- Colt Paterson (1836): The very first commercially successful revolving firearm, establishing Colt's reputation. Limited numbers, but historically significant.
- Colt Walker (1847) & Colt Dragoon (1848): Large, powerful .44 caliber percussion revolvers initially designed for military use. While formidable, their size and weight made them less practical for everyday carry by most civilians compared to the later, more refined models.
Why These Revolvers?
The widespread adoption of these particular revolvers among gunslingers was due to several factors:
- Reliability: In an era where lives depended on firearms, mechanical reliability was crucial. These models were generally well-engineered and robust.
- Availability: Colt and Remington were leading manufacturers, ensuring their products were widely distributed across the expanding frontier.
- Stopping Power: The calibers chosen (.36, .44, .45) provided sufficient power for self-defense and engagements.
- Ease of Use (for their time): While percussion revolvers required a complex loading process, the introduction of metallic cartridges greatly simplified ammunition handling, making revolvers like the Colt SAA much faster to reload.
The table below summarizes some of the key revolvers associated with the Old West gunslinger era:
| Revolver Model | Type | Caliber (Common) | Key Feature/Era |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colt Single Action Army | Cartridge | .45 Colt, .44-40 | Iconic "Peacemaker," post-1873, widely adopted. |
| Colt Model 1851 Navy | Percussion | .36 | Elegant, popular cap & ball, carried by Wild Bill Hickok. |
| Remington Model 1858 | Percussion | .36, .44 | Solid frame, durable alternative to Colt percussion. |
| Colt Walker / Dragoon | Percussion | .44 | Large, powerful early military models. |
Ultimately, while many firearms existed, the revolvers that defined the gunslinger image were those that offered the best combination of power, reliability, and widespread availability for the challenges of the American frontier.
