See U in History / Mythology – The Weapons of the Wild West – Historical Curiosities
With dusty towns and daring outlaws, the American West is not merely another place or time. It’s an integral part of popular consciousness. Firearms were the driving force behind everything that shaped the frontier. And these firearms became just as famous as the people who wielded them. These ten weapons helped build and define the Wild West.
1. Colt Single Action Army “The Peacemaker”
See U in History / Mythology – The Weapons of the Wild West – Historical Curiosities
“The Peacemaker” was the iconic Wild West-era gun, carried by legends like Wyatt Earp and General Patton. Widely regarded as one of the greatest six-shooters ever made, this .45 remains a classic. Colt continues to manufacture it today, catering to discerning collectors. The most reliable and accurate six-shooter of its time, it was often called “The Gun That Won the West.”
2. Winchester Model 1873
See U in History / Mythology – The Weapons of the Wild West – Historical Curiosities
This lever-action repeating rifle changed frontier warfare. It was used by Buffalo Bill Cody during his frontier life. More than 720,000 were produced. Being able to fire many shots without reloading, it was best for defence and hunting.
3. Sharps Model 1874 (“Old Reliable”)
See U in History / Mythology – The Weapons of the Wild West – Historical Curiosities
It’s been dubbed the buffalo hunter’s choice, and came out in dozens of calibers, but the .50 was quite popular. It is billed as the gun buffalo hunter Bill Tilghman employed to kill 7,500 buffalo. It established a standard—one which many other rifles were measured by.
4. Colt 1851 Navy Revolver
Brownells, Inc. – From the Vault: Wild Bill Hickok’s Colt 1851 Navy
The ultimate pistolero par excellence, this nimble .36-caliber six-shooter was the gun of choice of Wild Bill Hickok. The Smithsonian calls it the most popular percussion handgun of the century. With over 215,000 manufactured, it was one of the first true “gunfighter” weapons.
5. Smith & Wesson “Russian” Model
Forgotten Weapons – The S&W No.3 Russian Model Made at Tula in Russia
This weapon is best known as the revolver Pat Garrett took from Billy the Kid. This S&W model earned its nickname through massive contracts with Imperial Russia, with over 60,000 produced between 1874 and 1878.
6. Springfield Trapdoor Rifle
See U in History / Mythology – The Weapons of the Wild West – Historical Curiosities
This Civil War rifle, converted to its final form, became the standard Army gun in the post-Civil War years. It gave the Army a decided advantage in its battles with various Native American tribes. The Springfield Trapdoor Rifle remained in service right up to the Spanish American War.
7. Remington Army Revolver
Guns of the West- Colt vs. Remington: Revolving Rivals
Although less famous than Colt’s, this revolver gained a reputation for solid dependability. It was frequently seen on the frontier. Its durable frame design provided excellent strength.
8. The “Messenger’s Gun” (also known as a Coach Gun)
Mainstreet Guns and Range – Old West Shotguns
This sawed-off double-barrel shotgun became a symbol of stagecoach defense. It was especially associated with Wells Fargo routes. It coined the term “riding shotgun” and was valued for its effectiveness at close range without requiring precise aim.
9. Colt Double Action 1877
MidwayUSA – The Colt Model 1877 Lightning Double Action Revolver
The Colt Double Action was the Old West’s first successful double-action revolver. It came in three versions: the Rainmaker (.32), The Lightning (.38), and The Thunderer (.41). Both Billy the Kid and John Wesley Hardin packed these guns.
10. Spencer Repeating Carbine
See U in History / Mythology – The Weapons of the Wild West – Historical Curiosities
Spencer repeating rifles were an early and unusual innovation. They opened up to further works, including the Winchester. It meant a change towards weapons firing quickly, which later became common to warfare. A pistol then represented far more than an object of violence. It was a symbol of survival, law enforcement, and daily life on the frontier. Their era may be long gone, but the legacy of Wild West firearms endures. These iconic weapons come alive in museum displays and private collections around the world. Each one carries a tale that brings this vibrant chapter of American history into sharp focus.
Sources
10 Famous Guns of the Wild West, from Revolvers to Rifles
Top 12 Guns that Tamed the Wild West
Guns That Won the West: How Colt & Winchester Shaped American History
Five Iconic Wild West Guns
