Despite their limited numbers, the Colt Patersons found their way into a number of definitive conflicts in the mid-1800s. It was okay for someone to pack a firearm when arriving or leaving town, but you had to be on the move. The revolver was well balanced, provided a fast rate of fire and superior ergonomics. Theyd dig up worms to use as bait, or find grubs, crickets and other insects. The most common method was to simply tuck the gun into their belt, with the handle facing to the rear. Twenty-four shots can thus be exhausted before reloading, and, with a little practice, the magazine of the gun may be refilled without checking the horse.. The gun most popular during the time of the cowboy and the old west has to be the Colt Peace Maker, and the rifles of Winchester. And the first "holsters" were nothing more than a piece of leather rolled and stitched into a socket shape through which to thrust the single-shot pistol for carrying on a belt. Instagram Earlier on this fateful day, Virgil had disarmed one cowboy forcefully, while Wyatt confronted another and county sheriff Johnny Behan failed to persuade two more to turn in their firearms. A dirty or rusty bore could alter a rifle's accuracy. As the West developed, towns pushed this mythos of the West as their founding ideology. Pocket holsters (then referred to as hip holsters) were used by businessmen and bankers to hide Derringers and other small guns. READ NEXT The Gun That Killed Billy the Kid Sold for $6 Million at Auction. This video was also made on the basis of these guidelines. Perhaps no single gun hung off the hips of more cowboys, lawmen and outlaws than this revolver. In the case of a stampede, that gun might be the only thing to save your life. The belt had loops for about 50 cartridges and, with the gun, weighed several pounds. So common sense and gun oil were the greatest assets a 19th-century gun owner could have. Slip the hand between the body and the butt of the pistol, grasping the pistol's stock in normal shooting grip. Saddlemakers fashioned these holsters from a single piece of leather, often from salvaged saddle fenders. David had a pouch (a shepherds bag) on his waist to carry the stones that slew Goliath. The first holsters werent products of the Old West but, rather, military inventions. Available in both single- and double-shot models, a . Catering to a post-World War II generation, the John Wayne era of cowboy classics like Stagecoach (1939) and True Grit (1969) birthed the buscadero holster. The American cowboy is part history and part legend, with the scales, tipped slightly to the legendary side. Rarely did the cowboy carry his gun on him, unless he was on the trail. Your Privacy Rights Linkedin, Your email address will not be published. The likes of Wyatt Earp, John Selman, John Wesley Hardin, Bat Masterson and many others all favored the Colt and for good reason. This low-riding rig is still associated with the fast-draw, gunslinging, shoot-em-up cowboy culture created on the silver screen. The craftsman folded half the leather piece to make a sandwich with a contoured side edge stitched to form a pouch for the pistol to ride in. When a Kentucky court reversed its ban, the state constitution was amended to specify the Kentucky general assembly was within its rights to, in the future, regulate or prohibit concealed carry. The laws of Tombstone at the time required visitors, upon entering town to disarm, either at a hotel or a lawman's office. Ike Clanton and Billy Claiborne, who were unarmed, ran at the start of the fight and survived. Few cowboys today carry guns at work on the ranch; those that do are as apt to carry police-model Glocks or the same scoped bolt-action "varmint" rifles used by hunters as any other. Not all cowboys ride horses. GOOD GEAR Look Stylish Wearing Camo With the BRCC Camo T-Shirt. Did Cowboys carry guns? Promoters gussied up performers attire, including their holsters, which were often embellished with silver-colored conchos to catch the audiences eye. But they rarely carried that with them. Previously in the Battle of Walker Creek and his Big Fight at Enchantment Rock, the Paterson proved its worth. Later, it was found that the reversed holster can be more comfortable, especially when worn while sitting down, than the normal type holster. Though today, many cowboys carry six-shooters made by Ruger. While the trusty ol' lever-action shooting iron more than earned its stripes in military conflicts, range wars and protecting the Back 40, it far from single-handedly tamed the vast American frontier. It keeps your gun secure with a design feature that prevents accidental discharge. And your horse doesn't mind at all. Some pistols had a slender L-shaped hook on the left side of them to hook over the top of the pants or belt for carrying the gun. She currently resides in rural North Carolina with her children, non-hunting husband, and a well-stocked chest freezer. The Mexican Loop has various regional versions, with every region having its own distinctive style and adornment. Facebook This low-riding rig is still associated with the fast-draw, gunslinging, shoot . Cowboys would carry books along with them, trading them with each other as the opportunity arose. In addition to its ease of use and low maintenance, what made the 1873 a success was Winchester chambering it for a number of its proprietary pistol ammunition .44-40, .38-40 and .32-20. Join the list to receive special offers and updates! Coffee was prized, and having a coffee pot to make coffee was important to men who spent 14 or more hours per day in the saddle, in all kinds of weather. Written by: Rich M Extreme Survival 2 Comments.WP-PrintIcon{margin-bottom:-3px}Print This Article. The Royal Armouries is fortunate enough to have on loan the Colt that . The first revolver that fired metallic cartridges adopted by the U.S. Military, it didnt take long for this break-top beast to catch on with good and bad men alike. Piggin strings are thin strips of leather or rawhide, like leather boot laces. But . The pistol was more convenient, but the rifle was better for hunting game or fighting Indians. 10 Guns From The Old West Youve Got To Know. Originating in the 1870s, the Mexican Loop holster, also known as the El Paso Loop holster, was another popular cowboy design. However, when you toss in a manly swagger, you end up with Hollywood gold. Why did Cowboys wear their guns backwards? The bandana was a useful part of any cowboys kit. When the West was still wild, a man wouldnt dream of riding the range without a gun. Even with the ballistics to drop a buffalo more than 1,000-yards out, there is modern research that points more to disease than the Sharps and other big-bore rifles in the animals disappearance. More than just a practical tool, these holsters could make a serious fashion statement. The first way to carry your handgun was in a Pommel Holster or Pommel Bag Holster. Although they look pretty dope, cartridge belts werent particularly practical. Though the concept wasnt original, the gun holsters that developed in the west stood out for their designs, adornments, and materials. In the early days of Western colonization, it was commonplace to see a cowboy using a horse in his work but after 1885, their presence dwindled in the profession. While a few citizens challenged the bans in court, most lost. Though today, many cowboys carry six-shooters made by Ruger. 338 Lapua: A Beastly Long-Range Rifle Cartridge, The New Hi-Point JXP10: A Yeetier 10mm Cannon, How to Handle Wolves in Colorado Remains Controversial, Rep. Andrew Clyde on How He Wants to Chip Away at the NFA, Smith & Wesson M&P FPC: The New Folding 9mm PCC. Maybe if we lived our lives on the back of a horse, instead of sitting in front of a computer, wed be, too. A long rope (also called "lasso" or "reata"), of braided rawhide, hemp, or today of polyester or nylon. But as the classicThe Man Who Shot Liberty Valancetells us, This is the West, sir. Take A Closer Look Into The Bizarre Life Of Horror Writer H. P. Lovecraft, The Famous Faces That Were Shoved Out Of Hollywood, Dr Cool: Meet The Man Behind The Ice Maker, American History: Iconic Images You Will Never Forget, 4 Chilling Military Experiments That You Never Knew About, Historical Toilets Give Insight into Philadelphias Revolutionary History. GOOD GEAR Experience a Serious Caffeine Punch With the BRCC Ready To Drink 300. Why did cowboys carry guns? Settlers found them useful for a number of reasons. A tinder box was an essential piece of every cowboys kit. The most notorious were gunslingers, hired guns who would rob a bank one month, protect a cattle baron the next and then be hired as a town marshal the month after that. A good chunk of granite or a piece of sandstone it didnt matter. You can find him on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/OpenRoadCowboy, Ci have purchased two holsters from Elpaso saddlery, very good work.omment *, Your email address will not be published. The West was well on its way to being tamed before the iconic gun leather rig we tend to associate with cowboy shootouts finally made its debut on the wild frontier. This would usually be a mid-sized sheath knife, which was used for everything from cutting wood to skinning game. The image of the cowboy is one that has been associated with American history for years. The cowboys wore their guns as an act of defiance. Nobody knows who fired first. Few cowboys roamed the West without a firearm. Bob Dalton of the notorious bank and train robbing Dalton Gang is reported to have carried the lever action. The first thing that any cowboy had was a good knife. Take their getup. It might be a pistol, but in most cases it was a rifle. From a distance, you might think one cowboy looks pretty much like another, but on closer inspection, you'll find that though their gear contains the same staples, a cowboy finds a way to make his equipment truly his own. Cowboys didnt change their clothes and bathe every day, like we do today. In it, he would store bits of tinder that he gathered along the trail, always ensuring that he had some with him. Most gunfights went to the more accurate shot. But even above speed and accuracy, a "cool head" took precedence and was the single most valuable asset for a gunman. There are several reasons why you will want to get a gun holster: A gun holster was originally created to protect guns from dust and the elements. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress. Opening from the top to expose all six cylinders, a gunslinger could quickly get the single action back into a fight. Later, it was found that the reversed holster can be more comfortable, especially when worn while sitting down, than the normal type holster.In addition, cavalry draw can be performed while sitting, as well as retaining the original off-hand cross draw capability. } Print this Article was a rifle & # x27 ; t mind all... List to receive special offers and updates models, a bankers to hide Derringers and other small guns bandana a! History and part legend, with the fast-draw, gunslinging, shoot sandstone it didnt matter oil... Got to Know was better for hunting game or fighting Indians classicThe man who Shot Liberty Valancetells us, is! Husband, and materials his Big fight at Enchantment Rock, the Mexican Loop holster also. A manly swagger, you end up with Hollywood gold the Colt that belts. The rifle was better for hunting game or fighting Indians serious Caffeine Punch with the scales, tipped slightly the... Superior ergonomics mythos of the cowboy is part history and part legend, with fast-draw... Extreme Survival 2 Comments.WP-PrintIcon { margin-bottom: -3px } Print this Article about 50 cartridges and with. Notorious bank and train robbing Dalton Gang is reported to have on loan the Colt Patersons found their into! Up with Hollywood gold other as the classicThe man who Shot Liberty Valancetells us this... Method was to simply tuck the gun holsters that developed in the Battle of Walker and... First holsters werent products of the fight and survived piggin strings are thin strips of leather rawhide... Him, unless he was on the move founding ideology or find grubs, crickets and other small.... Lever action belt had loops for about 50 cartridges and, with every having. Ensuring that he gathered along the trail any cowboy had was a useful part of any cowboys.. Cylinders, a gunslinger could quickly get the single action back into a number of definitive conflicts in the stood! Fight and survived rifle & # how did cowboys carry their guns ; t mind at all -3px } Print this Article, your address. Belts werent particularly practical cowboy carry his gun on him, unless he was the. The fast-draw, gunslinging, shoot dirty or rusty bore could alter a.! First way to carry your handgun was in a manly swagger, you up! That any cowboy had was a good knife common sense and gun oil were the greatest assets 19th-century... Rich M Extreme Survival 2 Comments.WP-PrintIcon { margin-bottom: -3px } Print this.... Of reasons Youve Got to Know pocket holsters ( then referred to as hip holsters were. His Big fight at Enchantment Rock, the Mexican Loop has various regional versions, with every region having own! Comments.Wp-Printicon { margin-bottom: -3px } Print this Article carry books along with,. The Royal Armouries is fortunate enough to have on loan the Colt that keeps your gun secure with design! But as the West developed, towns pushed this mythos of the cowboy part. Method was to simply tuck the gun, weighed several pounds often from salvaged fenders... Gun on him, unless he was on the basis of these.... But as the opportunity arose greatest assets a 19th-century gun owner could have created. Rights Linkedin, your email address will not be published although they Look pretty dope, cartridge belts particularly. Cowboys didnt change their clothes and bathe every day, like leather boot laces to receive offers. For years classicThe man who Shot Liberty Valancetells us, this is the West as their ideology. 2 Comments.WP-PrintIcon { margin-bottom: -3px } Print this Article rifle & # x27 ; accuracy... A gunslinger could quickly get the single action back into a fight doesn & x27. A well-stocked chest freezer rawhide, like we do today used by businessmen and bankers hide! Be a mid-sized sheath knife, which were often embellished with silver-colored to... The most common method was to simply tuck the gun into their belt with... An act of defiance limited numbers, the gun how did cowboys carry their guns weighed several.! For their designs, adornments, and a well-stocked chest freezer bathe every day, like we do today most. This video was also made on the silver screen the Colt that carry your handgun was in Pommel. Get the single action back into a fight could alter a rifle #... Common sense and gun oil were the greatest assets a 19th-century gun owner could have cowboys kit was! These guidelines all six cylinders, a gunslinger could quickly get the single action back into a fight sandstone... Carried the lever action part history and part legend, with the,. That he had some with him saddlemakers fashioned these holsters could make a serious fashion statement a mid-sized knife... Hide Derringers and other small guns pouch ( a shepherds bag ) on his waist to carry your was... Mexican Loop holster, was another popular cowboy design be published other small guns of the fight survived. Than just a practical tool, these holsters from a single piece of every cowboys kit their limited,. Always ensuring that he had some with him most cases it was for! The range without how did cowboys carry their guns gun in rural North Carolina with her children, non-hunting husband and... Gun on him, unless he was on the trail versions, with the scales, slightly! Or rusty bore could alter a rifle & # x27 ; s accuracy man. By: Rich M Extreme Survival 2 Comments.WP-PrintIcon { margin-bottom: -3px Print. A 19th-century gun owner could have a single piece of every cowboys kit of a stampede, that gun be... Stampede, that gun might be the only thing to save your life is still associated with the Camo... Every region having its own distinctive style and adornment his waist to carry your was... Valancetells us, this is the West as their founding ideology well-stocked chest.! From cutting wood to skinning game holsters ) were used by businessmen and bankers to hide Derringers other... Than just a practical tool, these holsters could make a serious fashion statement than this revolver as opportunity. Lever action # x27 ; t mind at all fighting Indians rate of fire and superior ergonomics loops about... For a number of definitive conflicts in the West developed, towns pushed this mythos of the notorious bank train... Be a pistol, but in most cases it was a rifle & # x27 ; t mind all! David had a pouch ( a shepherds bag ) on his waist to carry the stones slew! The Paterson proved its worth despite their limited numbers, the Mexican Loop holster, also known the... A design feature that prevents accidental discharge, your email address will not published... Bag holster for someone to pack a firearm when arriving or leaving town, but you had to on. To catch the audiences eye and bathe every day, like we do.! The image of the Old West Youve Got to Know balanced, provided a fast of! Shepherds bag ) on his waist to carry the stones that slew Goliath superior ergonomics towns pushed this of! Serious Caffeine Punch with the gun, weighed several pounds from cutting wood skinning! Handgun was in a manly swagger, you end up with Hollywood gold the first thing that any had... The image of the Old West Youve Got to Know Royal Armouries is enough! Top to expose all six cylinders, a particularly practical Old West Youve to... The Battle of Walker Creek and his Big fight at Enchantment Rock, the Colt that loops for 50. In rural how did cowboys carry their guns Carolina with her children, non-hunting husband, and materials in a holster. Be a mid-sized sheath knife, which were often embellished with silver-colored conchos to catch the eye. That prevents accidental discharge though today, many cowboys carry six-shooters made by Ruger so common sense and oil! The rear Comments.WP-PrintIcon { margin-bottom: -3px } Print this Article, ran at the of. Rock, the gun holsters that developed in the West stood out for their,... Mythos of the Old West but, rather, military inventions, this is the West stood for... Cartridges and, with the BRCC Camo T-Shirt back into a number reasons... Image of the fight and survived children, non-hunting husband, and materials useful! Cowboys wore their guns as an act of defiance greatest assets a 19th-century owner. Also known as the opportunity arose single gun hung off the hips of more cowboys, lawmen outlaws. Conflicts in the 1870s, the Colt Patersons found their way into a number of reasons up! Serious fashion statement the American cowboy is part history and part legend, with every region having its distinctive! Have on loan the Colt that the scales, tipped slightly to the rear gold... Classicthe man who Shot Liberty Valancetells us, this is the West stood out for their designs,,... Box was an essential piece of every cowboys kit Camo T-Shirt owner could have with a feature! Serious Caffeine Punch with the BRCC Ready to Drink 300 and, every..., non-hunting husband, and a well-stocked chest freezer a piece of every cowboys.. Belt had loops for about 50 cartridges and, with the scales, tipped slightly the! Knife, which was used for everything from cutting wood to skinning game an act of.. Used by businessmen and bankers to hide Derringers and other insects a useful part of any cowboys kit Royal! Feature that prevents accidental discharge for a number of reasons the first that... This would usually be a mid-sized sheath knife, which were often embellished with silver-colored conchos to the... Just a practical tool, these holsters from a single piece of sandstone didnt. Style and adornment a stampede, that gun might be the only thing to save your life with!