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What Gun Did Wild Bill Hickok Carry?
Wild Bill Hickok is one of the most legendary figures in the history of the American Wild West. Known for his remarkable skills as a lawman, gambler, and marksman, Hickok’s tales have become the stuff of legends. When it comes to his choice of weaponry, Hickok is often associated with a particular firearm that has become inseparable from his name – the Colt 1851 Navy Revolver. In this article, we will delve into the details of the gun that Wild Bill Hickok carried, its significance, and answer some frequently asked questions about this iconic firearm.
The Colt 1851 Navy Revolver:
Wild Bill Hickok’s weapon of choice, the Colt 1851 Navy Revolver, was a .36 caliber, single-action, six-shot percussion revolver. Manufactured by Colt’s Manufacturing Company, this revolver was designed by Samuel Colt and enjoyed immense popularity during the mid-19th century. The term “Navy” was applied to this revolver due to its association with the U.S. Navy, which adopted the Colt 1851 as its standard sidearm.
Featuring a 7.5-inch barrel and a distinctive octagonal shape, the Colt 1851 Navy Revolver was renowned for its accuracy and reliability. It became a favored weapon among lawmen, soldiers, and civilians alike, and its reputation for being a reliable and powerful firearm made it a popular choice in the Wild West.
Wild Bill Hickok and His Colt 1851 Navy Revolver:
Wild Bill Hickok’s affinity for the Colt 1851 Navy Revolver can be traced back to his days as a lawman and scout during the American Civil War. Hickok served as a Union army scout and used the Colt 1851 Navy Revolver during his service. It was during this time that he honed his marksmanship skills, becoming a renowned and feared gunslinger.
Hickok’s reputation as a skilled shooter is often associated with a particular incident that occurred in 1865. It is said that during a shootout in Springfield, Missouri, Hickok killed Davis Tutt, his adversary, with a single shot from his Colt 1851 Navy Revolver. This incident solidified Hickok’s reputation as a legendary marksman, further enhancing the mystique surrounding his choice of weapon.
FAQs:
Q: How many Colt 1851 Navy Revolvers did Wild Bill Hickok own?
A: While it is difficult to determine the exact number of Colt 1851 Navy Revolvers Hickok possessed during his lifetime, it is known that he owned and used several throughout his career. He often carried two of these revolvers, one in a shoulder holster and the other on his hip.
Q: Did Wild Bill Hickok modify his Colt 1851 Navy Revolver?
A: Yes, it is believed that Hickok made some modifications to his Colt 1851 Navy Revolver. He is said to have filed down the front sight to allow for a quicker draw and improved accuracy. Additionally, it is rumored that he modified the loading lever latch to prevent it from accidentally coming unlatched during combat.
Q: What ammunition did the Colt 1851 Navy Revolver use?
A: The Colt 1851 Navy Revolver used .36 caliber lead round balls as ammunition. These balls were loaded into the revolver’s chambers along with a measured amount of black powder and a percussion cap on the nipples to ignite the powder.
Q: Is Wild Bill Hickok’s Colt 1851 Navy Revolver preserved?
A: Unfortunately, the original Colt 1851 Navy Revolver used by Wild Bill Hickok is not preserved. However, replicas and similar models of this iconic firearm can be found in museums and private collections, allowing enthusiasts to get a glimpse of the weapon that accompanied Hickok throughout his legendary career.
In conclusion, Wild Bill Hickok’s firearm of choice was the Colt 1851 Navy Revolver. This iconic revolver played a significant role in Hickok’s reputation as a skilled gunslinger and lawman. Its accuracy, reliability, and association with the Wild West have made it a symbol of the era. While the original revolver used by Hickok may not be preserved, its legend lives on, forever intertwined with the name of Wild Bill Hickok.
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