What Pistols Did Doc Holliday Carry?
Doc Holliday, the infamous gunslinger and close friend of Wyatt Earp, is one of the most legendary figures of the Wild West. With his troubled past, whiskey-soaked life, and infamous duels, it’s no wonder that questions about his guns have captured the imagination of historians and enthusiasts alike. In this article, we’ll explore the various pistols that Doc Holliday carried throughout his life, debunking myths and providing facts about this American icon.
The Early Years
Before diving into the specific pistols Holliday carried, it’s essential to understand his early years and how they shaped his affinity for firearms. Holliday grew up in Georgia, where he was an avid marksman and hunting enthusiast. He eventually attended the University of Pennsylvania and later became a medical doctor, practicing dentistry in Atlanta.
Early Pistol Choices
During the late 1870s and early 1880s, Holliday often carried a Remington 1875 single-action revolver. This handgun was a popular choice among the time’s law enforcement and outlaws alike due to its reliability, power, and affordability. Remington 1875s were known for their accuracy, with an average group size of around 2 inches at 50 yards. Holliday reportedly used his Remington 1875 in the early years of his Wild West adventures.
Arrival in Tombstone and the Famous Derringers
In 1880, Holliday arrived in Tombstone, Arizona, where he joined forces with Wyatt Earp and other allies. This marked a turning point in Holliday’s life, as he began to use short-barreled Derringer pistols as his primary firepower. Derringers, like the Remington No. 5 Model and the Smith & Wesson Model 5, were known for their compact size and ease of concealment.
Battle-Tested Pistols
During his time in Tombstone, Holliday often carried two Deringer No. 2 pistols, a popular choice among law enforcement due to their reliability and portability. These tiny pistols were also known as "brain guns," as they were allegedly used to settle disputes through… let’s say… "gentle" means. Holliday used his Deringers to deadly effect during the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral, October 26, 1881.
Later Pistols and Firearms
Later in life, Holliday is believed to have used Colt Single-Action Army revolvers, specifically the 1887 Model, which were also popular among law enforcement and outlaws. Although not as accurate as some other pistols of the era, the Colt Single-Action Army was known for its reliability, durability, and sheer power.
What Pistols Did Doc Holliday Carry? – The Verdict
• Remington 1875 (early years, 1870s-1880s)
• Deringer No. 2 (Tombstone period, 1880s)
• Remington No. 5 Model (Derringer)
• Smith & Wesson Model 5 (Derringer)
• Colt Single-Action Army (1887 Model, late life)
Table: The pistols carried by Doc Holliday throughout his life.
| Pistol Model | Year Used | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Remington 1875 | 1870s-1880s | Main firearm (early years) |
| Deringer No. 2 | 1880s | Primary firepower (Tombstone) |
| Remington No. 5 Model (Derringer) | 1880s | Companion firearm |
| Smith & Wesson Model 5 (Derringer) | 1880s | Companion firearm |
| Colt Single-Action Army (1887 Model) | late life | Alternative firearm |
In conclusion, Doc Holliday’s firearms choices evolved throughout his life, from his early Remington 1875 to his later use of Deringers and Colts. While we can’t pinpoint the exact pistol used during every specific event or situation, the pistols mentioned above are widely accepted by historians and firearms enthusiasts. Remember, "Heaven goes by favor; if it went by compass, it would never vary." – Doc Holliday.
