What Gun Did Billy the Kid Carry?
Billy the Kid, also known as William H. Bonney, was an American outlaw and gunfighter who was active in the late 1800s. He is famous for his role in the Lincoln County War and his subsequent escape from prison. But what gun did Billy the Kid carry during his notorious career?
Early Life and Gun Handling
Billy the Kid was born in New York City in 1859, but he spent most of his childhood in Silver City, New Mexico. He grew up in a poor family and was forced to work at a young age to support his family. Billy was known to be a skilled horseman and gun handler from an early age. He was often seen carrying a Colt.45 revolver, which was a common weapon among cowboys and outlaws during the late 1800s.
The Lincoln County War
In 1878, Billy the Kid joined a group of ranchers who were fighting against the rival Murphy-Dolan faction in the Lincoln County War. The war was a violent conflict that lasted for several years and involved many famous outlaws, including Doc Scurlock and Charlie Bowdre. Billy the Kid was known for his bravery and marksmanship during the war, and he quickly became a legendary figure in the region.
The Gunfight at Blazer’s Siding
One of the most famous gunfights in which Billy the Kid participated was the Gunfight at Blazer’s Siding, which took place on July 19, 1878. Billy and his gang were ambushed by a group of rival outlaws, and Billy was forced to defend himself. He used his Colt.45 revolver to kill several of the attackers, and he was credited with saving the lives of his companions.
The Escape from Lincoln County Jail
In 1881, Billy the Kid was arrested and imprisoned in the Lincoln County Jail for the murder of Sheriff William J. Brady. However, Billy escaped from prison on April 28, 1881, using a Colt.45 revolver to overpower his guards. He then fled to Mexico, where he continued to live as an outlaw.
The Death of Billy the Kid
Billy the Kid was killed on July 14, 1881, by Sheriff Pat Garrett in a shootout in Lincoln County, New Mexico. Garrett had been tracking Billy for several months and finally cornered him in a small cabin. Billy was armed with a Colt.45 revolver, but he was outnumbered and outgunned. He was shot and killed in the ensuing battle.
Conclusion
Billy the Kid was a legendary outlaw and gunfighter who was known for his bravery and marksmanship. He carried a Colt.45 revolver throughout his career, which was a common weapon among cowboys and outlaws during the late 1800s. Billy’s life and death have been the subject of many books, movies, and TV shows, and he remains one of the most famous outlaws in American history.
Table: Billy the Kid’s Guns
| Gun | Type | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Colt.45 revolver | Single-action revolver | 1878-1881 |
| Remington Derringer | Single-shot pistol | 1881 |
Bullets:
- Billy the Kid was a skilled gun handler and used his Colt.45 revolver to great effect during his career.
- The Gunfight at Blazer’s Siding was one of the most famous gunfights in which Billy the Kid participated.
- Billy the Kid escaped from prison using a Colt.45 revolver and then fled to Mexico.
- Billy the Kid was killed by Sheriff Pat Garrett in a shootout in Lincoln County, New Mexico.
- Billy the Kid’s life and death have been the subject of many books, movies, and TV shows.
