What Gun Did Doc Holliday Use?
Doc Holliday, the infamous gunfighter and close friend of Wyatt Earp, has been shrouded in mystery when it comes to the firearm he used during his famous showdowns. Despite the numerous stories and accounts from his contemporaries, there is still some debate about the type of gun Holliday wielded. In this article, we’ll explore the different theories and theories surrounding the weapon that Holliday used, and get to the bottom of this enduring question.
Early Life and Background
Born in Alabama in 1851, Doc Holliday was a small-time lawyer and gambler who traveled the West with Wyatt Earp. The two became close friends and partners, taking on various outlawing and lawman roles during their travels. Holliday’s health was deteriorating due to his consumption (tuberculosis), which led him to move to the arid climate of the Southwest.
What Gun Did Holliday Carry?
According to accounts from Wyatt Earp, Holliday’s favorite and most frequently used firearm was a Colt 1873 Single-Action Army Revolver. Earp recalled that Holliday carried a nickel-plated Colt, which became one of his trademark guns.
Evidence for the Colt 1873
• Eyewitness Testimony: Wyatt Earp’s accounts and other eyewitness reports from the time confirm Holliday’s use of a Colt 1873 revolver.
• Physical Description: Many photos and sketches of Holliday from the time show him carrying a revolver that resembles the Colt 1873 Single-Action Army.
Alternatives to the Colt 1873
Some theories suggest that Holliday might have used other types of firearms, including:
Remington Model 1875 Revolver: Holliday was known to own a Remington Model 1875 revolver, but there is no evidence that he carried it frequently.
Colt Model 1875 Pocket Positive: Some sources suggest that Holliday might have used a Colt Model 1875 Pocket Positive revolver, which was smaller and more lightweight than the Colt 1873.
Beretta Cheetah: One enthusiast has suggested that Holliday might have used a Beretta Cheetah semi-automatic pistol, although this is purely speculative and lacks evidence.
What about Holliday’s Nickel-Plated Gun?
It’s worth noting that nickel-plated firearms were rare and expensive during the late 1800s. Only high-end firearms, like Holliday’s alleged Colt 1873, would have been nickel-plated, making it even more unlikely that he would have used something other than this model.
The Great Train Robbery and the Tombstone Shootout
Two notable events where Holliday is said to have used his Colt 1873 were the Great Train Robbery of 1887 and the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral in 1881. The train robbery involved a hold-up on a Union Pacific train, while the Tombstone shootout pitted the Earp brothers, Doc Holliday, and Charles Bangs against Curly Bill Brocius, Johnny Ringo, and Billy Clanton.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while there is some debate about the exact firearm Holliday used, most evidence points to a Colt 1873 Single-Action Army Revolver, which was confirmed by eyewitness testimony, physical descriptions, and photographs from the time. Holliday’s reliance on the Colt 1873 during the Great Train Robbery and the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral further supports this claim. The other theories surrounding Holliday’s firearms lack concrete evidence and should be viewed with skepticism.
