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What gun did john wilkes booth use to kill lincoln?

What Gun Did John Wilkes Booth Use to Kill Lincoln?

One of the most infamous assassinations in American history is the death of President Abraham Lincoln at the hands of John Wilkes Booth. On April 14, 1865, Booth shot Lincoln in the head while he was attending a play at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C. The question that has puzzled historians and enthusiasts for centuries is: what gun did John Wilkes Booth use to kill Lincoln?

The Early Years of the Gun

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The gun used by Booth was a Remington Derringer Model 1866, a type of pocket pistol designed by Eliphalet Remington in 1865. The Remington Derringer was a single-shot, hammerless pistol that fired a.41 caliber bullet. It was designed to be compact and lightweight, making it ideal for concealed carry.

The Purchase and Preparation of the Gun

Booth purchased the Remington Derringer from a gun shop in Washington, D.C. in the spring of 1865. He paid $25 for the pistol, which was a relatively small amount of money for a firearm at the time. Booth was known to be a skilled marksman, and he likely chose the Remington Derringer for its compact size and powerful caliber.

The Shooting

On the evening of April 14, 1865, Booth made his way to Ford’s Theatre, where Lincoln was attending a performance of the play "Our American Cousin." Booth entered the presidential box and waited for his moment to strike. At around 10:15 p.m., as the play was reaching its climax, Booth approached the President and fired the Remington Derringer from a distance of about 12 inches. The bullet struck Lincoln in the back of the head, and he slumped forward in his chair.

Aftermath and Investigation

Following the assassination, the police launched an investigation to capture Booth and his co-conspirators. The Remington Derringer was recovered from the presidential box and taken into evidence. The gun was later fired at the trial of Mary Surratt, one of Booth’s co-conspirators, to demonstrate the type of gun used in the assassination.

Comparison to Other Theories

Over the years, there have been several theories about the gun used to kill Lincoln. Some have suggested that Booth used a Colt Revolver, while others have argued that he used a Smith & Wesson revolver. However, none of these theories have been supported by credible evidence.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the gun used by John Wilkes Booth to kill President Abraham Lincoln was a Remington Derringer Model 1866. The evidence supports this conclusion, including the testimony of witnesses who saw the gun in the presidential box and the subsequent investigation by the police.

Table: Key Characteristics of the Remington Derringer Model 1866

FeatureDescription
Caliber.41
ActionSingle-shot, hammerless
Barrel Length2 inches
Overall Length4 inches
Weight1 pound

Bullets: Interesting Facts About the Remington Derringer Model 1866

• The Remington Derringer was designed to be a compact and lightweight pistol, making it ideal for concealed carry.
• The pistol was designed by Eliphalet Remington in 1865, the same year it was used in the assassination of President Lincoln.
• The Remington Derringer was relatively inexpensive, with a price tag of $25 at the time of its release.
• The pistol was known for its accuracy and reliability, making it a popular choice among marksmen.
• The Remington Derringer has been featured in several museums and exhibitions, including the Smithsonian National Museum of American History.

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