What Guns Did Wyatt Earp Carry?
Wyatt Earp, the legendary lawman and gunfighter, is often associated with his trusty revolver, but what exactly did he carry? Throughout his law enforcement career, Earp used various firearms, each with its unique characteristics. In this article, we’ll delve into the history of Earp’s firearms, exploring the guns he carried and the stories behind them.
Early Years: The Colt.44 Revolver
Earp’s law enforcement career began in 1870 when he joined the Wichita Mounted Rifles, a law enforcement agency in Kansas. During this period, Earp carried a Colt.44 Revolver, which was a popular choice among lawmen and outlaws alike. This revolver was chambered in.44 caliber, had a 5.5-inch barrel, and held six shots. Earp used this gun during his early years as a lawman, including his stint as a constable in Lamar, Missouri.
Contents
**The Notorious Colt.45 Revolver
In 1879, Earp acquired a Colt.45 Revolver, which would become his trusty sidearm for many years. This revolver was chambered in.45 Long Colt, had a 5.5-inch barrel, and held six shots. Earp used this gun during his time as a marshal in Tombstone, Arizona, and it was involved in several notable shootouts, including the famous Gunfight at the O.K. Corral.
**Other Firearms: Rifles and Shotguns
While Earp’s revolvers are the most well-known, he also carried other firearms during his law enforcement career. For example, he used a Winchester Model 1873 Rifle, which was a popular choice among hunters and lawmen. Earp also carried a Remington Model 1880 Shotgun, which was used for close-range situations.
**The Infamous Buntline Special
One of the most intriguing firearms associated with Earp is the Buntline Special, a customized Colt.45 Revolver made by gunsmith Ned Buntline. The Buntline Special had a 12-inch barrel, was chambered in.45 Long Colt, and held six shots. Earp reportedly used this gun during his time in Tombstone, but its authenticity has been disputed among historians.
**Table: Wyatt Earp’s Firearms
| Firearm | Caliber | Barrel Length | Capacity | Year Acquired |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colt.44 Revolver | .44 | 5.5-inch | 6 | 1870 |
| Colt.45 Revolver | .45 Long Colt | 5.5-inch | 6 | 1879 |
| Winchester Model 1873 Rifle | .44-40 | 24-inch | 10 | 1880s |
| Remington Model 1880 Shotgun | 12-gauge | 28-inch | 4 | 1880s |
| Buntline Special ( disputed) | .45 Long Colt | 12-inch | 6 | 1880s |
**Conclusion
Wyatt Earp’s firearms were an integral part of his law enforcement career, and each gun has its unique story. From the early Colt.44 Revolver to the infamous Buntline Special, Earp’s firearms are a testament to his skill and bravery as a lawman. Whether you’re a historian or a firearms enthusiast, exploring the guns that Wyatt Earp carried is a fascinating journey that sheds light on the man and his era.
Significant Points:
- Earp carried a Colt.44 Revolver during his early years as a lawman.
- He acquired a Colt.45 Revolver in 1879, which became his trusty sidearm for many years.
- Earp also carried a Winchester Model 1873 Rifle and a Remington Model 1880 Shotgun during his law enforcement career.
- The authenticity of the Buntline Special, a customized Colt.45 Revolver, has been disputed among historians.
- Earp’s firearms were an integral part of his law enforcement career and are a testament to his skill and bravery as a lawman.
