What Happened to Billy the Kid’s Guns?
The Legend of Billy the Kid
Billy the Kid, also known as William H. Bonney, was an American outlaw and gunfighter who lived in the late 19th century. Born in New York in 1859, he moved to the American Southwest with his family at a young age. As a teenager, he was involved in various criminal activities, including theft and murder. He gained notoriety for his involvement in the Lincoln County War, a range war in New Mexico that lasted from 1877 to 1882.
The Guns of Billy the Kid
Billy the Kid was known for his skill with a gun, and he carried two revolvers with him at all times. The two guns, a Colt Single Action Army revolver and a Smith & Wesson Model 3 revolver, became iconic symbols of his outlaw image. The Colt revolver was reportedly a gift from his mentor, Sheriff William J. Brady, who taught Billy the Kid how to shoot.
The Disappearance of the Guns
So, what happened to Billy the Kid’s guns? The truth is that both guns have disappeared, and their fate remains a mystery. The Colt revolver was last seen in the possession of Doc Scurlock, a close friend and ally of Billy the Kid, after Billy’s death in 1881. Some sources claim that Doc Scurlock took the gun to Mexico, where it was lost or destroyed, while others believe that he kept it as a memento of his friendship with Billy.
The Smith & Wesson Model 3
The Smith & Wesson Model 3 revolver was also seen in Billy’s possession on several occasions. According to some accounts, the gun was left behind during a botched robbery attempt in Lincoln, New Mexico, and was later recovered by authorities. However, another theory suggests that the gun was given to a young outlaw named Charlie Bowdre, who was a member of Billy’s gang, and was later used in a subsequent crime.
What Happened to the Guns?
So, what ultimately happened to Billy the Kid’s guns? Theories abound, and the truth may never be known. Some possible explanations include:
- Doc Scurlock taking the Colt revolver to Mexico and losing or destroying it
- The Smith & Wesson Model 3 being recovered by authorities after a botched robbery attempt
- Charlie Bowdre using the Smith & Wesson Model 3 in a subsequent crime
- The guns being sold or lost after Billy’s death in 1881
Timeline of Billy the Kid’s Guns
Here is a timeline of the events surrounding Billy the Kid’s guns:
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1879 | Billy the Kid acquires the Colt Single Action Army revolver from Sheriff William J. Brady |
| 1880 | Billy the Kid is involved in a shootout with Sheriff Brady, and the Colt revolver is last seen in his possession |
| 1881 | Billy the Kid is killed by Sheriff Pat Garrett in Lincoln, New Mexico |
| 1881 | The Smith & Wesson Model 3 revolver is reportedly left behind during a botched robbery attempt in Lincoln, New Mexico |
| 1882 | Doc Scurlock claims to have taken the Colt revolver to Mexico, where it is lost or destroyed |
Conclusion
The fate of Billy the Kid’s guns remains a mystery, with multiple theories and explanations. While we may never know what ultimately happened to the guns, they continue to be a symbol of Billy the Kid’s legendary status as an outlaw and gunfighter.
