GUNSLINGERS By Cheri Kay Clifton

Gunfighters and gunslingers.  We’ve read those literary words in our historical western books, heard and seen them characterized, both factual and fictional, in movies and television.

But where did the term, gunslinger originate?  Etymologist Barry Popik traced the word back to its use in a Western movie in the 1920’s.  Western writers, such as Zane Grey, soon adopted the word and it became common usage.  However, many writers thought “gunslinger” was a more modern term and more authentic words used during the Old West period would have been “gunman”, “pistoleer”, “shootist”, or “badman.”

Often those words have been applied to men who would hire out for contract killings or at a ranch embroiled in a range war.  Others, like Billy the Kid and Jesse James, were notorious bandits; still others were lawmen like Pat Garrett and Wyatt Earp.  A gunfighter could be an outlaw, or he could be a sheriff whose duty was to face the outlaw and bring him to justice.

The Hollywood image of a gunfighter/gunslinger was usually characterized with their gun belts worn low on the hip and outer thigh, with the holster cut away around the pistol’s trigger and grip for a smooth, fast draw.  However, historically much of the time, gunfighters would just hide their pistols in their pockets or waistbands. Wild Bill Hickok popularized the butt-forward holster type, which worked better on horseback.

Though movies and television would like us to believe otherwise, it was very rare when gunfights occurred with the two gunfighters squarely facing each other from a distance in a dusty street. This romanticized image of the Old West gunfight was born in the dime novels of the late 19th century and perpetuated in the film era. In actuality, the "real” gunfights     of the Old West were rarely that "civilized.”  Very rarely did the gunfighters actually "plan” a gunfight, "calling out” their enemy for dueling action in the street.

      Instead, most of these fights took place in the heat of the moment when tempers flared, and more often than not, with the aid of a little bottled courage.  They also didn’t occur at a distance of 75 feet, with each gunfighter taking one shot, one falling dead to the ground, and the other standing as a “hero" before a dozen gathered onlookers.

The gunfights were usually close-up and personal, with a number of shots blasted from pistols, often resulting in innocent bystanders hit by a bullet gone wild. Much of the time, it would be difficult to tell who had even "won” the gunfight for several minutes, as the black powder smoke from the pistols cleared the air.

       Revolvers were a popular weapon to gunfighters who were horsemen, cowboys, and lawmen because of their concealability and effectiveness on horseback.  Also the Winchester rifle was popular among gunfighters.  Dubbed the “Gun that Won the West,” it was widely used during the settlement of the American frontier.  Shotguns were popular weapons for “express messengers” and guards, especially those on stagecoaches and trains who were in charge of overseeing and guarding passengers and valuable shipments

So whether your hero or heroine might be known to “sling a gun,” I thought it interesting to learn the history and separate some of the facts from the fiction regarding the words, gunslingers” and” gunfighters” of the Wild West.

Cheri Kay Clifton - Historical Western Author

Born in Nebraska, Cheri Kay Clifton loved researching the Oregon Trail, historically known as the "Gateway to the West." Her passion for those brave pioneers, Native Americans and 19th Century America led her to write the epic western historical Wheels of Destiny Trilogy.  Cheri is married and has one grown son.  If she’s not riding on the back of her husband’s Harley, she’s writing the third book in the Wheels of Destiny Trilogy which includes already published Book 1, Trail To Destiny and Award Winning Book 2, Destiny’s Journey.

"The Old West isn't just a time or place, it's a state of mind.  I get germs of ideas, do a lot of research, then breathe life into my characters.  I like strong heroines, but loveable; and strong heros, but vulnerable."

Reviews from Easychair Bookshop judges:  "A must read western romance." "A10/10 read." "Action, adventure, romance at its very best."

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Peacemakers Didn’t Win the West Alone

By Kathleen Rice Adams

1873 Colt .45 Single Action Army, the Peacemaker

When you think (or write, or read, or watch a movie) about the Old West, what’s the first weapon that comes to mind? If Peacemaker isn’t the first, it’s likely near the top of your list. Thanks to western novels and movies, the Peacemaker—formally known as the 1873 Colt .45 Single Action Army—is one of the most famous guns in history, and for good reason. The six-shot revolver was lighter than its predecessors and competitors, exceptionally well balanced, and accurate in the hands of someone who knew what he or she was doing. Not to be overlooked among its characteristics: A .45 slug makes a big hole.

Though known as “the gun that won the west,” Peacemakers weren’t alone in helping stalwart individuals tame the wild frontier. Several other sidearms and long guns also played roles. Here are a few of the lesser-known weapons carried by folks on both sides of the law.

Remington Frontier Army

1875 Remington Frontier Army

In 1875, E. Remington & Sons began manufacturing a single-action revolver meant to compete with Colt’s Peacemaker. Nicknamed the Frontier Army or Improved Army model, Remington’s Model 1875 Single Action Army six-shooter never attained the Peacemaker’s commercial success or legendary status, partly because Colt got the jump on Remington by two years, the U.S. Army already had adopted the Peacemaker as its official sidearm, and many lawmen and outlaws preferred the Colt’s superior balance and lighter weight. Remington’s Frontier Army had its devotees, however, including Frank James.

In my novel Prodigal Gun, heroine Jessamine Caine carries an 1858 Remington New Model, which differed from the Model 1875 only in the type of ammunition it chambered: The 1858 was a cap-and-ball pistol, while the 1875 employed metallic cartridges. Both featured a cylinder that could be removed on the go, which made for easy reloading: Just pop out the empty and pop in a fully loaded replacement. For that reason, the 1858 model was popular with both Union and Confederate soldiers during the Civil War.

.45 Schofield

1875 Remington .45 Schofield (courtesy Bob Adams)

The Smith & Wesson Model 3, which began production in 1875, saw service during the Indian Wars in the Southwest and the Spanish-American War. Favored by Wyatt Earp (who used one during the gunfight at the OK Corral) and Wells Fargo road agents, the Model 3 was ordered in quantity for the U.S. military, providing Smith & Wesson modified the 1870 Model 3 according to Major George W. Schofield’s specifications. The contract ended early when the modifications, primarily having to do with the ammunition the revolver chambered, caused confusion and inconvenience in the field.

Though heavier than both Colt’s Peacemaker and Remington’s Frontier Army, the Schofield’s range and muzzle velocity were superior to both its competitors. Prodigal Gun’s Col. Boggs keeps one in a desk drawer.

Winchester Model 1873

Winchester Model 1873 carbine (courtesy Bob Adams)

Also called “the gun that won the west,” the Winchester 1873’s carbine model saw extensive use all over the West because of its portability. The shorter barrel length—20 inches as opposed to the rifle version’s 24 inches—made the carbine easier to carry and fire on horseback. The Model 1873’s ammunition also made it popular: The rifle and carbine chambered Colt’s .44-40 cartridge, which meant users of both handguns and rifles needed only one kind of ammunition.

The Winchester Repeating Arms Company developed the first lever-action repeating rifle in 1860. Known as the Henry, the musket version was employed by the Union Army during the Civil War, to the Confederates’ extreme consternation. Rebs called the Henry “that damned Yankee rifle they load on Sunday and shoot all week.”

Calhoun, the titular prodigal gun in Prodigal Gun, carries a Winchester 1873 carbine, as does his comrade, Latimer. Calhoun also carries twin Peacemakers.

Prodigal Gun, a western historical romance, releases Nov. 20. To celebrate, I’ll give an ebook version, in the winners’ choice of formats, to two folks who comment on today’s post.

A dangerous man. A desperate woman. A love no war could kill.

Widowed rancher Jessie Caine buried her heart with the childhood sweetheart Yankees killed on a distant battlefield. Sixteen years later, as a Texas range war looms and hired guns arrive to pursue a wealthy carpetbagger’s agenda, Jessie discovers the only man she ever loved isn’t dead.

At least not yet.

Embittered by a brother’s betrayal, notorious gunman Calhoun is a dangerous man, come home to do an unsavory job. A bushwhacker’s bullet nearly takes his life on Jessie’s land, trapping him in a standoff between the past he tried to bury and the infamy he never will. One taste of the only woman he ever loved puts more than his life and her ranch in the crossfire.

With a price on his head, a debt to a wealthy employer around his neck, and a defiant woman tugging at his heart, Calhoun’s guns may not be enough to keep him from the grave. Caught between his enemies and hers, Jessie faces an agonizing choice: Which of her dreams will die?