Cowboys' Pistols: Calibers and Preferences in the Wild West

Long before the advent of the 357 Magnum and 44 Magnum, the .45 Long Colt revolver emerged as the quintessential weapon of the American West. The iconic Colt Peacemaker, loaded with its reliable .45 round, was the preferred choice for both outlaws and lawmen. Modern-day gun enthusiasts and museums alike often replicate this trusty revolver with reproductions available in outlets such as Ruger.

As a Wild West aficionado who has delved into the movies and history of the West, I've sought to understand the calibers and preferences of the cowboys who shaped this era. Authoritative in the West, the calibers of pistols were not only related to aesthetics but also practical necessities, balancing durability, effectiveness, and stopping power.

Options in the Wild West Era

During the Wild West, various calibers of pistols filled the firearms market. These included:

.22 Short .32 Long .32-20 Winchester .38 Long Colt .38-40 Winchester .41 Long Colt .44-40 Winchester .44 Special .45 Colt

Each of these calibers offered unique advantages and disadvantages, contributing to a diverse selection of firearms among the cowboys. For instance, the .22 Short was ideal for small-game hunting and target practice, whereas the larger .45 Colt provided formidable stopping power for self-defense and hunting larger game.

Popular Calibers Among Cowboys

In my pursuit to discover the most popular calibers among cowboys, .38-40 Winchester, .44-40 Winchester, and .45 Colt stood out. These calibers reflected the cowboys' practical needs, striking a balance between reliability and effectiveness.

Regional Differences in Pistols

The choice of pistol also varied depending on the region. In the East, cowboys preferred smaller calibers like the .36, whereas the Western regions favored larger rounds like .44 or .45. My grandfather, born in 1870 and a Texan cowboy, often used the .44 Cap Ball black powder revolver. These guns were widely utilized after the Civil War due to their affordability and the availability of black powder primers and 'round ball' ammunition.

Practicalities and Economics

My experience with the .44 and .36 cal pistols reveals the pragmatic side of cowboy life. Slow to reload, they compensated with good value for money. A box of 50 rounds of factory-made ammunition could provide an entire day of shooting practice, demonstrating the practical considerations that guided the choice of weapons in the Wild West.