Close Menu
  • Entertainment
  • Lifestyle
  • Relationships
  • Tips & Tricks
  • Celebrity Kids
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
  • Disclaimer
  • About us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contribute & Advertise with Us
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest Vimeo
GistFestGistFest
  • Entertainment

    Pastor TD Jakes Steps Down Months After Having a Heart Attack During Sermon

    April 29, 2025

    Skai Jackson’s Boyfriend Arrested Again for the Second Time in Less Than Six Months

    April 28, 2025

    All You Need to Know About Netflix’s “Wednesday” Season 2

    April 28, 2025

    Everything You Need To Know About Shannon Sharpe’s Rape Allegations

    April 25, 2025

    Pope Francis Dies on Easter Monday at 88

    April 25, 2025
  • Lifestyle

    Pastor TD Jakes Steps Down Months After Having a Heart Attack During Sermon

    April 29, 2025

    Skai Jackson’s Boyfriend Arrested Again for the Second Time in Less Than Six Months

    April 28, 2025

    All You Need to Know About Netflix’s “Wednesday” Season 2

    April 28, 2025

    Everything You Need To Know About Shannon Sharpe’s Rape Allegations

    April 25, 2025

    Pope Francis Dies on Easter Monday at 88

    April 25, 2025
  • Relationships

    Pastor TD Jakes Steps Down Months After Having a Heart Attack During Sermon

    April 29, 2025

    Skai Jackson’s Boyfriend Arrested Again for the Second Time in Less Than Six Months

    April 28, 2025

    All You Need to Know About Netflix’s “Wednesday” Season 2

    April 28, 2025

    Everything You Need To Know About Shannon Sharpe’s Rape Allegations

    April 25, 2025

    Pope Francis Dies on Easter Monday at 88

    April 25, 2025
  • Tips & Tricks

    Pastor TD Jakes Steps Down Months After Having a Heart Attack During Sermon

    April 29, 2025

    Skai Jackson’s Boyfriend Arrested Again for the Second Time in Less Than Six Months

    April 28, 2025

    All You Need to Know About Netflix’s “Wednesday” Season 2

    April 28, 2025

    Everything You Need To Know About Shannon Sharpe’s Rape Allegations

    April 25, 2025

    Pope Francis Dies on Easter Monday at 88

    April 25, 2025
  • Celebrity Kids

    Meryl Streep’s Daughter Louisa Jacobson Shares Her and Partner, Anna Blundell’s Plans for Valentine’s Day

    February 14, 2025

    Brenda Song and Macaulay Culkin’s Son’s Name Revealed

    January 12, 2025

    Travis Barker Daughter, Alabama Barker Hospitalized for Nicotine Withdrawal After Quitting Vaping

    January 2, 2025

    Who Are Madonna’s Children? Everything You Need To Know About Them

    December 10, 2024

    Wynonna Judd’s Daughter Back in Jail After Allegedly Stealing Church Van

    December 4, 2024
Subscribe
GistFestGistFest
Home » The Famous Game-Changing Guns of All Time
Gallery

The Famous Game-Changing Guns of All Time

OlamideBy OlamideMarch 5, 20246 Mins Read
Share Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Reddit Telegram Email
A picture of the guns that won the west
Source: Pinterest
Share
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

If you’re an avid watcher of Hollywood films, you must have encountered these game-changing firearms. Aside from their reputation as the guns that won the West, they are among the most famous handguns ever.

Table of Contents

Toggle
  • The Introduction of the Guns That Won the West
  • What Set the Colt M1873 and Winchester Model 1873 Apart From the Others?
  • What Were the Old Generation Revolvers Using?
  • Why Did People Prefer the Colt M1873 and Winchester Model 1873 Firearms
  • They Had the Ability to “Fan Fire”
  • They Were Also Famous in the United States Army
  • They Had Civilian Versions
  • Were They Expensive?
  • The 1873s Had Massive Promotions 
  • The Firearms Made History
  • How Many 1873s Did Colt and Winchester Produce?
  • Are they Still in Production Today?
A picture of the guns that won the west
Source: Pinterest

The Colt M1873 Single Action Army revolver, also known as the Peacemaker, and the Winchester Model 1873 are staples of Hollywood films. These two firearms have appeared in virtually every cowboy and western movie. Here’s why these firearms have such a reputation.

The Introduction of the Guns That Won the West

The year 1873 saw the introduction of two firearms that became the most popular in firearms history. Although other firearms were available then, the Colt M1873 and Winchester Model 1873 gave them a run for their money.

A picture of Colt M1873 also known as the Peacemaker
Source: Pinterest

Whether the manufacturers anticipated such a success remains a mystery. However, introducing both firearms marked the beginning of a new era for firearm manufacturers and enthusiasts. 

What Set the Colt M1873 and Winchester Model 1873 Apart From the Others?

Besides being new models, their metallic design sets them apart. The Colt M1873 and the Winchester Model 1873 were among the first chambered for center-fire metallic cartridges.

A picture of the Colt 1873 Peacemaker
Source: Pinterest

The new design replaced the old percussion cap model, introducing a novel approach. This feature made these two bad boys stand out from the array of available arms at the time, making them a favorite for many firearm enthusiasts.

What Were the Old Generation Revolvers Using?

Unlike the Colt M1873 and Winchester Model 1873, the previous generation revolvers used the percussion cap method. In this method, pulling the trigger dropped the hammer on a percussion cap of mercury fulminate. Consequently, this ignited a paper cartridge containing black powder and a bullet.

A picture of a cowboy with a Winchester Model 1873 and Colt M1873
Source: Pinterest

The force of the black powder explosion propelled the bullet down the gun barrel. However, the Colt M1873 and Winchester Model 1873 cartridges enclosed a primer, black powder, and bullet in a single brass cartridge.

ALSO READ: Gun Kit Manufacturer to Pay Baltimore $1.2 Million in Settlement Over Increasing Violence

Why Did People Prefer the Colt M1873 and Winchester Model 1873 Firearms

Aside from their distinct features, “the guns that won the west” sped up loading considerably. In addition, they made ammunition much more water-resistant.

A picture of Buffalo Bill Cody, firearm enthusiast, with the Winchester Model 1873
Source: Pinterest

They also eliminated using a built-in ramming lever to ram home the bullet and black powder to the rear of the cylinder. Consequently, people preferred the old single-action revolver models to the new ones.

They Had the Ability to “Fan Fire”

Another exciting feature of the Colt M1873 was the ability to “fan fire” the revolver. By holding down the trigger and slapping the hammer with the opposite hand, users could make the revolver fire with each slap until the cylinder was empty.

A picture of Actor Lin McAdam using the Winchester Model 1873
Source: Pinterest

Although not particularly practical, the method added to the revolver’s popularity. However, its popularity soared after action stars used it in postwar Hollywood movies.

They Were Also Famous in the United States Army

Purpose-built for the U.S. Cavalry, the Peacemaker initially had a 7-and-a-half-inch barrel. In addition, the manufacturers designed the hard-hitting chambered for use .45 Colt round for accuracy at longer ranges.

A picture of a Texas Ranger Company
Source: Pinterest

Hence, the U.S. Army adopted the new handgun in July 1873, naming it the M1873. They were the trusted companions of the Texas Rangers, Texas cattlemen, cowboys, and the U.S. Cavalry from 1873 through the 1940s.

POLL—Do You Support Stricter Gun Control Laws and Assault Weapon Bans?

They Had Civilian Versions

Following the success of the purpose-built Colt M1873, Colt introduced the revolver into the civilian market. Upon entering the civilian market, the M1873 earned the nickname “Peacemaker.” In 1878, manufacturers introduced Colt M1873 in Winchester 1873 lever action rifle’s increasingly popular .44-40, .38-40, and .32-20 calibers, the same calibers.

A picture of Native Americans
Source: Pinterest

Consequently, this spared anyone who owned both firearms from carrying two different calibers of ammunition.

Were They Expensive?

According to reports, the 1873s were affordable, selling for less than $20. Consequently, everyone, from lawmen and outlaws to everyday cowhands and shepherds to headline entertainers, was soon snapping up both manufacturers’ Model 1873s.

A picture of Silent-Era film legend William S. Hart
Source: Pinterest

As a result, the M1873 dominated the nineteenth century. In addition, everyone, including the U.S. Army, white settlers, and even Native American tribes, used the M1873s extensively across the western frontier.

The 1873s Had Massive Promotions 

Aside from their features and effectiveness, the Colt and Winchester 1873 models stood out for their PR. The 1873s were famous for their slick marketing, including testimonials from famed Westerners of the era.

A picture of outlaw Pearl Hart
Source: Pinterest

Winchester and Colt each advertised their guns through motivated Western dealers. In addition, WildWest showman Buffalo Bill Cody and writer Ned Buntline tirelessly hyped the Winchester Model 1873 l and the Colt M1873.

ALSO READ: Remington Gun Factory Shuts Down Operations in New York

The Firearms Made History

While it’s a given that the Colt and Winchester 1873s were a wonder, they were also history-making firearms. According to reports, Texas Ranger Frank Hamer, who apprehended Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow in 1934, carried a Colt Peacemaker he dubbed “Old Lucky” for most of his career.

A picture of Texas Ranger Jim Hawkins
Source: Pinterest

In addition, Bill Tilghman, the famed Oklahoma U.S. marshal, also carried a Winchester ’73 and a Peacemaker. And so did notorious outlaws Billy the Kid and Pearl Hart.

How Many 1873s Did Colt and Winchester Produce?

According to reports, Winchester produced about 720,000 Winchester Model 1873 rifles from 1873 through 1923. Similarly, Colt also rolled out more than 357,000 pieces of the Colt M1873 first-generation Single Action Army revolvers through 1940.

A picture of actor Alan Ladd with a Colt M1873
Source: Pinterest

Due to both firearms’ success and widespread acclaim, the companies claimed the title “The Gun That Won the West” for their respective Model 1873s. 

Are they Still in Production Today?

Yes, they are. Modern-day replicas of the Colt M1873 and Winchester Model 1873 firearms remain popular among present-day cowboy action shooters. However, collectors highly prize older nineteenth-century Model 1873s and Peacemakers.

A picture of the new model Winchester 1873
Source: Pinterest

Although extremely dated and obsolete, Colt still produces new copies of the Single Action Army for the modern market. Also, both firearms have been in almost continuous production for over three centuries and have earned their reputation.

You Might Also Like:

New Report Claims Teachers and Students Avoid Discussing Gender Identity

Police Reveal Orlando Shooting Left One Dead and Six Others Injured

Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman’s Daughter Makes Rare Appearance With Her Mom and She’s Pregnant

Hannah Waddingham Graces SAG Awards Red Carpet with Cardboard Purse Made by Her 9-Year-Old

Texas AG Sues Pornhub Parent Company for Failing to Verify Users’ Ages

Entertainment Guns
Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
Previous ArticleTexas Newspapers Issues Warning About Secession
Next Article “Losers Are Never Graceful!” Biden Says Trump Won’t Accept 2024 Election Results

Related Posts

General

Pastor TD Jakes Steps Down Months After Having a Heart Attack During Sermon

April 29, 2025
Entertainment

All You Need to Know About Netflix’s “Wednesday” Season 2

April 28, 2025
Entertainment

“The White Lotus” Star Aimee Lou Wood Slams SNL for “Mean and Unfunny” Impersonation

April 19, 2025
Latest Posts

Pastor TD Jakes Steps Down Months After Having a Heart Attack During Sermon

April 29, 2025

Skai Jackson’s Boyfriend Arrested Again for the Second Time in Less Than Six Months

April 28, 2025

All You Need to Know About Netflix’s “Wednesday” Season 2

April 28, 2025

Everything You Need To Know About Shannon Sharpe’s Rape Allegations

April 25, 2025

Pope Francis Dies on Easter Monday at 88

April 25, 2025

Justin Bieber and Sexyy Red’s Kiss Sparks Controversy as Fans Say He “Looks Happier” With Her

April 25, 2025

Justin Bieber Debt Rumors Slammed by His Rep

April 20, 2025

“The White Lotus” Star Aimee Lou Wood Slams SNL for “Mean and Unfunny” Impersonation

April 19, 2025
About
About

We’re a news, entertainment and lifestyle hub that is dedicated to giving you quality insight on the latest lifestyle news, movie and TV news, celebrity news and lots more.

Contact us: [email protected]

MOST POPULAR

Jennifer Rauchet: Inside the Life of Pete Hegseth’s Wife

August 30, 2023

Alina Nikitina: Everything We Know About the Russian Model

October 4, 2023

Amanda Kate Lambert: Meet Nancy Sinatra’s Daughter

August 30, 2023

Subscribe to Updates

Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox!

Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
  • Disclaimer
  • About us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contribute & Advertise with Us
© 2025 GistFest. All Rights Reserved.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.