For anyone fascinated by the American Old West, understanding the revolvers cowboys actually carried sheds light on the practical choices these iconic figures made. This list covers the most historically accurate revolvers used by cowboys, ranchers, lawmen, and outlaws during the late 19th century. Whether you’re a history buff, a reenactor, or just curious about Old West firearms, this guide provides detailed insights into the real six-shooters of the era.
Colt Single Action Army (Peacemaker)
Introduced in 1873, the Colt Single Action Army, often called the Peacemaker, was the quintessential cowboy revolver. Chambered primarily in .45 Colt, it combined reliability, stopping power, and ease of maintenance, making it the preferred sidearm for many cowboys, lawmen, and soldiers. Its widespread adoption and iconic design made it a symbol of the West, favored for its solid frame and smooth single-action trigger.
Smith & Wesson Model 3 (Schofield)
The Smith & Wesson Model 3, especially the Schofield variant, was a top-break revolver popular among cavalry and some civilians. Chambered in .45 Schofield, it allowed faster reloading than the Colt Peacemaker’s loading gate system. The U.S. Army briefly adopted it, and some cowboys preferred its lighter weight and quicker reload despite its slightly smaller caliber than the .45 Colt.
Colt Model 1877 Lightning
The Colt Model 1877 Lightning was a double-action revolver, a rarity in cowboy times when single-action dominated. Available in calibers like .38 Long Colt and .41 Long Colt, it offered faster firing without manually cocking the hammer for each shot. Although less robust than the Colt Single Action Army, it appealed to those valuing speed and ease of use in personal defense.
Remington Model 1875
Remington’s Model 1875 was designed as a competitor to the Colt Peacemaker and featured a solid frame with a larger grip and heavy barrel. Chambered in calibers like .44 Remington Centerfire, it was favored by some cowboys and lawmen who wanted a strong, durable sidearm. Though less common than Colt revolvers, it was praised for accuracy and reliability in rugged frontier conditions.
Colt Model 1860 Army
The Colt Model 1860 Army revolver was a popular percussion cap and ball revolver used during the Civil War and well into the western expansion period. Many early cowboys carried these .44 caliber revolvers before cartridge firearms became widespread. Its lighter frame and powerful caliber made it a practical choice for mounted shooters transitioning from muzzleloaders.
Smith & Wesson Model 2 Army
This small, pocket-sized revolver in .32 rimfire was carried by some cowboys and civilians who wanted an easily concealable firearm. Though not powerful enough for serious combat, the Model 2 Army was reliable and quick to draw, making it a popular backup gun or a choice for those who valued discretion over stopping power.
Colt Navy Model 1851
The Colt Navy Model 1851 was a .36 caliber cap and ball revolver widely used during the 1850s and 1860s. Although its popularity waned with the rise of cartridge revolvers, it remained in use by some cowboys and settlers who preferred its balance and manageable recoil. Its historical significance and widespread distribution made it a common sidearm during early frontier days.
LeMat Revolver
The LeMat revolver was an unusual and rare sidearm featuring nine shots in a cylinder for .42 caliber bullets and a central shotgun barrel. Used primarily by Confederate officers during the Civil War, some made their way west and into cowboy hands. Its versatility as both a revolver and shotgun made it unique, though its complexity limited widespread use among cowboys.
Colt Model 1878 Frontier
The Colt Model 1878 Frontier was a heavier, more robust revolver chambered in powerful calibers like .45 Colt and .44-40 Winchester. It was designed for hunters and those needing a sidearm capable of handling larger game or tougher self-defense scenarios on the frontier. Its solid frame and strong lockup earned it a reputation as a durable revolver for serious users.
Smith & Wesson Schofield .45
Distinct from the Model 3 variants, the .45 Schofield revolver was prized for its quick top-break action and compatibility with both .45 Schofield and .45 Colt cartridges. Lawmen and some cowboys favored it for its versatility and ease of reloading, especially in fast-paced shootouts. Its shorter barrel and lighter frame made it easier to carry without sacrificing firepower.
How to Choose
When choosing which cowboy revolver to focus on or collect, consider historical accuracy, caliber, and intended use. The Colt Single Action Army remains the most iconic and widely used, but Smith & Wesson models offer faster reloads and different handling characteristics. Caliber matters for authenticity; the .45 Colt was a standard, but .44 and .38 were common too. Also, think about whether you want a single-action for historical shooting or a double-action for easier firing. Finally, condition and provenance are key for collectors, while shooters value smooth mechanics and reliability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caliber did most cowboy revolvers use?
Most cowboy revolvers were chambered in .45 Colt, but .44-40 Winchester and .38 Long Colt were also popular.
Did cowboys really use six-shooters?
Yes, six-shot revolvers like the Colt Single Action Army were common, though some models had five or seven rounds.
Were double-action revolvers common in the Old West?
Double-action revolvers existed but were less common; single-action revolvers dominated cowboy use.
Why was the Colt Single Action Army so popular?
Its reliability, power, and strong frame made it ideal for rugged frontier conditions and fast draw shooting.
Did cowboys carry backup guns?
Some carried smaller pocket revolvers like the Smith & Wesson Model 2 for concealed backup.
Were percussion cap revolvers still used in the cowboy era?
Yes, especially earlier on or in remote areas before cartridge revolvers became widespread.
Final Thoughts
The revolvers carried by cowboys were practical tools shaped by the demands of frontier life, balancing power, reliability, and ease of use. While the Colt Single Action Army reigns supreme in popular imagination, other models like the Smith & Wesson Schofield and Remington 1875 played significant roles. Understanding these firearms helps us see cowboys not just as legends but as practical men choosing the best tools available for survival and law enforcement in a tough era.
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