Historical Firearms: Guns That Shaped the Wild West and Beyond

When we talk about historical firearms, firearms from the 19th century that played a central role in American expansion, law enforcement, and frontier life. Also known as antique guns, these weapons weren’t just tools—they shaped the outcomes of battles, defined personal safety, and became symbols of an era. From the dusty trails of Texas to the saloons of Tombstone, the right gun could mean the difference between survival and disaster.

One of the most iconic Colt Single Action Army, a single-action revolver introduced in 1873 that became the standard sidearm for U.S. cavalry and lawmen was carried by Wyatt Earp, Buffalo Bill, and countless others. It fired the .45 Colt, a powerful, reliable cartridge developed specifically for military use and later adopted by civilians—a round so effective it’s still used today in cowboy action shooting. Then there’s the Winchester Model 73, a lever-action rifle with a tubular magazine that could fire faster than most revolvers and became known as "The Gun That Won the West". These weren’t just popular—they were practical. A cowboy needed a revolver for close range and a rifle for longer shots. Together, they formed the backbone of frontier defense.

Historical firearms didn’t just exist—they evolved. Ammo prices in the 1870s could eat up a month’s wages for a ranch hand. A single .45-70 cartridge cost as much as a loaf of bread. People reloaded their own shells. Guns were repaired, passed down, and sometimes traded for food. The weapons we see in museums today were once everyday objects, handled by men and women who lived hard lives and relied on them for everything from hunting buffalo to defending their homesteads.

What makes these guns still relevant? Because they’re not just relics. They’re the foundation of modern shooting sports. The same calibers, the same actions, the same principles are still used in competitions today. If you’ve ever seen someone shoot at a cowboy action match, you’re watching history in motion. The .44-40, the .38-40, the .30-30—they’re not just numbers on a box. They’re names tied to real stories, real people, and real survival.

Below, you’ll find real guides on the exact guns cowboys carried, what they shot, how much it cost, and where you can still see these weapons in action today. No myths. No Hollywood. Just the facts from the frontier.