Wyatt Earp Caliber

When talking about Wyatt Earp caliber, the specific cartridge tied to the legendary lawman's sidearms. Also known as Earp’s round, it reflects a blend of folklore and documented evidence about the guns he actually used. The debate over his exact ammo has kept historians busy for decades, and it matters because the right cartridge shapes a revolver’s power, reliability, and how it fits into Old West lore.

Key cartridges and why they matter

The most commonly cited round is the .44-40 Winchester, a dual‑purpose cartridge that fed both rifles and revolvers in the late 1800s. Also called the "forty‑four", it gave shooters a decent balance of velocity and stopping power without being too heavy for a pocket‑sized gun. Understanding this cartridge helps explain why many Western shooters still favor it for cowboy action competitions. The .44‑40’s ballistics (around 200‑210 grains at 1,200 ft/s) placed it squarely between the lighter .38 Special and the beefier .45‑70, making it the sweet spot for fast draws and reliable feed.

Another player in the conversation is the Buntline Special, the legendary elongated‑barrel revolver often linked to Wyatt Earp. While the gun’s story grew from dime‑novel hype, the model did exist in a limited run by Colt in the 1870s. Its longer barrel (16‑inches versus the standard 7‑inches) improved sight radius, which, in theory, boosted accuracy at longer ranges—something a lawman might value in a dusty town shootout.

The heart of the Buntline Special’s myth is the Colt Single Action Army, the iconic "Peacemaker" revolver that dominated the frontier. Early models were chambered for .44‑40, but later versions also accepted .45 Colt and .44‑45‑70, allowing owners to switch ammo based on availability. This flexibility meant a sheriff like Earp could keep a single gun in service while the town’s supply of cartridges shifted seasonally.

Why does caliber choice still spark interest? Because each round carries a unique set of attributes: bullet weight, powder load, and case dimensions. These attributes dictate recoil, effective range, and terminal performance. For example, the .45‑70 Government, another heavyweight cartridge covered in our archive, delivers far more energy but creates a heavier recoil that can slow a rapid draw—making it less ideal for the classic “fast draw” contests that celebrate Earp’s legend.

Beyond the firearms themselves, the surrounding culture shapes how we perceive the Wyatt Earp caliber. Cowboy action shooting clubs prefer the .44‑40 for its historic authenticity, while modern reenactors may opt for .45‑70 when they need that extra punch for outdoor prairie hunts. The choice also influences ammo budgeting; .44‑40 is easier to find and often cheaper than the larger .45‑70, an important consideration for anyone stocking a range of practice rounds.

Our collection of articles dives deep into these topics. You’ll find a side‑by‑side comparison of 44‑40 vs 45‑70 that breaks down power, recoil, and realistic usage scenarios. Another post untangles the myth of the Buntline Special, showing which historical documents actually mention the gun. A third piece explores how Wyatt Earp’s personal inventory likely shifted over his career—moving from early .44‑40 pistols to later, larger‑bore revolvers as frontier threats evolved.

Whether you’re a beginner curious about which caliber to load for your first cowboy‑style revolver, a seasoned shooter hunting the perfect round for competition, or a history buff eager to separate fact from fiction, this tag page gathers the most relevant insights in one place. Scroll down to discover detailed breakdowns, practical tips, and raw historical evidence—all aimed at giving you a clearer picture of the real Wyatt Earp caliber and how it fits into the broader world of Old West firearms.