Wyatt Earp’s Caliber: What Guns Did the Legendary Lawman Use?

When historians talk about Wyatt Earp the famed Tombstone marshal and later Hollywood icon, the first thing that pops up is his choice of sidearms. If you’ve ever wondered which cartridge gave his revolvers that unmistakable “pop,” you’re in the right place. We’ll walk through the guns Earp carried, break down the ballistics, and show how modern shooters can replicate the feel without loading antique ammo.

Why the caliber matters for Earp fans

In cowboy action shooting (CAS) the point isn’t just to hit the target; it’s to step into a living piece of history. Knowing the exact caliber helps you pick a replica that shoots like the original and keeps you within event rules. Plus, the right ammo gives you that authentic recoil punch Earp’s opponents would have felt.

Frontier firepower: the era’s common calibers

During the 1880s the West was a cartridge battlefield. Two rounds dominated the sheriff’s holster: the .45Colt (also called .45Long Colt) and the .44‑40Winchester. Both were chambered in the iconic Colt Single Action Army a six‑shot revolver introduced in 1873, famously nicknamed the “Peacemaker.” The Peacemaker’s simplicity and interchangeable cylinder made it a favorite among lawmen and outlaws alike.

Wyatt Earp’s primary sidearm: the .45Colt

Most primary sources, including Earp’s own photographs, show him with a .45 Colt a large‑bore revolver cartridge delivering 350-400 foot‑pounds of energy. The cartridge’s 0.452‑inch bullet diameter and 250‑grain weight gave a heavy, slow‑moving projectile that could stop a charging outlaw at close range.

• Bullet diameter: .452in
• Typical load (original): 40-45gr black powder
• Modern equivalents: .45ACP (ball) or .45Long Colt (modern load)

The .45Colt’s power made it the go‑to round for anyone who expected a showdown at 10feet or less. Earp’s reputation for speed and accuracy meant he needed a cartridge that would reliably expand on impact.

The secondary favorite: .44‑40Winchester

While the .45 was his main gun, Earp also carried a .44‑40 Winchester a dual‑purpose rifle and revolver cartridge introduced in 1873. The .44‑40 could feed both his revolver and his Winchester Model 1873 rifle, a practical choice for a man who rode between towns.

• Bullet diameter: .423in
• Typical load (original): 40-45gr black powder
• Modern equivalents: .44Magnum (higher pressure) or modern .44‑40 load at reduced velocity

The round offered slightly less stopping power than the .45, but its versatility and flatter trajectory made it popular for longer‑range shots from a rifle. In a quick‑draw scenario the difference in recoil was negligible, letting Earp switch seamlessly between pistol and rifle.

Other firearms in Earp’s arsenal

Beyond the Peacemaker, Earp’s inventory sometimes included a Smith & Wesson Model 3 a top‑break revolver that could chamber .44‑40 cartridges. This gun was favored for its faster reload - a critical advantage in a gunfight. He also owned a Winchester Model 1873 the iconic lever‑action rifle known as “the gun that won the West”, typically loaded with the same .44‑40 rounds for logistical simplicity.

Translating historic calibers to modern CAS ammo

Most CAS matches require modern, smokeless‑powder loads for safety and consistency. Here’s how the old rounds translate:

1. .45Colt: Use contemporary .45Long Colt ammunition loaded to 800-1,000fps. It mimics the original energy curve while staying well below old black‑powder pressures.
2. .44‑40: Modern .44‑40 loads run around 1,200fps. If your replica rifle can handle it, you get the original trajectory without the fouling of black powder.

Both rounds are widely available from specialty manufacturers; just be sure your CAS event permits them - most do, but some zones limit to .45ACP or .38Special for safety.

Choosing the right replica for a Wyatt Earp build

If you want to dress up as Earp, focus on three factors:

• Barrel length: Earp’s Peacemaker had a 5‑inch barrel. Replicas with shorter barrels change the sight picture and recoil feel.
• Grip style: The original had a walnut‑laminated grip with a pronounced palm swale. Copy that for authenticity.
• Caliber compatibility: Many modern Colt Single Action Army replicas are chambered in .45ACP for ease of sourcing ammo. While not perfectly period‑correct, the recoil and weight are comparable.

For a truly period‑correct build, look for a replica chambered in .45Long Colt and a matching .44‑40 top‑break for the Smith & Wesson model. Pair them with a Winchester Model 1873 lever‑action rifle in the same .44‑40 cartridge for the full Earp experience.

Common myths busted

**Myth #1:** Earp used a .38Special. The .38 Special didn’t appear until 1899, well after Earp’s famous Tombstone days.

**Myth #2:** He only carried a single gun. Court records and photographs show he owned at least three sidearms and a rifle.

**Myth #3:** The Peacemaker was always a .45. While the .45Colt was Earp’s favorite, many Peacemakers were sold in .44‑40, .38Long Colt, and even .32Caliber to meet a market hungry for interchangeable ammo.

Quick reference: Earp’s calibers at a glance

Putting it all together: Your Earp‑inspired loadout

1. **Revolver:** Choose a Colt Single Action Army replica in .45Long Colt, 5‑inch barrel, walnut grip.
2. **Second pistol:** Add a top‑break Smith & Wesson Model 3 in .44‑40 for faster reloads.
3. **Rifle:** Secure a Winchester Model 1873 lever‑action rifle chambered for .44‑40 to keep ammo logistics simple.
4. **Ammo:** Stock modern .45Long Colt at 850fps and .44‑40 at 1,250fps. Verify match rules before you load.
5. **Dress:** Complete the look with a leather duster, cowboy hat, and a badge replica - the visual side of the story matters as much as the gun.