The American Old West was a time of lawlessness, survival, and rapid expansion, and firearms were central to that era. For outlaws, guns weren´t just weapons; they were essential tools used for defense, intimidation, and reputation.
Some of the most infamous names in Western history relied on specific firearms that became legendary for their power, design, and association with frontier violence. This article follows a list of 20 of the most iconic guns used by the Old West, plus brief details about their features and historical use.
1. Colt Single Action Army (1873) – “The Peacemaker”
Also known as “The Peacemaker,” this revolver became synonymous with the Wild West. Carried by outlaws like Billy the Kid and Jesse James, its .45 caliber round and rugged design made it a favorite for reliability and stopping power.
2. Winchester Model 1873
It was called “The Gun that Won the West” The Winchester 1873 lever-action rifle was widely used by both outlaws and lawmen. Its ability to fire the same cartridges as a revolver made it practical for weight during their travels.
3. Smith & Wesson Schofield Revolver
Jesse James also used this gun. This revolver was valued for its break-top design and permitted quicker reloading than the Colt Single Action Army. Its .45 caliber round offered similar performance in a more efficient package.
4. Remington Model 1875
This revolver was Remington´s answer to the Colt peacemaker and became a popular sidearm for outlaws like Frank James. The solid frame and consistent performance were the reliable choice in unpredictable gunfights.
5. Colt 1851 Navy Revolver
Wild Bill Hickok famously carried a pair of these .36 caliber revolvers. Known for their balance and accuracy, they were a favorite among early Western gunfighters before cartridge revolvers became the norm.
Trending on The Scroller
6. Henry Rifle (1860)
The Henry rifle is the predecessor to the Winchester and contains a 16-round magazine. It was one of the first repeating rifles used in the West. Butch Cassidy and his gang reportedly favored it for its firepower in robberies and ambushes.
7. Colt Dragoon Revolver
This large .44 caliber black powder revolver was known for its high stopping power. Though heavy, it was popular among mounted outlaws and early Western gunmen for its ability to deliver serious damage.
8. Remington New Model Army (1858)
This revolver was favored for its sturdy construction and easy maintenance. It was a favorite among long-range shooters and gained popularity with Confederate veterans and outlaw gangs, especially before the cartridge. Firing revolvers became widespread.
Sign up for our newsletter
9. Colt Model 1860 Army
It was extensively used during the Civil War, and many veterans-turned-outlaws continued to carry this .44 caliber revolver into the postwar frontier. It was well-regarded for its balance, range, and power.
10. Spencer Repeating Rifle
Even though it was designed for military use during the Civil War, surplus Spencer rifles made their way West and into outlaw hands. Its 7-round magazine provided a substantial firepower advantage in a region where most people carried single-shot weapons.
11. Sharps Rifle
The Sharps rifle became famous in the post-Civil War era for its lethal 1,000-yard accuracy and stopping power. What made the Sharps so special was its powerful single-shot, breech-loading mechanism that could chamber large calibers like .45-70 and .50-90.
12. Derringer Pocket Pistol
The Derringer Pocket Pistol was the most compact and easily concealable firearm of the Old West. Their small size made them ideal for gamblers and outlaws who needed a discreet weapon for backup or surprise attacks.
13. Double-Barreled Shotgun
It was the close-range favorite; this weapon was used in stagecoach robberies and saloon fights. Its intimidation factor was the burden of those pointed at by outlaws using it, like the Daltons and the James-Younger Gang.
14. Colt Walker
It was one of the largest and powerful handguns of its time; the Colt Walker delivered tremendous force. Due to its weight and potential for barrel failure, it was soon replaced by more practical models, even though it remained iconic.
15. Remington Model 1863 Zouave Rifle
It was commonly known as the Zouave Rifle and was a percussion rifle commissioned by the U.S. government during the Civil War. Although it was widely produced, there is limited evidence that it saw extensive field use during the war, as the conflict was winding down by the time many were delivered.
16. Ballard Rifle
The Ballard Rifle was originally produced for military use during the Civil War. The rifle became more prominent during the post-war period, especially for hunting purposes. Its simple falling-block action was both reliable and easy to maintain during rugged conditions.
17. Whitney-Kennedy Lever-Action Rifle
This particular rifle was created as a response to the popularity of Winchester´s lever-action models with a distinct mechanical design. What set the Whitney-Kennedy apart was the solid construction and unique contoured receiver that created a beautiful silhouette.
18. Colt Model 1877 “Lightning”
The Colt Model 1877 was Colt´s first double-action revolver and was introduced as an advanced and faster-firing (It was called “Lightning”) alternative to the popular Single Action Army. One of the most notable users of the Colt Model was Billy the Kid, who preferred agility over heavy firepower.
19. Volcanic Repeating Pistol
The Volcanic Repeating Pistol was one of the first commercially produced repeating handguns in history. This pistol was not widely used due to its limited availability, but it led the way to the creation of lever-action rifles and eventually, the Winchester rifle.
20. Beaumont-Adams revolver
The Beaumont-Adams revolver was a double-action percussion revolver that saw use in the mid-19th century. This firearm was one of the most advanced handguns of its time that offered a rare feature: It contained both double-action and single-action firing capabilities. This feature was rare in revolvers before the widespread use of metallic cartridges.
Explore more vintage content:
Firearms in the Old West were extensions of their users’ identity. Whether used in gunfights, robberies, or as status symbols, these weapons became woven into the legends of the frontier. For another look into this era, don’t miss these 25 Photos That Show the Real Wild West, and if historical military visuals interest you, check out these 20 Vintage Army Photos From The Past (1930s-1980s) for a glimpse into how warfare and gear evolved.
