Two schools of historical thought continue to debate the severity of the late 19th century American West violence, particularly after the Civil War. One asserts that the violence was greatly exaggerated and really not that bad. The other claims that brutality in many parts of the vast and underpopulated West, especially in boomtowns, was exceptionally high.1 Given the abundant evidence of misbehavior and mayhem way back when, the latter theory clearly wins the argument in my estimation. Continue reading “Close Encounters of the Revolver Kind”
Author: Clay Spencer
A fan and student of the American West and World War II, Clay Spencer has at times pursued varied interests: motorcycling, backpacking, insurance claims investigation, historical research, freelance investigation for plaintiff attorneys, amateur woodworking, knife and tool collecting, traveling, foreign languages, and of course being a RevolverGuy (plus having a fascination with all cool vintage firearms).
Revisiting an Old Concept: A Common-Cartridge Long Gun and Revolver
Chambering a long gun and handgun for the same metallic centerfire cartridge is not a new inspiration. In fact, the concept took root roughly 150 years ago. Continue reading “Revisiting an Old Concept: A Common-Cartridge Long Gun and Revolver”
The Long and the Short of It: A Fort Worth Gunfight
Like many Old West characters, real and imagined, the two men soon to be involved in the deadly fracas had pursued a variety of occupations, some questionable and others outright crooked. Continue reading “The Long and the Short of It: A Fort Worth Gunfight”
Wild Bill’s Revolvers
August 2, 1876, Nuttal & Mann’s Saloon No. 10, Deadwood, Dakota Territory. A tall, long-haired, well-dressed man lay dead on the floor next to a blood-splattered gambling table. Only a moment before he and his companions had been playing poker. Continue reading “Wild Bill’s Revolvers”
Frontier Serial Killers
At the turn of the Eighteenth Century, America, as a nation, was in its infancy and still largely unexplored, though the Lewis and Clark Expedition would soon shed much light on what lay out there across the wide continent. Continue reading “Frontier Serial Killers”