If you’ve grown up reading about cowboys, outlaws and lawmen in books, or watching their exploits on TV or movie screens, you probably get pretty excited to see a gun from the Old West in action. Over the years, Old West aficionados and participants in Cowboy Action Shooting (CAS) have also helped spark the classic firearms manufacturing world. Companies regularly resurrect old warhorses and turn them into fine replicas with modern manufacturing techniques and materials—and many times in popular chamberings still commercially available today. Here are some of the best new Old West guns that have recently been introduced for 2015.
Billy Dixon Trapdoor Carbine
Billy Dixon Trapdoor Carbine
Cimarron has introduced the Model SH150, an Officer’s Model 1873 Trapdoor Carbine, the same model carried by American scout and buffalo hunter Billy Dixon. Chambered for the .45-70 with a 26-inch barrel, this firearm was manufactured by Pedersoli in Italy for Cimarron. Not only is this an iconic cowboy gun to shoot, but it is also a reproduction ripe with historical Western context from the Texas Panhandle. (cimarron-firearms.com; 830-997-9090)
Chiappa Model 1892 Take Down
Chiappa Model 1892 Take-Down
In 2014, Chiappa released the Model 1892 Take-Down rifle, a gun specified for Cowboy Action Shooting, hunting and sporting. The Take-Down is color casehardened, has a 24-inch, octagonal barrel and a checkered walnut stock. It is chambered for the .45 Long Colt. (chiappafirearms.com; 937-835-5000)
Colt Model 1877 Bulldog
Colt Model 1877 Bulldog
How could you have a list of Western guns without the Gatling? Colt is releasing a 10-barrel Bulldog, an upgrade from its five-barrel predecessor, in .45-70. You may not be able to use this for Fast Draw competitions, but you can certainly use it for rapid fire. Specs and further information on this firearm will be unveiled in the coming months. (colt.com; 800-962-2658)
El Paso Saddlery 1930 Austin Holster
El Paso Saddlery 1930 Austin Holster
El Paso Saddlery has many fine holsters, including this 1930 Austin holster suitable for most semi-automatics as well as single- and double-action revolvers. It is a classic Texas Ranger holster that highlights traditional design with a present-day flair. It has a suede lining with a full back flap sewn to the holster body. It can be customized to fit a range of barrel lengths from 2 to 7½ inches. (epsaddler.com; 915-544-2233)
EAA Bounty Hunters
EAA Bounty Hunters
European American Armory Corp (EAA) has a range of single-action revolvers in various calibers, barrel lengths and finishes. The Bounty Hunter, made by Weihrauch, is an affordable six-shooter on the market. It is available in .45 LC, .44 Mag, .357 Mag and .22 LR/.22 WMR. They are available with walnut grips and several finish options, including a casehardened receiver and blue barrel, a nickel finish or a blued finish. (eaacorp.com; 321-639-4842)
Navy Arms Winchester Model 1873
Navy Arms Winchester Model 1873
This Navy Arms Winchester Model 1873 reproduction lever-action rifle is an outstanding product that resulted from three major companies working together: Navy Arms, Winchester and Turnbull Restoration. This lever action has a Deluxe Grade 1 American walnut stock, Winchester checkering, a “Winchester Red” finish and a short-stroke kit. It has a Model 71 checkered steel buttplate, which can be good for quick mounting. Turnbull completed the impressive color-casehardened receiver and furniture. Available through Navy Arms and its distributers, this firearm can be chambered for either .38 Special/.357 Mag or the .45 LC, with either a 20- or 24¼-inch barrel. (navyarms.com; 304-274-0004)
Hogue Grips
Hogue Grips
Enhance the appearance of any of your six-shooters with custom grips from Hogue. The company offers a line of grips for traditional single-action revolvers that include Colt and Ruger products, including the Bisley model. Two-piece grip panels are available in Micarta, Pearlized and Ivory polymer. The Ivory-like grips also can be had with laser-cut “schrimsaw” in several designs, including a full-color American flag and Western designs like a boot or steer’s head. Each grip panel is hand finished to a brilliant shine, with no spray-on finishes that will peel or crack. Each grip is made to the exacting fit Hogue is famous for. (hogueinc.com; 805-239-1440)
IAC Model 97 Shotguns
IAC Model 97 Shotgun
After an absence of several years, Interstate Arms Corporation (IAC) is planning a late spring reintroduction of its replica Model 1897 pump-action shotgun. Like the original Winchester riot gun it will have a short 20-inch barrel and is just the ticket for Cowboy Action Shooting; especially the “Wild Bunch” side matches that require the use of a Model 97 shotgun. Features include a pistol grip buttstock, an exposed hammer, a ribbed forend and a brass bead front sight. This 12 gauge chambers 2¾-inch shells. (interstatearms.com; 800-243-3006)
Pedersoli Old West
Pedersoli Old West
Pedersoli is releasing a new lever action aptly named the “Old West.” This Model 1886 lever-action rifle is a variant on the classic. It has a 26-inch, octagonal barrel and full-length magazine tube. The firearm has an extended lever and harkens back to a more traditional model. It is available in .45-70 and comes with a blade front sight and adjustable rear sight. (davide-pedersoli.com)
Magtech Ammunition
Magtech Ammunition
Not every Cowboy Action shooter is prepared or interested in cartridge reloading, so for those who would rather use factory ammunition, one choice would be Magtech. This outfit offers specially boxed ammunition for cartridges like .45 Colt, and you can get other cartridges that are difficult to find in odd calibers for older original handguns. Pocket pistol side matches are resplendent with hinged-frame revolvers in .32 S&W, .32 Long and .38 S&W, and Magtech lists them all on its website. Plus there’s perennial favorites like .38 Special, .357 Mag, .44-40 and .44 Special, to name a few. (magtechammunition.com; 763-235-4000)
Pietta Model 1851 Navy Yank Pepperbox
Pietta Model 1851 Navy Yank Pepperbox
In 2014, Pietta introduced this twist on a classic, the 1851 Navy Yank Pepperbox. This unique-looking firearm is a .36 caliber single action with walnut grips. Going back to the early days of revolvers where pepperboxes still remained on the market, this firearm is a unique fusion for your Western interests. (pietta.it)
Tippmann Armory Rolling Block
Tippmann Armory Rolling Block
Tippmann Armory is now making a reproduction of the Rolling Block in .357 and .44 Mag. It has a blued finish on the barrel and action, with a walnut buttstock and forend. Standard is a full buckhorn adjustable rear sight and a blade front sight mounted in a dovetail. The trigger is set at the factory for a 4-pound pull weight. It’s a well-built and rugged rifle that will appeal to fans of the Old West and should prove fun to shoot as well. (tippmannarmory.com; 800-671-1498)
Uberti Competition Model 1873
Uberti Competition Model 1873
Uberti began offering Model 1873 rifles and carbines specifically built for competition, with short-stroke actions. The short stroke, which allows for quicker and easier manipulation, is a popular trend in many other products seen this year. The Model 1873 rifle and carbines are available in .45 Colt, .357 Mag, .44-40 and .44 Mag. (uberti.com; 301-283-6981)
Winchester Model 94 Short Rifle
Winchester Model 94 Short Rifle
Winchester has released a new Model 94 Short Rifle. This model has always been a popular gun—it’s quick to shoulder and lightweight. Chambered for the .450 Marlin, the Model 94 is more compact with a 20-inch, blued barrel and a straight-grip walnut stock. This firearm is drilled and tapped for scope mounts and has a hammer spur extension included. It’s a perfect firearm to put in your scabbard or shoot at the range. (winchesterguns.com)
This article originally published in the Winter 2015 issue of GUNS OF THE OLD WEST®, print and digital subscriptions to GUNS OF THE OLD WEST are available here.
I Like them all let Freedom Ring , buy one !
Start cranking out c96 Broomhandle 9mm and the 9mm PO8 Lugers, and dude; I am there!
Would like to see a video on the cleaning of one of the Model 1862 black powder chamber firing Gatling guns currently being offered for sale.