On the cover are three gun rigs that are unmistakable from any others—icons from an era when Westerns ruled the airwaves and the silver screen. TV shows and movies were a great influence on America’s youth in the post-WWII era, and most of us who enjoy reading Guns of the Old West grew up on John Wayne Westerns and watching The Lone Ranger, Gunsmoke, Maverick, Bonanza and so many others that an entire generation (and a generation that grew up on reruns, too) can still relate to the characters. History played a great role in the creation of many early TV and movie Westerns, and it is with history in mind that much of this issue is focused on famous original guns and the men who carried them, including Buffalo Bill Cody and his rare Bullard repeating rifle, as chronicled by author Frank Jardim. Dr. Steven C. Small examines the equally rare Springfield Trapdoor pistols developed after the Civil War for General William T. Sherman, and Cody Firearms Museum Associate Curator Ashley Hlebinsky reveals the story behind the great Winchester and Colt manufacturing wars of the 1870s. Our resident Western haberdasher Phil Spangenberger explains the popularity of buckskins in the Old West, and Mike Beliveau tests Uberti’s .44-40 Henry rifle. You’ll also get the inside story on the latest Western guns, including Pedersoli’s Doc Holliday .38, Taylor’s new Outlaw laser-engraved sixguns, Ruger’s .357 Magnum Bisley Vaquero and the Air Venturi John Wayne Peacemaker air pistol. So turn that stud around and head toward the campfire—we’ve got some words for you. Look Inside »

WINTER 2016

FEATURES

FRONTIER POCKET PISTOLS BY DENNIS ADLER
These backup guns helped lawmen and outlaws alike!

UBERTI’S 1860 HENRY BY MIKE BELIVEAU
America’s first lever action returns as a high-quality .44-40 replica.

RUGER’S .357 MAG BISLEY BY ROBERT A. SADOWSKI
The Vaquero rides again with a new grip and more fast-targeting upgrades!

DOC HOLLIDAY .38 SPECIAL BY “LA VISTA” BILL BELL
Pedersoli recreates a single action for one of the West’s most famous gunfighters.

HOLLYWOOD’S GUNS, HATS & HOLSTERS BY DENNIS ADLER
TV’s most famous cowboys, lawmen and outlaws—and their legendary gear.

FORGOTTEN STARR BY KENNETH L. WALTERS
Reviving a Civil War-era Starr Carbine for modern service!

BUFFALO BILL’S BULLARD REPEATER BY FRANK JARDIM
Handcrafted lever action takes a backseat to none in terms of speed or quality!

CLARK GABLE & HIS COMPADRES BY PATRICK CURTIS
How Gable and other stars helped shape a young boy’s life.

BUCKSKIN BUCKAROOS BY PHIL SPANGENBERGER
Buckskin attire provided the protection required for rough-country rides.

THE DUKE’S AIRGUN BY DENNIS ADLER
Air Venturi is now offering a John Wayne edition Peacemaker!

TAYLOR’S NEW OUTLAWS BY ASHLEY HLEBINSKY
Laser-engraved sixguns that blend classic looks with modern technology!

COLUMNS

Western Words
SIGNATURE GUN RIGS

Gear & Garb
COWBOY ACTION SHELL CARRIERS

Guns Of The Gunfighters
WYATT EARP: FACT VS. FICTION

Black Powder
COLT VS. REMINGTON

Round ’Em Up!
MODERN MARE’S LEGS

Cowboy Stuff
GAMBLING GEAR

New Products
GUNS AND GEAR THAT CAUGHT OUR EYE

Firearms Pioneer
REVEREND FORSYTH

Post Civil War
SHERMAN’S PISTOL

Weird West
WINCHESTER’S REVOLVERS