What gun did Wyatt Earp actually carry?

Wyatt Earp is most famously associated with carrying a Colt Single Action Army revolver. This iconic firearm was a standard sidearm in the American Old West and played a significant role in Earp's legend.

The Colt Single Action Army: Earp's Primary Weapon

The Colt Single Action Army, often referred to as the "Peacemaker," was a popular and robust revolver during the late 19th century. Wyatt Earp reportedly carried this powerful gun, making it an integral part of his image as a lawman and gunfighter.

However, the standard Colt Single Action Army revolver was reportedly not very accurate for long-distance shooting. This characteristic led to the development of a unique variant.

The Myth of the "Buntline Special"

To address the accuracy concerns of the standard revolver, Colt created a limited edition version known as the Colt Buntline Special. This was a modified Colt Single Action Army revolver distinguished by its significantly longer barrel, typically 10, 12, or even 16 inches, compared to the standard 4.75 or 5.5-inch barrels. The intent behind the longer barrel was to improve accuracy, particularly for target shooting or longer-range engagements.

While the Buntline Special is a real firearm, its widespread use by Wyatt Earp and other famous lawmen like Bat Masterson is largely considered part of Wild West folklore and literary embellishment, particularly popularized by Stuart N. Lake's biography Wyatt Earp: Frontier Marshal. Despite the legend, it's the more common Colt Single Action Army that Earp most likely carried in his day-to-day life as a lawman.

Key Characteristics of Earp's Revolvers

To illustrate the differences and commonalities, here's a comparison of the types of revolvers associated with Wyatt Earp:

In summary, while the mystique of the Colt Buntline Special adds to the legend, Wyatt Earp's actual sidearm was almost certainly the more common and reliable Colt Single Action Army revolver.