Bonnie & Clyde Ambush: Gun Geeks Got It Wrong | GUNS Magazine Podcast #111 | Presented by Luth-AR

Published on December 21, 2021
Duration: 47:00

This podcast episode features retired cop and firearms expert Daryl Bolke debunking common myths surrounding the Bonnie and Clyde ambush, focusing on the firearms used by Frank Hamer and his team. Bolke meticulously analyzes historical accounts, interviews, and evidence to correct misconceptions about Hamer's weaponry, emphasizing the use of standard law enforcement firearms of the era rather than exotic or highly modified weapons. The discussion highlights the importance of factual accuracy in historical firearms narratives and provides insights into the tactical considerations of the ambush.

Quick Summary

Firearms expert Daryl Bolke debunks myths surrounding the Bonnie and Clyde ambush, stating Frank Hamer primarily used a Remington Model 8 rifle and a Colt Single Action Army revolver. The widely believed use of a .38 Super 1911 or a Colt Monitor is unsubstantiated, likely stemming from misinterpretations of historical accounts and Hollywood embellishments.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Guns Magazine Podcast #111
  2. 00:28Sponsor Spotlight: Luth-AR
  3. 01:12Preview: Gangsters, Gunfighters, and Frank Hamer
  4. 02:04Interview Begins: Daryl Bolke on Frank Hamer
  5. 03:29Researching Frank Hamer and Gunfighter Habits
  6. 04:03Frank Hamer's Violent Career Statistics
  7. 04:41Analyzing the Bonnie and Clyde Ambush Like an Investigation
  8. 06:33The Reality of the Ambush Firearms
  9. 07:07The Browning BAR: The Only Fully Automatic Weapon
  10. 07:16Hamer's Role and Actions in the Ambush
  11. 07:51Frank Hamer's Primary Carry Gun: 'Old Lucky'
  12. 08:21The Engraved Remington Model 8
  13. 09:05Debunking the .38 Super 1911 Myth
  14. 09:53Misinterpretation of Frank Hamer Jr.'s Interview
  15. 10:14The Model 81 Rifle and its Production Date
  16. 11:10Hamer's Post-Ambush Security Work
  17. 12:23The Handgun Myth: Colt .45 vs. .45 Colt
  18. 13:59The 1911 Belonging to Clyde Barrow
  19. 14:31Hamer's Dislike for the 1911 and Semi-Automatics
  20. 14:43Sweetwater Shootout and Backup Gun Necessity
  21. 15:16Hamer's Backup Gun: Triple Lock .44 Special
  22. 15:26The Claimed Smith & Wesson .44 Russian
  23. 16:05Asking Legendary Gunfighters About Weapon Choice
  24. 16:46The Origin of the .38 Super Rumor
  25. 17:34Combining Media Reports and Son's Statements
  26. 17:53Searching for Evidence of the .38 Super
  27. 18:35What Was the Most Likely Backup Gun?
  28. 19:00The .38/44 Heavy Duty Outdoorsman
  29. 20:06Characteristics of the .38/44 Heavy Duty
  30. 20:41The .38 Super Police Load
  31. 21:34Advantages of the .38/44 Outdoorsman
  32. 22:24The Final Straw: Grips from Mount Lebanon, Louisiana
  33. 23:29Grips for a Gun He Didn't Have?
  34. 24:24Hamer's Three Primary Guns
  35. 24:56The Colt Monitor: Was it Ever There?
  36. 25:30What is a Colt Monitor?
  37. 26:52Gift from Colt vs. FBI Source
  38. 27:06Joaquin Jackson's Collection and the Monitor
  39. 27:34Ranger Hall of Fame Claim vs. Reality
  40. 28:47Ted Hinton's Browning BAR
  41. 29:26Challenge to Prove the Monitor's Presence
  42. 30:10Inserting Cooler Stories vs. Reality
  43. 30:30Hamer's Moral and Ethical Nature
  44. 30:47Interview with Hamer's Wife
  45. 31:30The Boring Reality vs. Hollywood Fantasy
  46. 32:03The Gun That Killed Clyde Barrow
  47. 32:31The Town Dentist's Hunting Rifle
  48. 33:33Bonnie and Clyde as Public Enemies
  49. 34:06A True Team Effort
  50. 34:14Hamer's Tactical Genius and Sheriff Jordan's Role
  51. 34:48Distorted by Hollywood and Gun Writers
  52. 35:01Inventing Tactics vs. Historical Precedent
  53. 35:18The 1920s and 30s: The Origin of Modern Tactics
  54. 35:31Transition from Horse Era to Car Era
  55. 36:02Ted Hinton's Arsenal
  56. 36:12Crime and Era Similarities to Today
  57. 36:38Importance of Studying History and Tactics
  58. 36:42Frank Hamer Jr.'s Credibility
  59. 36:51Fabricated Death Cars and Misremembered Stories
  60. 37:39Filling in the Puzzle Pieces
  61. 38:12The Boring Reality vs. Hollywood's 'Cooler' Guns
  62. 38:35Simple Operation: Mindset, Marksmanship, Tactics
  63. 38:52Who Was Frank Hamer?
  64. 39:09Hamer as the Ideal Lawman Gunfighter
  65. 39:14Hamer's Character: Protecting a Black Prisoner
  66. 39:49Hamer's Treatment of Corrupt Officials vs. Criminals
  67. 40:18Professionalism and Hardness
  68. 40:30Ma Ferguson and Corruption
  69. 41:08Hamer's Mistakes and Era Context
  70. 41:30Transition from Old West to Modern Era
  71. 42:04Border Hostilities and Cartels
  72. 42:32Hard Men for Hard Jobs
  73. 42:48Exceptional Marksman
  74. 42:55Shooting Competitions at 100 Yards
  75. 43:23Dedicated Husband and Gentleman
  76. 43:39Mindset in the Combat Triad
  77. 43:51Being a Righteous Lawman
  78. 44:08Conclusion and Challenge to Listeners
  79. 44:24How to Find Daryl Bolke Online
  80. 45:30Concluding Remarks on the Podcast

Frequently Asked Questions

What firearms did Frank Hamer actually use during the Bonnie and Clyde ambush?

Contrary to popular myth, Frank Hamer primarily used a Remington Model 8 rifle and a Colt Single Action Army revolver, nicknamed 'Old Lucky.' The idea of him using a .38 Super 1911 or a Colt Monitor is largely unsubstantiated and likely a misinterpretation of historical accounts.

Was the Colt Monitor firearm present at the Bonnie and Clyde ambush?

Expert Daryl Bolke states there is no documented evidence that a Colt Monitor was present at the ambush. He notes that Colt's records for this specific firearm have reportedly disappeared, and its presence is considered a myth perpetuated by sensationalized accounts.

What was the role of the Browning BAR in the Bonnie and Clyde ambush?

The Browning BAR was the only fully automatic weapon used by the lawmen during the ambush. It was wielded by Ted Hinton, who had borrowed it from the Texas National Guard, with the specific tactical objective of disabling the outlaws' vehicle.

What handgun did Frank Hamer likely carry as a backup during the ambush?

While myths suggest a .38 Super 1911, evidence points to Frank Hamer carrying a Colt Single Action Army as his primary sidearm ('Old Lucky'). His likely backup handgun was a Smith & Wesson 38/44 Heavy Duty revolver, possibly the 'Outdoorsman' model, chambered in .38 Special or .38 Super Police.

Why are there so many misconceptions about the firearms used in the Bonnie and Clyde ambush?

Misconceptions arise from sensationalized media reports, Hollywood portrayals, and the tendency for facts to be distorted over time, similar to a game of telephone. Frank Hamer's son and interviews with him have also been subject to misinterpretation, leading to the perpetuation of inaccurate firearm details.

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