May 2017 Q&A

Published on May 25, 2017
Duration: 43:28

This Q&A session from InRangeTV delves into the practicalities of firearms and ammunition in the Old West. It compares historical ammunition costs to modern equivalents, discusses the prevalence and practicality of various firearms like the Colt Single Action Army and Smith & Wesson top breaks, and explores how people carried their firearms. The discussion also touches on the transition from cap-and-ball to cartridge firearms, the reasons behind rimfire's decline in larger calibers, and the cultural influences on firearm carry methods.

Quick Summary

In the Old West, ammunition costs were comparable to today's prices when adjusted for inflation. A box of 50 rounds of 44-40 cost about $1, equivalent to $21.50 today, while modern 9mm can cost $9.50-$15. Availability, not cost, was the main challenge, with common calibers like 44-40 and 45 Colt being more accessible than obscure ones.

Chapters

  1. 00:04Introduction: Old West Q&A Setting
  2. 00:41Ammunition Cost and Availability in the Old West
  3. 01:13Comparing 44-40 Ammo Cost to Modern Calibers
  4. 02:14Military Rifle Ammo Cost vs. Firearm Cost
  5. 03:52Logistical Challenges of Acquiring Ammunition
  6. 04:39Cap and Ball vs. Cartridge Ammunition
  7. 06:00Accessibility of Cap and Ball on the Frontier
  8. 07:31Common Firearms in the Old West: Beyond the Colt SAA
  9. 08:19Smith & Wesson Top Breaks and Merwin & Hulbert
  10. 08:53Two Types of Shooters: Gunfighters vs. Self-Defense
  11. 10:23Historical Example: George Hand vs. George Parsons
  12. 11:38Reality of Cap and Ball vs. Cartridge Firearms
  13. 12:10Concealed Carry: Pocket Pistols and Derringers
  14. 13:24John Wesley Hardin's Firearms
  15. 14:04Famous Gunfighters: Billy the Kid, Hickok, Holliday
  16. 15:03Old West Guns in Other Frontiers (Siberia, South America)
  17. 15:50Winchester Lever Gun as the AR-15 of its Day
  18. 16:27Corrosion Resistance and Firearm Finishes
  19. 17:21Anecdote: Buried Firearms and Nickel Plating
  20. 19:00Firearm Maintenance and Durability
  21. 20:28Recommended Old West History Books
  22. 21:36Why Break-Action Revolvers Declined
  23. 23:02Smokeless Powder and Top-Break Limitations
  24. 24:19Building a Modern Top-Break Revolver
  25. 26:13Rimfire Ammunition in Large Calibers
  26. 27:15Centerfire vs. Rimfire: Reloading Advantage
  27. 30:50Concluding Thoughts and Scenic Views
  28. 32:12Firearm Carry Methods: Bandoliers vs. Cartridge Belts
  29. 33:30The 'Two-Gun Man' in the Old West
  30. 34:20Wild Bill Hickok's Carry Method
  31. 34:52Billy the Kid's Early Carry Methods
  32. 35:39Bandoliers: Mexican vs. American Usage
  33. 38:03Gun Control and Regulation in the Old West
  34. 39:10Native American Ammunition Acquisition
  35. 40:10Cultural Controls: The Bisbee Massacre and Anti-Gun Sentiment
  36. 42:23Conclusion and Patreon Support

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the cost of ammunition in the Old West compared to today?

In the Old West, a box of 50 rounds of 44-40 ammunition cost around 95 cents to $1. Adjusted for inflation, this is roughly $21.50 today. Modern 9mm ammunition costs about $9.50 to $15 for 50 rounds. Therefore, in real dollar value, ammunition was comparable or slightly cheaper in the Old West than it is for common calibers today.

Were Colt Single Action Army revolvers the most common firearms in the Old West?

While iconic, the Colt Single Action Army (SAA) was not the only common firearm. It was considered a high-end, durable service pistol, comparable to a modern Glock. Other popular firearms included Smith & Wesson top-break revolvers and various lever-action rifles like the Winchester models.

Why did rimfire ammunition decline in larger calibers during the Old West era?

Rimfire ammunition declined in larger calibers primarily because centerfire ammunition offered the significant advantage of reloadability. While rimfire was reliable, the ability to reload centerfire cases with projectiles, powder, and primers was more economical and practical, especially for military and civilian use where ammunition supply could be uncertain.

How did people carry firearms in the Old West?

Firearm carry methods varied. Cartridge belts with holsters were common for open carry, especially in the wilderness. In towns, where restrictions existed, concealed carry using pocket pistols or derringers was prevalent. Some individuals, like Billy the Kid, famously used crossed cartridge belts, while others, like Wild Bill Hickok, carried pistols in their sashes.

Were there gun control laws in the Old West?

Formal gun control laws regarding the purchase and sale of firearms were minimal in the Old West. Individuals could generally buy, sell, or trade firearms freely. However, cultural norms, local attitudes, and specific town ordinances sometimes restricted carrying firearms openly or selling to certain groups, but this was more social control than codified law.

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