A Colt for Christmas

During the California Gold Rush (1848-1850), New York outfitters advised prospective miners that a pair of Colt revolvers was a necessary addition to their equipment. Given the condition of the State right now some would say a pair of Colt revolver would still be a necessary item to carry. One of the best gifts I received this Christmas was a working replica of a Colt. The Colt Navy 1851 is iconic and symbolizes the Wild West like no other handgun, it was used by such notables as Wild Bill Hickok, Buffalo Bill Cody and Calamity Jane, the Colt Navy also served on both sides of the Civil War. The Colt Navy was even manufactured by both sides as well…they couldn’t get enough of these accurate and reliable revolvers. It’s a black powder weapon and leaves a cloud of smoke behind after it’s fired. The phrase “skin that smoke wagon” was used in reference to the Colt Navy. I’m looking forward to going to the range. A Colt and time at the range are a great source of inspiration for writing books about the Old West. The three books I’ve been working on over the last year or so will be released in the summer and fall of 2012. Not quite sure where the launches of the books will be held but think it would be fun to bring the Colt with me. There are some great quotes about the Colt Navy in the film Colt .45. I always liked. Randolph Scott plays the sheriff in the film and is introduced to the weapon with the following line: “The first Colt repeating pistols in this territory, Sheriff. The finest guns ever made. Here’s law and order in six finger doses. Yes, sir, easy to load and as durable as your mother-in-law.” No matter how much damage a gun could do in the Old West and still do on the tamed frontier, it’s nothing compared to what can be done by a single corrupt lawyer. And this I’ve learned from personal experience…a lawyer with his briefcase can steal more than a hundred men with guns.