Everyone knows the scene…a lone, rugged cowboy trudges across a dirt road with a pistol or two strapped into a beaten leather holster riding low at his waist. The image of a western gunslinger is popular in the media, but did you know that it was predominately created by the media? The Hollywood version of a gunslinger is vastly different from what we know to be historically correct.
During the 19th century, America was expanding and industry was growing along with it. It was a time of much chaos, since law enforcement couldn’t keep up. US marshals and county sheriffs faced the challenge of watching their territories expand beyond reason. There was too much ground to cover and not enough law enforcement officials for the job. Outlaws and bandits could easily outrun law enforcers by crossing state lines, and jails were often corrupt and easy to escape.
Authorities began offering rewards for those who brought in wanted outlaws, dead or alive. This created the rise of the hired gun, or bounty hunter. And because they would receive a reward on a “dead or alive” basis, many bounty hunters would kill their targets to minimize the danger involved. Then they would deliver the body and collect the reward.
Being a sheriff, marshal, or hired gun meant that you were skilled with a firearm and prepared to face hardened criminals. Not everyone was up for the job. This meant that many individuals who had been hired guns were hired as law enforcement officers due to their fearsome reputation. It was common for a town sheriff and a gunslinger to be one in the same, though perhaps at different times throughout their lives. These gunslingers were also hired by businesses and individuals to protect shipments, guard cattle, and any number of additional jobs that required their expertise.
This historic notion of a gunslinger paints a picture quite different from the quick-draw pistol duels you’re used to seeing in front of dusty saloons. In fact, anything resembling a European duel was extremely rare in the American west. The term gunslinger wasn’t even used back then; rather, it was a Hollywood creation that emerged in 1920. Hired guns of the time instead referred to themselves as gunmen, shootists, or pistoleers. And most of these men favored short-barreled shotguns or rifles over pistols, because the first two options offered more accuracy than handheld pistols. As outlaw Wyatt Earp said, “Fast is fine. Accurate is final.”
Tell us about your favorite film, book, or TV series depicting the Wild West. Commenting below will serve as your entry for our May giveaway. But remember to keep it classy; inappropriate comments will be deleted and disqualified. Submit your comment (one comment only please) by May 20, 2018. One winner will be randomly selected on May 21, 2018 to receive a Gunslinger 1 oz silver round from our exclusive Prospector series.
Good luck and aim true!
A friend and I had “Clint Eastwood” movie night when we were room mates and watched almost every one of Clint’s old westerns and loved all of them. The Good, The Bad and The Ugly was the epitome of those classic westerns, imo.
Back to the future part 3. Clasic villains vs a modern out of place teenager. Love the family rabbit dinner scene
The original True Grit. At the drive-in.
Main street at’ High Noon tomorrow ‘! Be there !!!
Tombstone!!!!
“Unforgiven” is great, but I’ll always watch “Tombstone”, “Open Range”, “Pale Rider”, or a dozen other Westerns.
Wild West Tech with David Carradine. Everything else is pretty much a fairy tale! Living in Arizona gives us the chance to explore the real deal!
Lonesome Dove, Larry McMurtry’s Pulitzer Prize— winning classic. The miniseries Lonesome Dove is an American Western adventure television was very good!
I will never forget The Ballad of Cable Hogue starring Jason Robards & Stella Stevens, nor 100 Rifles starring Jim Brown, Burt Reynolds and Raquel Welch.
I liked Gunsmoke.
Unforgiven. No glamour at all. Good flick
I was always fond of the Deadwood series I think the acting did justice to what life was like back then.
Bonanza! I watched it as a youngster, then after being married and having kids and grandkids, my wife and I still love watching this Great Western show. However, Gunsmoke was awesome and is also a Favorite!
I like watching reruns of Gunsmoke. Matt Dillon is the Boss!
Lonesome Dove or The Outlaw Josey Wales. Loved both of them.
Cowboys vs aliens
The Shootist with the Duke
Even after all these years, my appreciation for “The Outlaw Josey Wales” as a movie grows. I like the eponymous character, and “Lone Watie” played by Chief Dan George, who has some memorable lines.
Thanks for the factual info about gunmen that You related above! 🙂
The new magnificent 7!
Tombstone with Val Kilmer as Doc Holliday and Kurt Russell as Wyatt Earp was a truly classic movie and very realistic.
Silverado was my favorite! Great soundtrack!
I think 3:10 to Yuma is my favorite western movie. I love the idea a of an unexpected hero.
My name is nobody!
Three godfathers from 1948
Best ending to a john wayne movie ever I reckon
Looks like John Wayne
THE UNFORGIVING..EASTWOOD MOVIE
Tombstone: You tell him I’m comin’….and Hell’s comin’ with me!
Tombstone!! Great cast!!
I’m your Huckleberry!!!
TJ
Tombstone
John Wayne was a Hollywood icon that was worth looking up to, compared to today’s celebrities. He had 2 many greats to really say one was my favorite, but I tend to reach for the cowboys more then the rest. teaching boys the values of hard work, commitment and justice. if your name commands enough respect… you never have to draw your gun.