Rifles That Conquered the Frontier

Last time we spoke about the "Guns that conquered the frontier" with a spotlight on a handgun, but now it is the rifles turn.  Historians believe that the 1853 Sharps, 1873 Winchester Repeater, and 1874 Sharps played a large role in conquering the American frontiers.

The U.S. Model 1841 rifle comes to mind as this very durable percussion .54 Caliber muzzle loader was considered one of the most handsome rifles of its time with brass patch-box and mountings.  The Model 1841 was also favored by Confederate sharpshooters and even "Buffalo" Bill Cody because of its power and accuracy over long distances.

Another very efficient and effective rifle was the 1852-53 Slant-Breech Sharps rifle.  It was so good that our military bought thousands and was used mainly by the 2^nd U.S. Dragoons on the dangerous frontier and served them very well.  The Sharps was nick-named the “John Brown Sharps” from its use in his bloody anti-slavery crusade.  Also stage lines relied heavily on this rifle and early buffalo hunters used this long gun as well.

The 1866 Winchester rifle was another popular firearm with its .44 cal level action and was made in the carbine style for our horse soldiers.  Others who fancied the '86 were Sitting Bull and many Native Americans who enjoyed the handling and efficiency.  The Winchester factory cranked out over 170,000 between 1866 and 1898.  The famous 1873 was seen as the most recognizable and famous on our western frontiers.

This iron-framed lever action was Winchester's first center-fire arm and also the “hands down” favorite with both good and bad guys, especially when it was teamed up with the Colt Single Action revolver.  The 1873 was so easy to handle, care for and ideal for fitting into the saddle scabbard.  It was the choice of Texas Rangers along with Pat Garrett, Butch Cassidy, Billy the Kid and others.  Then came the “Buffalo Rifle” in the form of the 1874 Sharps.  This very powerful rifle with its awesome choices of firepower did more to eradicate the Plain Indians way of life than anything else.  Because of the Sharps very long range, the Buffalo didn't stand a chance.

Then later, John M. Browning invented the 1886 Winchester that was built to use the powerful .45-70 cal Government cartridge.  The '86 became one of Teddy Roosevelt's favorite guns and was produced by the tens of thousands through 1935 and bought by the military and civilians alike.  Another unique firearm from the genius weapon inventor Browning was the popular 1895 Winchester.  It was the first successful box-magazine lever action ever manufactured and became the weapon of choice for the Texas Rangers.  Nearly 426,000 were built between 1896 and 1931 and are found in collector’s gun safes today or on display in a member's den.  Now, we couldn't leave this topic of rifles who helped establish the Wild West without mentioning the double barreled Shotgun.

The “scatter gun” was more responsible for bringing and keeping civilization to the frontier than any other gun.  It was the mainstay of settlers, lawmen, stage coach companies and others who needed an effective weapon.  The shotgun was cheap to own, easy to use, durable and a menace for anyone facing its double barrels.

So, there you have it, something to chew on and may this discussion continue in the Rockwall Gun Club located at 15950 State Hwy 205 in Terrell, TX 75160 shooting ranges.  You can also call the gun club at (972) 551-0470 for more information.  See y'all next time on a different topic involving guns and the 2^nd Amendment.