Monday, September 9, 2019

History, Guns & Gear of the Old West Featured in GUNS Magazine Special Edition

With of a bench-full of knowledgeable writers, classic content dating back to the 1950s and a passion for the subject — as indicated by more than 20 new features — the premiere Special Edition issue of GUNS Magazine Old West: History, Guns & Geardelivers a modern perspective on this always-popular, iconic topic.

Old West boasts an extensive collection of Western-themed favorites, including the guns of Annie Oakley, Wyatt Earp’s Buntline Special and the timeless Colt SAA. It also digs deeper to explore the Model 1878 Borchardt, the birth of the Bisley and Ruger’s history-making single-action.

“Most of us grew up entranced with those classic Old West movies and TV shows. As the proud owner of countless ‘Colt’ cap pistols and plastic ‘Winchester’ lever actions, revisiting the truth behind the legends still entertains me. The outline of a Colt SAA showcases our remarkable history — and lets us relive the stories, again and again,” notes Publisher Roy Huntington.

The issue’s cover story, “Historical Elegance” celebrates the stunning restoration and refinishing work the talented crew of Turnbull Restoration performs on guns — old and new alike. Throughout the delicate, meticulous process, the skilled craftsmen are committed to honoring the original gun makers by returning the guns to their original beauty. From exquisite bluing, beautiful color case hardening and intricate detailing, the end results are a striking testament to the shop’s “magical” quality of workmanship.

Owning an authentic piece of history can often command a premium, but today’s reproduction models offer identical fit and finish for far less. “Real vs. Repro” details how importers such as Cimarron Firearms, Taylor’s & Company and Dixie Gun Works partner with quality-conscious manufacturers to introduce historically significant rifles and handguns to the market. The impressive replicas of this storied era of American history are not only affordable — they’re functional to boot.

Direct from the GUNS Magazine archives, articles from the 1950s are reprised, enhancing the issue’s nostalgia. Television and movie Westerns portrayed gun-slinging cowboys with deadly aim, but could they actually shoot? Hollywood’s stage secrets are revealed and well-known myths are debunked courtesy of features from 1955 and 1956. Mel “The Velvet Fog” Tormé comes to the defense of the Peacemaker, and shares his extensive collection of Colt SAA’s in a classic piece from 1955. The life and travels of “Wild” Bill Hickok and the tale of a lone survivor of Custer’s Last Stand are also revisited.

A Model P U.S. Calvary Revolver from Cimarron Firearms, described as a “detail-perfect rendition of the single action of Custer’s ill-fated 7th Calvary’s legendary revolver,” leads the Old West giveaway package. The .45 Colt revolver features a color case-hardened frame, standard blue finish, 7.5" barrel and 7th Calvary markings. The winner will also receive a Galco Single-Action Outdoorsman holster and 563 Small Stag Bone Hunter knife from Bear & Son Cutlery. Readers are encouraged to enter the free drawing for the package valued at over $800 by visiting www.gunsmagazine.com/giveaways.

In addition to the renowned guns that left an indelible mark on the days of the Old West, the Special Edition highlights intricately crafted leather gear hearkening to the past, all-brass shotshells and “real cowboy” loads, ponders what it would have been like to buy a gun circa 1880, analyzes ballistic evidence from the infamous shootout at the O.K. Corral — and much more.

Collectors, hobbyists and aficionados will appreciate the issue’s 2020 Resource Guide to locate guns, gear, books and more inspired by the era.

The GUNS Magazine Special Edition issue of Old West: History, Guns & Gear is available on newsstands now. Order online by visiting fmgpubs.com/OW20/

CONTACT: Roy Huntington editor@americanhandgunner.com