Whispers of the West and Its Creation
The Myth and the Machine
The dry desert wind whispers tales of a bygone era, of dusty streets, showdowns at high noon, and the legendary figures who shaped the American West. In this mythic landscape, few objects hold as much mystique as the Colt Buntline Special .45, a firearm that has become synonymous with frontier justice, Hollywood glamor, and the enduring allure of the Wild West. This article delves deep into the history, design, performance, and legacy of this iconic revolver, separating fact from fiction and exploring why the Buntline Special continues to captivate enthusiasts and collectors alike.
The genesis of the Colt Buntline Special is deeply intertwined with the dime novel era and the colorful personality of its alleged benefactor, Edward Zane Carroll Judson, better known as Ned Buntline. Buntline, a flamboyant writer, created a popular mythos surrounding the lawmen of the West, immortalizing figures like Wyatt Earp and Bat Masterson in his sensationalized stories. The legend goes that in 1876, Buntline, eager to capitalize on the fame of these lawmen, commissioned Colt to create a series of special revolvers, each with an exceptionally long barrel, and presented them as gifts to his heroes.
This gift, if the story is to be believed, was a masterstroke of publicity. It transformed the lawmen into larger-than-life figures, and the firearm they carried became a symbol of their authority and skill. However, historical accuracy is often obscured by the romanticism of the West. While the legend is widely circulated, concrete evidence to support the notion that Colt produced a batch specifically for these lawmen is limited.
The reality, however, does not diminish the appeal of the Buntline Special. Colt did, indeed, produce these revolvers, but in a much smaller quantity than the legend suggests. The Buntline Special was essentially a customized variant of the iconic Colt Single Action Army (SAA) revolver, the firearm that had defined the American frontier. This base gun was a staple of the era. But the Buntline Special set itself apart with its extraordinarily long barrel. The longer barrel offered enhanced accuracy and a more dramatic visual profile, solidifying its place in Western folklore.
The Colt Single Action Army itself deserves a moment of appreciation. This firearm, initially designed for the U.S. military, quickly gained popularity among civilians, law enforcement, and outlaws alike. Its robust construction, reliable single-action mechanism, and powerful .45 caliber chambering made it the perfect weapon for the rugged demands of frontier life. The Buntline Special took these qualities and amplified them, creating a firearm that was both a tool and a statement.
Form and Function: The Anatomy of a Legend
A Visual Masterpiece
The physical appearance of the Colt Buntline Special immediately sets it apart. The most distinguishing characteristic is, of course, the extremely long barrel. While the standard SAA had barrel lengths of 4.75, 5.5, and 7.5 inches, the Buntline Special typically boasted a barrel of 12 inches or more. This length, combined with the rest of the gun, made for a weighty and impressive firearm.
The Buntline Special was built upon the Colt Single Action Army platform. The frame, cylinder, trigger, and grip generally mirrored the SAA. The grips, usually made of wood or hard rubber, provided a comfortable and secure hold, essential when handling such a large revolver. The finish on the Buntline Special varied depending on the production year and any customization. Some were blued, while others were nickel-plated, offering a striking visual contrast.
The design of the sights was simple and practical. The Buntline Special, like its SAA brethren, usually featured a fixed front sight and a groove cut into the top strap of the frame, creating a rudimentary rear sight. While not as sophisticated as the adjustable sights found on more modern firearms, this system was adequate for the intended purpose.
The .45 caliber cartridge, a crucial part of the story, contributed significantly to the Buntline Special’s reputation for stopping power. The .45 Long Colt, as it was known, fired a large-diameter, heavy bullet, making it incredibly effective in stopping a threat. This potency was another factor that helped establish the Colt Buntline Special’s mystique.
The single-action mechanism, which required the shooter to manually cock the hammer before each shot, was an essential part of the Buntline Special. This mechanism was simple, reliable, and safe, as it prevented accidental discharge. Loading and unloading the Buntline Special was a deliberate process. The shooter had to open the loading gate, rotate the cylinder, and manually load each chamber with a cartridge or remove the spent casings.
Precision and Power: How Did It Perform?
Beyond the Myth, The Real-World Performance
The long barrel of the Buntline Special significantly influenced its performance. The longer the barrel, the greater the potential for accuracy. The extended barrel allowed the bullet to accelerate for a longer distance, resulting in a higher muzzle velocity. This increased velocity, in turn, translated to a flatter trajectory and reduced bullet drop over distance, leading to a higher likelihood of hitting the target.
The .45 Long Colt round, known for its stopping power, complemented the increased accuracy of the long barrel. This combination made the Buntline Special a formidable firearm at extended ranges. However, the extended barrel also had its drawbacks. The sheer length of the Buntline Special could make it challenging to handle, especially in close quarters.
Furthermore, the weight and balance of the long barrel might have made it slower to aim and less maneuverable compared to a standard SAA. The long barrel, while enhancing accuracy, made the gun more unwieldy. The extended sight radius improved precision but was not necessarily a priority for someone facing a surprise attack.
Real-world shooting experiences with the Buntline Special are limited due to its rarity. Historical accounts and modern-day enthusiasts suggest that the Buntline Special, in the hands of a skilled shooter, could deliver impressive accuracy at distances.
The gun’s practical applications, beyond the theatrical, were more limited. Its size would have made concealed carry all but impossible, and its handling characteristics made it more suited for target shooting or a role where a dramatic visual appearance was paramount. This is a firearm designed for the big stage, not necessarily for a quick draw in a narrow saloon.
A Cultural Icon: Beyond the Battlefield
The Gun on the Screen
The Colt Buntline Special’s impact on popular culture is undeniable. The firearm’s visual distinctiveness, combined with the romanticized tales of the Old West, made it a perfect prop for Western films and television shows. The Buntline Special has appeared in countless movies, instantly recognizable to viewers as a symbol of frontier justice and heroic gunfighters.
The Buntline Special’s presence in movies and other forms of media significantly amplified its allure. Its extended barrel, combined with the .45 caliber, and the name itself helped build a legendary status. In Westerns, the long-barreled revolver became a signature weapon for iconic characters, often associated with lawmen, bounty hunters, and figures who stood for order and justice.
The Buntline Special’s appeal transcends the specific narratives in which it appears. The gun represents a romanticized vision of the American West, a time of daring, and the pursuit of personal freedom. The mere sight of the Buntline Special is enough to evoke images of dust-covered towns, high noon showdowns, and the struggle between good and evil.
Collecting the Legend: Identifying a Treasure
A Collector’s Perspective
For firearm enthusiasts and collectors, the Colt Buntline Special holds significant value. The original Buntline Specials are extremely rare and highly sought after, with prices reflecting their historical significance, rarity, and condition.
The primary factors that influence the value of an original Buntline Special include its condition, the overall wear of the metal parts, and its originality. A well-preserved specimen with its original finish and working parts is highly valued. Additionally, any documented historical provenance, such as a record of ownership or a connection to a specific historical figure, can significantly increase the value.
Modern reproductions are available, offering collectors a way to own a Buntline Special without paying the price of an original. These reproductions vary in quality and authenticity. They are designed to capture the visual appearance of the original but are not considered historically significant. Their values depend on their build quality and the manufacturer.
Resources like auction houses, firearms dealers, and online collector communities provide valuable information for valuing antique firearms. Thorough research and expert advice are crucial before purchasing a Buntline Special, particularly an original.
The Enduring Legacy
The Gun that Speaks Volumes
The Colt Buntline Special .45 stands as a unique chapter in the history of firearms. Its design, origin, and romanticized legacy have secured its place as an icon of the American West and a symbol of the adventure of the frontier. It is more than just a weapon; it is a piece of history.
The Buntline Special’s influence extends beyond its use in history and film. It serves as an example of how custom design and a bit of story-telling can create a legend. This gun is a statement, as much as it is a functional tool.
The allure of the Buntline Special lies not only in its craftsmanship and performance but also in the rich stories associated with it. The gun’s legacy has captured the imagination of generations, making it one of the most iconic firearms of all time. The Buntline Special will continue to fascinate people for decades, both for its historical significance and the romantic ideals it represents.
The Colt Buntline Special .45 is a testament to a bygone era. Its legend has influenced firearms culture. Whether you are a seasoned collector, a firearms enthusiast, or simply fascinated by the lore of the Wild West, the Colt Buntline Special will always be a symbol of that romantic past.
