The Allure of the Gun
An Introduction to the Weapon
The name Wyatt Earp conjures images of steely-eyed lawmen, dusty streets, and showdowns at high noon. He’s a quintessential figure of the American West, a symbol of courage and justice in a lawless land. And alongside this iconic image often appears another: the imposing form of the Buntline Special, a long-barreled, sometimes rifle-stocked revolver, seemingly inseparable from the legend of Wyatt Earp. But how much of this is historical fact, and how much is the embellishment of dime novels and Hollywood portrayals? Did Wyatt Earp actually carry a Buntline Special? This article delves into the evidence, separating myth from reality to uncover the truth behind this enduring Western myth.
The Buntline Special, a firearm of considerable stature, is instantly recognizable. Its defining features – an unusually long barrel, often exceeding twelve inches, and the occasional addition of a detachable rifle stock – immediately set it apart from the more common revolvers of the era. It was a visually striking weapon, designed to make a statement. But where did this unique firearm originate, and what purpose was it intended to serve? This initial investigation is vital to understanding if Wyatt Earp carried a Buntline Special.
The origins of the Buntline Special are shrouded in a bit of mystery. The most common narrative attributes its creation to a writer named Ned Buntline. It’s believed that Buntline, a popular dime novelist, commissioned a batch of these special revolvers from the Colt factory. These guns were then supposedly gifted to a select group of lawmen and figures associated with the West as a promotional gesture or a token of admiration. The Buntline Special, as the story goes, was intended to be a symbol of the Wild West, a representation of the tough men who tamed it.
But the exact number of Buntline Specials produced and the exact recipients remain a subject of debate among historians and gun enthusiasts. This ambiguity fuels the legend and contributes to the ongoing fascination.
The Legend Takes Root
How the Myth Grew
The legend of Wyatt Earp and the Buntline Special is deeply ingrained in popular culture. From classic Western films to dime novels and countless retellings of the Wild West, Wyatt Earp is often depicted wielding this distinctive firearm. This association is so prevalent that it’s almost impossible to separate the man from the gun in many people’s minds.
Where does this iconic image originate? The answer lies primarily in the world of popular entertainment. Dime novels, a sensationalized form of literature that flourished in the late nineteenth century, played a significant role in shaping the public’s perception of the West. These pulp stories, often featuring exaggerated characters and dramatic events, helped solidify the image of Wyatt Earp as a heroic lawman, and the Buntline Special as his weapon of choice.
Films, of course, further cemented the image in the collective consciousness. Hollywood, with its penchant for visual storytelling and dramatic license, embraced the Buntline Special as a prop that amplified the heroic stature of figures like Wyatt Earp. The long barrel, the imposing presence, all contributed to an aura of authority and danger, perfectly aligning with the character of a frontier lawman. Countless movies and TV shows, often with little regard for historical accuracy, perpetuated the myth, making the Buntline Special an inseparable part of Wyatt Earp’s image.
Piecing Together the Narrative: Potential Evidence
Arguments Supporting the Claim
So, is there any concrete evidence to support the claim that Wyatt Earp carried a Buntline Special? The historical record, unfortunately, is rather thin on this point. Primary sources, such as letters, official reports, and court documents, are often silent on the specific weapons used by Earp. This silence, however, doesn’t completely negate the possibility.
One argument in favor of the Buntline Special’s association with Earp centers on the notion of its availability and the circumstances of the time. It’s plausible that Wyatt Earp, during his law enforcement career, might have been presented with, or had access to, such a firearm. The Buntline Specials, as mentioned earlier, were reportedly gifted to various lawmen. So the idea that Wyatt Earp may have received one himself isn’t entirely outside the realm of possibility.
Another argument often revolves around the practical advantages, or perceived advantages, of a long-barreled revolver. A longer barrel could potentially improve accuracy at longer ranges, and its imposing nature could have a certain deterrent effect on potential wrongdoers.
These potential justifications for using a Buntline Special are, however, mostly speculative. The lack of definitive evidence leaves the question open. It’s essential to approach these claims with a critical eye, recognizing the limitations of anecdotal evidence and the importance of scrutinizing primary sources.
Countering the Myth: Examining the Realities
Examining the Lack of Historical Support
While some theories suggest that Wyatt Earp may have carried a Buntline Special, the counterarguments present a more compelling case, particularly when you scrutinize the historical record. The most significant obstacle is the absence of any clear, contemporary documentation directly confirming the use of this particular weapon by Wyatt Earp.
When examining contemporary accounts, such as newspapers and official documents, the descriptions of the firearms used by Wyatt Earp are often generic, mentioning the type of revolver (Colt, etc.) but rarely specifying barrel length or any unique features. This absence of detail is highly significant. If Wyatt Earp had consistently carried a weapon as distinctive as the Buntline Special, it’s likely it would have been mentioned.
Considerations of practicality also weigh heavily against the likelihood of frequent Buntline Special use. The gun’s size and weight would have presented significant challenges. A long-barreled revolver would be cumbersome to carry and potentially difficult to maneuver quickly in close-quarters combat situations. The weight itself could have also been a factor. Furthermore, the detachable rifle stock would not have been practical in most situations, adding to the gun’s unwieldiness.
Finally, the timeline itself creates an issue. Buntline Specials were associated with the Dodge City era and potentially events leading up to Tombstone. Wyatt Earp was a lawman but also involved in other events. So, there are conflicting points that may question the use.
Analyzing the Showdown at the OK Corral
What the Gunfight Reveals
The gunfight at the OK Corral, one of the most famous incidents in the history of the Wild West, offers a critical opportunity to examine the weaponry used by Wyatt Earp and his associates. The events are extensively documented through witness accounts, newspaper articles, and later recollections. Yet, even in the wealth of descriptions, the Buntline Special is rarely, if ever, mentioned.
The detailed descriptions of the weapons used during the gunfight, as provided by witnesses and investigators, focus primarily on the more typical revolvers of the era. The absence of any mention of a Buntline Special, in these accounts, is significant.
This fact can be interpreted in a couple of ways. The simplest is, he probably wasn’t carrying a Buntline Special that day.
Assessing the Balance: Fact vs. Fiction
Drawing Conclusions
So, what conclusions can be drawn? The evidence overwhelmingly suggests that Wyatt Earp was unlikely to have been a consistent user of the Buntline Special. The lack of supporting documentation, coupled with the practical limitations of the weapon and the detailed accounts of firearms from the OK Corral gunfight, paints a picture that contradicts the enduring legend.
The association, however, isn’t entirely without substance. It’s easy to see how the image of Wyatt Earp, the heroic lawman, would become intertwined with the image of a uniquely imposing weapon. The Buntline Special is an iconic gun.
The myth, therefore, is a product of popular imagination. But it also helps explain why the myth endures: The allure of the Wild West, the image of a courageous lawman, the iconic weaponry. These things are all a product of our collective memory.
The Enduring Legend
Final Thoughts
Wyatt Earp’s legacy is one of bravery, justice, and the untamed spirit of the American West. Even if the Buntline Special was not his constant companion, it became, by default, associated with his image.
The story of Wyatt Earp and the Buntline Special serves as a reminder of the power of myth and the importance of historical accuracy. While fiction might be more appealing, the pursuit of historical fact is crucial. The Buntline Special, regardless of its historical relevance, is still a significant component of the Western myth.
By exploring the facts, rather than simply accepting the stories we’ve heard, we gain a deeper appreciation for the real individuals who lived and shaped the American West.
