Colt .45 vs Winchester Repeater
While both the .45 and Repeater were widely used, the Repeater really won the West. With it’s easier use and higher round capacity, the .45 just could not keep up.
The Colt .45 (peacemaker) began its production in 1872, just a year before the model 1873 Winchester repeater. Created by a man named Samual Colt, who was born in Hartford, Connecticut on July 19th, 1814. He actually first made the revolver back in 1832. His pistols replaced many of the previous pistols and rifles widely used in the midwest. The .45 is still used to this day, for protection or even hunting, while the Repeater is not.
1872 Colt .45 - The Peacemaker
It was also extremely widely used by outlaws. A great example is Jesse James and his group of outlaws. They used the Colt .45 revolver to execute many bank robberies. With the 6 round chamber and ease of reloading, it was an obvious superior choice. Especially when 2 .45’s could be easily held and used simultaneously. Although it could only hold 1 type of caliber. It is said that Jesse James never took his pair off.
Jesse James - Famous for utilizing 2 Colt .45s
(These 2 photos are the 2 most common to depict Jesse, the left is the more accepted)
Introduced in 1866 by Oliver Winchester, who originally just redid the .44 Henry Repeater, the Repeater was taking over the west. By 1873, when the newer model was released, just a year after the .45, it quickly became known as the gun that won the west. Because of its widespread use and viability. They also made it available to shoot multiple calibers, making it even easier for people to want. While the .45 could still only shoot the .45 caliber. Meaning they only needed one type of ammunition that would fit both their pistol and their rifle. If they were the same caliber. The Repeater was really the gun of the law, as it was most widely used by lawmen, Texas Rangers, messengers, or just simple store owners. Even though it took 2 hands, the 10 rd’s and the range it could accurately shoot at, made it the choice for the good people. While the outlaws usually had the 6 round; 1 handed revolver.
1873 Repeater
"Shotgun" Messengers, were the defence for coaches traveling and for trains traveling, mostly from the west to the east. During the gold rush, outlaws would catch trains or coaches traveling back east with their haul of gold. They would then attempt to stop them, and then rob them, usually killing the driver and assistants as well. The Shotgun Messengers were the ones sitting next to the driver, usually carrying with them a Repeater, a revolver, and a shotgun. When outlaws would come up trying to rob them, the Messenger would then send a blast from a distance with the Repeater. Usually they were competent marksmen and able to keep calm under intense pressure even while riding a horse. Along with the messengers were the Texas Rangers who used the Repeater daily and it won them many battles.
(kind of where the term "shotgun" comes from for sitting up front.)
While both the Colt .45 and the Repeater were widely used, both had a very ease of use, and both in the same era. The Repeater really was the gun that won the west. While the outlaws famously made great use of the .45, the lawmen made even greater use of the Repeater. From its multi caliber capability and high round capacity, it out shone the .45.
(personally I just love revolvers though)
Thank you for reading! Much love!
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