In the world of firearms, few are as shrouded in legend as the Colt Buntline. This long-barreled revolver, a variant of the Colt Single Action Army, was first described in Stuart N. Lake’s 1931 biography, “Wyatt Earp: Frontier Marshal.” According to Lake, the guns were commissioned by dime novelist Ned Buntline as a token of gratitude for the lawmen who inspired his western tales, including the iconic Wyatt Earp.
The Myth and Reality
While Lake’s account turned Wyatt Earp into a “Western superman,” modern research casts doubt on the Buntline’s historical accuracy. There’s little evidence supporting the existence of these revolvers before Lake’s book was published. Nevertheless, the Buntline myth persisted, and following the book’s release, various Colt revolvers with extended barrels (10-inch or 16-inch) began to be known as Colt Buntlines or Buntline Specials.
The Buntline’s Features and Legacy
The supposed original Buntline Specials featured a distinctive 12-inch barrel, significantly longer than typical revolvers. This feature alone made the Buntline stand out. Colt began manufacturing these long-barreled pistols as part of its second-generation revolvers after 1956, and other manufacturers like Uberti, Navy Arms, and Cimarron Arms have also produced their versions of the Buntline.
The Colt Buntline Today
Today, the Colt Buntline holds a unique place in the collective imagination of gun enthusiasts and historians alike. It’s a symbol of the Old West’s blend of fact and fiction, where the line between the two is often blurred. While its historical authenticity might be questionable, the Colt Buntline remains an enduring icon of Western lore and an intriguing piece for firearm collectors and enthusiasts.
Whether as a historical curiosity or a testament to the power of storytelling, the Colt Buntline Special continues to fascinate, reminding us of a time when the tales of the Wild West were as wild as the frontier itself.
