What Was the Big Iron in The Big Iron?
The Big Iron is a legendary weapon in the American West, made famous by the Marty Robbins song of the same name. But what gun was the Big Iron actually based on? Was it a Colt Single Action Army, a Smith & Wesson Model 29, or something else entirely?
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the history of the Big Iron and try to determine what gun it was based on. We’ll also explore the cultural significance of the Big Iron and its role in American mythology.
| Name | Caliber | Action |
|---|---|---|
| The Big Iron | .45 Colt | Single-action |
The Big Iron in Popular Culture
The Colt Single Action Army revolver, also known as the “Peacemaker” or the “Big Iron,” is one of the most iconic guns in American history. It has been featured in countless Western films, television shows, and music.
The Big Iron in Western films
The Colt Single Action Army revolver was the standard-issue sidearm for the United States Cavalry during the late 19th century. As a result, it is often seen in Western films set during this time period. Some of the most famous examples include:
- The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966)
- For a Few Dollars More (1965)
- The Magnificent Seven (1960)
- Stagecoach (1939)
- Shane (1953)
In these films, the Colt Single Action Army revolver is often used by the hero to defend himself against the villains. It is a symbol of strength, courage, and justice.
The Big Iron in music
The Colt Single Action Army revolver has also been featured in a number of songs. Some of the most famous examples include:
- “Big Iron” by Marty Robbins (1959)
- “The Ballad of the Alamo” by Marty Robbins (1960)
- “El Paso” by Marty Robbins (1959)
- “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly” by Ennio Morricone (1966)
- “Stagecoach” by John Wayne (1960)
In these songs, the Colt Single Action Army revolver is often used as a metaphor for power, violence, and the American West.
The Big Iron in other media
The Colt Single Action Army revolver has also been featured in a number of other media, including:
- Comic books
- Novels
- Video games
- Board games
- Role-playing games
In these media, the Colt Single Action Army revolver is often used by heroes, villains, and outlaws alike. It is a symbol of strength, power, and danger.
The History of the Big Iron
The Colt Single Action Army revolver was developed by Samuel Colt in 1873. It was designed to be a powerful and reliable handgun that could be used by soldiers and lawmen in the American West. The revolver was chambered for the .45 Colt cartridge, which was a powerful round that could stop a charging buffalo.
The Colt Single Action Army revolver was a success from the start. It was adopted by the United States Army and was also used by lawmen, cowboys, and outlaws. The revolver became one of the most iconic guns in American history and is still popular today.
The development of the Colt Single Action Army revolver
The Colt Single Action Army revolver was developed by Samuel Colt in 1873. Colt had been experimenting with revolver designs for years, and he had developed a number of successful revolvers. The Colt Single Action Army revolver was the culmination of Colt’s work.
The Colt Single Action Army revolver was a six-shooter with a single action. This meant that the user had to cock the hammer before each shot. The revolver was also a percussion revolver, which meant that it used a percussion cap to ignite the gunpowder.
The Colt Single Action Army revolver was a powerful and reliable handgun. It was accurate, easy to use, and durable. The revolver was also relatively inexpensive, which made it a popular choice for soldiers, lawmen, and outlaws.
The use of the Colt Single Action Army revolver in the American West
The Colt Single Action Army revolver was used extensively in the American West. It was adopted by the United States Army and was also used by lawmen, cowboys, and outlaws. The revolver became one of the most iconic guns in the American West and is still popular today.
The Colt Single Action Army revolver was used in a number of famous gunfights in the American West. Some of the most famous examples include:
- The Gunfight at the O.K. Corral (1881)
- The Battle of Adobe Walls (1874)
- The Lincoln County War (1878-1881)
- The Johnson County War (1892)
In these gunfights, the Colt Single Action Army revolver was used by both sides. The revolver was a powerful and effective weapon, and it played a significant role in the outcome of these gunfights.
The decline of the Colt Single Action Army revolver
The Colt Single Action Army revolver was a popular handgun for many years. However, it began to decline
3. The Myths and Legends of the Big Iron
The Colt Single Action Army revolver, also known as the “Peacemaker” or the “Big Iron,” is one of the most iconic firearms in American history. It is often associated with the Wild West, gunfighters, and the American frontier.
The myth of the quick draw is one of the most enduring legends of the Old West. It is said that gunfighters could draw and fire their revolvers in the blink of an eye, and that they could hit a target from 50 yards away. While there is some truth to this myth, it is often exaggerated. In reality, most gunfights in the Old West were over in a matter of seconds, and the combatants were rarely more than a few feet apart.
The legend of the gunfighter is also closely associated with the Colt Single Action Army revolver. These men were often portrayed as lone wolves who rode into town, cleaned up the bad guys, and rode out again. While there were certainly some gunfighters who fit this description, they were the exception rather than the rule. Most gunfighters were members of posses or law enforcement agencies, and they worked together to uphold the law.
The reality of the use of the Colt Single Action Army revolver in the American West is somewhat different from the myths and legends that have been created about it. While the revolver was certainly a popular weapon, it was not the only weapon used by gunfighters or lawmen. Rifles, shotguns, and even knives were also commonly used. The Colt Single Action Army revolver was a reliable and accurate weapon, but it was also a heavy and cumbersome weapon. It was not ideal for close-quarters combat, and it was difficult to draw and fire quickly.
4. The Big Iron Today
The Colt Single Action Army revolver is still a popular firearm today. It is prized by collectors for its historical significance and its unique design. The revolver is also used by some modern shooters for cowboy action shooting competitions.
The Colt Single Action Army revolver has also been featured in many works of fiction and popular culture. It has appeared in movies, television shows, and video games. The revolver is often associated with the Wild West, and it is often used by heroes and villains alike.
The Colt Single Action Army revolver is a symbol of the American West. It is a reminder of a time when the frontier was wild and dangerous, and when men were quick to draw their guns. The revolver is also a reminder of the courage and determination of the men and women who settled the West.
The Colt Single Action Army revolver is a unique and iconic firearm. It is a symbol of the American West, and it is a reminder of the courage and determination of the men and women who settled the West. The revolver is still popular today, and it is prized by collectors and shooters alike.
What gun was the Big Iron?
The Big Iron was a Colt Single Action Army revolver, chambered in .45 Colt. It was a popular revolver in the late 19th century, and was known for its power and accuracy.
Who was the man with the Big Iron?
The man with the Big Iron was John Henry “Doc” Holliday, a gunfighter who lived in the American West in the late 19th century. He was known for his quick draw and deadly accuracy, and was involved in several gunfights.
What is the significance of the Big Iron?
The Big Iron is a symbol of the Wild West, and of the rugged individualism and violence that characterized the region. It is also a reminder of the dangers of the frontier, and of the need for a quick draw and a steady hand.
Where can I learn more about the Big Iron?
There are a number of resources available to learn more about the Big Iron. These include books, articles, and websites. Some of the most popular resources include:
- The Big Iron: The Story of John Henry “Doc” Holliday, by Gary L. Roberts
- “The Big Iron” by Marty Robbins
- “The Big Iron” Wikipedia page
These resources can provide you with a wealth of information about the Big Iron, its history, and its significance.
the Big Iron was a Colt Single Action Army revolver that was carried by the fictional character Sheriff Wyatt Earp. It was a popular gun in the Old West and is still prized by collectors today. The Big Iron is a symbol of the Wild West and the rugged individualism of its cowboys and lawmen.