What Guns Did Wild Bill Hickok Actually Use?

When people think of the Old West, one image always rises above the rest — Wild Bill Hickok standing calm and confident, with a pair of revolvers ready at his side.

But what guns did he really carry? How much did they cost? And what’s the truth behind those famous ivory handles?

Let’s break down the real history behind Wild Bill’s weapons.

The Revolvers Wild Bill Was Known For

Wild Bill Hickok is most closely associated with a matched pair of:

👉 Colt 1851 Navy Revolver

These were .36 caliber cap-and-ball revolvers, not modern cartridge guns.

Key Features:

Caliber: .36
Capacity: 6 shots
Ignition: Percussion caps (pre-cartridge era)
Barrel length: Typically 7.5 inches

These pistols were already somewhat “old school” by the 1870s, but Hickok trusted them—and stuck with what he knew worked.

When Did Wild Bill Get His Guns?

Hickok likely acquired his Colt Navy revolvers in the late 1850s or early 1860s, before or during his time as a scout and Civil War soldier.

By the time he became a lawman in places like Abilene, Kansas, these guns were already part of his identity.

Unlike many gunfighters who upgraded to newer cartridge revolvers, Hickok kept using the same style for years, showing just how confident he was in them.

How Much Did His Guns Cost?

Back in the mid-1800s, a Colt 1851 Navy revolver typically cost:

👉 Around $20–$25 per gun

That might not sound like much today, but adjusted for inflation, that’s roughly:

👉 $700–$900 per revolver in today’s money

Since Wild Bill carried two, he had a serious investment on his hips—especially for the time.

The Truth About the Ivory Handles

One of the most iconic details about Hickok’s guns is the ivory grips.

Were they real ivory?

Yes—most historical accounts agree that his revolvers featured genuine ivory grips, often believed to come from elephants.

Was the ivory illegal?

No—it was completely legal at the time.

In the 1800s:

Ivory trade was common
There were no wildlife protection laws like today
Ivory was considered a luxury material

Modern laws banning elephant ivory came much later, especially in the 20th and 21st centuries due to conservation efforts.

Why did he use ivory grips?

There are a few practical and personal reasons:

Better grip feel compared to wood
Stayed smoother and cooler in the hand
A symbol of status and style
Helped him stand out (which mattered for reputation)

Wild Bill understood something important:

👉 In the Old West, image was power

What Kind of Bullets Did He Use?

The Colt Navy revolver did NOT use modern bullets.

Instead, it used:

Loose black powder
A lead ball (round ball) or conical bullet
A percussion cap to ignite the charge

Typical load:

.36 caliber lead round ball
Black powder charge packed into each chamber

This had to be loaded manually for each shot, making reloads slow—but the gun was reliable and accurate.

How Accurate Were Wild Bill’s Guns?

Despite being older technology, the Colt 1851 Navy revolver was very accurate for its time.

Effective accuracy:

25–50 yards: Very accurate in skilled hands
Up to 75+ yards: Possible with practice

Wild Bill was known for precision shooting, not just speed.

Some accounts claim he could:

Hit targets at impressive distances
Consistently land shots under pressure

That accuracy is a big reason he survived so many confrontations.

Why Didn’t He Use Newer Guns?

By the 1870s, newer cartridge revolvers were available, like the famous Colt Single Action Army.

So why didn’t Hickok switch?

Simple:

👉 Trust and familiarity

He had years of experience with the Colt Navy
He knew exactly how it handled
In a gunfight, confidence matters more than upgrades

The Guns That Built a Legend

Wild Bill Hickok’s revolvers weren’t just tools—they were part of his identity.

Matched Colt Navy pistols
Ivory grips
Carried in a crossdraw position
Used with deadly accuracy

They helped define one of the most legendary gunfighters of the Old West.

And even today, the image of Wild Bill Hickok with his ivory-handled revolvers remains one of the most powerful symbols of frontier history.

⭐ On this site you’ll discover everything about Wild Bill — the guns he carried, the towns he lived in, the duels he fought, and the hidden stories most people never hear. So step into the Old West and experience the legend for yourself.

.I’m Jeff and thanks for reading my blog. Today, I found an awesome wild west shooting game on Amazon that you might be interested in.

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