What Gun Does Doc Holliday Use in Wynonna Earp?
Doc Holliday, portrayed by Tim Rozon in the supernatural Western series Wynonna Earp, carries a nickel-plated Colt Lightning throughout the show. This particular firearm is a key element of the character’s persona and ties into the historical figure of Doc Holliday, the legendary gambler and gunslinger of the Old West. Let’s delve deeper into the significance of this gun and other related firearms lore surrounding Doc Holliday and Wyatt Earp.
The Colt Lightning in Wynonna Earp
The choice of the Colt Lightning for Doc Holliday in Wynonna Earp isn’t arbitrary. It’s a nod to the actual historical Doc Holliday, who was known to favor this weapon. The nickel-plated finish adds a touch of flair, befitting the character’s roguish charm.
The Colt Lightning, officially the Colt Double Action Revolver Model 1877, was chambered in various calibers, including .38 Long Colt, .41 Long Colt, and .32 Long Colt. It was intended to compete with Smith & Wesson’s double-action revolvers, offering shooters a faster rate of fire than the single-action revolvers that dominated the era. Though not as powerful as some of the larger-caliber revolvers, its speed and ease of use made it a popular choice for those who valued accuracy and quick follow-up shots.
Doc Holliday: Gunslinger and His Arsenal
The historical Doc Holliday wasn’t limited to just the Colt Lightning. He was known to carry an assortment of weapons, depending on the situation. His arsenal included:
- Colt Lightning: As featured in Wynonna Earp.
- Remington 1880: A classic firearm of the era.
- Colt Single Action Army (Peacemaker): Arguably the most iconic revolver of the Old West.
- Bowie Knife: For close-quarters combat.
The Colt Single Action Army, often called the “Peacemaker“, played a significant role in the history of the American West. It’s a single-action revolver, meaning the hammer must be manually cocked before each shot. Despite its slower firing rate compared to the Colt Lightning, its power and reliability made it a favorite among lawmen, outlaws, and civilians alike.
Wyatt Earp and His Peacemaker
In contrast to Doc Holliday’s varied arsenal, Wyatt Earp is most famously associated with the Colt Buntline Special. The TV Show uses the Colt Buntline Special, a six-chamber gun with a long barrel, and itself a version of the Colt Single Action Army, a model of gun often nicknamed the “Peacemaker”. While the use of the Buntline Special in Wynonna Earp is rooted in the historical legend, the exact weapon Wyatt Earp used in real life is debated by Historians.
Real-Life Doc Holliday’s Gun Preferences
The historical Doc Holliday utilized a variety of firearms, indicating his adaptability and resourcefulness. While the Colt Lightning is often depicted as his primary weapon, it’s important to remember that he also used other weapons, including the Colt Single Action Army (Peacemaker).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions related to the guns of Doc Holliday, Wyatt Earp, and the firearms of the Wild West.
1. What kind of gun did Wyatt Earp use in real life?
The exact gun Wyatt Earp used is heavily debated. The show depicts him using a Colt Buntline Special, but historical accuracy is uncertain.
2. What pistol did Doc Holliday carry in Tombstone?
Historical accounts and popular depictions, like the movie Tombstone, suggest Doc Holliday favored a Colt Model 1877 “Lightning” in .38 caliber.
3. What is the difference between a Colt Lightning and a Colt Peacemaker?
The Colt Lightning is a double-action revolver, allowing for faster firing. The Colt Peacemaker (Single Action Army) is a single-action revolver, requiring manual cocking before each shot, but it typically had a more powerful cartridge.
4. Does Wyatt Earp’s gun still exist?
A Colt .45 revolver purported to be Wyatt Earp’s is on display at the Arizona History Museum. However, its authenticity is debated.
5. Was Doc Holliday really that fast with a gun?
While Doc Holliday’s skills were formidable, he wasn’t considered the fastest gun in the West. His deadly reputation stemmed more from his fearlessness and accuracy rather than sheer speed.
6. What type of knife did Doc Holliday carry?
Doc Holliday was known to carry a Bowie knife, using it in at least one documented instance of violence.
7. Can you still get a Colt Single Action Army?
Yes, the Colt Single Action Army is still manufactured today, making it a highly sought-after collectible and a popular choice for historical reenactors.
8. What two pistols did Doc Holliday carry?
Doc Holliday often carried the Colt Lightning and the Colt Single Action Army. Some accounts mention the .41 caliber Colt Thunderer as well.
9. Who was the best gunslinger in the West?
Determining the “best” is subjective. Figures like Wyatt Earp, Wild Bill Hickok, and others had reputations for skill and speed. There are even reports of Bob Munden being the “fastest man with a gun who ever lived.”
10. What pistol did Val Kilmer use in Tombstone?
Val Kilmer, portraying Doc Holliday in Tombstone, carried a nickel-plated Colt Lightning and a Colt Single Action Army.
11. How many gunfights did Doc Holliday have?
Documented evidence suggests Doc Holliday was involved in approximately eight shootouts, resulting in two confirmed deaths.
12. What is the value of Wyatt Earp’s gun?
A Colt .45-caliber Revolver believed to be Wyatt Earp’s has been valued around $225,000.
13. What Outlaw killed the most?
John Wesley Hardin is one of the deadliest outlaws of the Old West, he is credited with murdering an estimated 25 men.
14. How did the firearm landscape shape the narratives of the American West?
The widespread availability and variety of firearms shaped not only the conflicts but also the myths and legends of the American West. Stories of gunslingers and lawmen are woven into the cultural fabric of the region, emphasizing both the danger and the individual agency that firearms represented.
15. Is it possible to learn about the History of the American West in Games Learning Society?
The Games Learning Society often uses historical contexts, like the American West, to explore learning through games and simulations. While the curriculum might not focus solely on the West, the principles of historical analysis and narrative engagement taught at GamesLearningSociety.org can be applied to understanding this era.
In conclusion, the nickel-plated Colt Lightning carried by Doc Holliday in Wynonna Earp is more than just a prop; it’s a symbol of the character’s connection to the historical figure and the iconic firearms of the Old West. The Peacemaker, another Colt Single Action Army, represents another significant and iconic part of that era. These guns, both real and fictional, continue to capture our imaginations and fuel our fascination with the history of the American West.