Author Stephen Bly with his Winchesters
A PASSION FOR THE AUTHENTIC ANTIQUE
Being a writer of western novels, I’ve had a particular interest in authentic antique guns of the Old West. I try to make sure my readers know the difference between a Henry, a Winchester ’66, a Winchester ’73, and a Sharps. I try to make sure I get the action right when someone’s using a Remington ’44, new model cap lock revolver, or a ’38 Rimfire Sharps 4-barrel cluster derringer, or a single-action Colt ’44.
Now, some obvious things need to be kept clear in mind when writing about authentic antique weapons in the Old West. A John means a handgun or revolver or maybe a buffalo gun. The term never meant a rifle or carbine or musket. The word ‘pistol,’ while used as a description in the catalogues of the times, seldom got mentioned by any cowboy at all. The writers of pulp westerns picked up the term around the turn of the century.
My Authentic Antique Investment
I either owned or borrowed and used most all the weapons I mention in my books. You see, I find it’s difficult to communicate a scene if you haven’t felt the kick of a rifle, the explosion in your ear, or the heat of the barrel. Some events only ring true if you’ve experienced them yourself.
I think our faith works best that way too. Genuine, authentic faith can be copied by other people.
Paul said, “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me or seen in me, put into practice” (Philippians 4:9).
Real Life
In other words, live in such an open, honest, genuine way that others could copy your lifestyle and be headed in the right direction. We should be able to tell others what it’s like to come to Christ because we personally accepted Him as our own Lord and Savior. Know how to tell others how to overcome the oppression of the devil because you’ve escaped from his clutches.
Be able to give help to discover God’s will for any life because you’ve discovered His will for your own. Tell folks how to witness for Christ because you’ve done it yourself. You can even share how to trust the Lord for a miracle because you’ve had to trust Him for one.
An Authentic Antiques Experience
Authenticity impacts other people. That holds true whether you’re writing about antique guns of the Old West or living a faith-filled life in full view.
Stephen Bly
Circa 1995
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“Authentic Antique Guns” audio podcast by award-winning western author Stephen Bly. Sponsored by BlyBooks.com Legacy Series.
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