Legendary Firearms of the Old West
I suppose the history of the Old West could be told just by describing the firearms carried. Take the Hawken rifle, for instance, among many legendary guns, indeed.
When Firearms Ruled
Winchester ’73s ruled the range during its era. The Colt Peacemaker stalked the towns. And the Sharp’s big 50 brought down the last of the buffalo. Before that, the Henry Repeating Rifle and the Remington locked cap revolvers. Mountain men preferred the Hawken Percussion rifle in their days. Most of the American brigades were issued rifles made by Samuel Hawken in St. Louis. These 10-12 pounders with 34-inch octagon barrels, .50 calibers had low sight set triggers and percussion lock.
The Ideal Weapon
The Hawken rifle provided early frontier men the ideal weapon, uncomplicated and strong. The parts seldom broke and could take the punishment of the plains and mountains. A Hawken rifle could drop a charging buffalo. And good shots would down a grizzly bear.
Today’s Warfare Weapons
Few battles today require firearms, but we’re definitely in a fight. Battles rage in our country for the minds of this present generation and centers on the presumption the smarts of men far exceed the wisdom of God. We combat pervasive moral attitudes that at times take delight in anti-biblical positions. We need an uncomplicated and strong weapon, something that will work.
The Bible Says
We possess the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. The Sword is a simple weapon, in one piece and no parts. A good sword is so strong it won’t break. However, it might get dull. God’s Word will never lose its edge, as long as we know how to use it.
There is one danger. We could forget to bring our weapon with us along the trail. That would be as foolish as old Jim Bridger leaving his Hawken rifle in camp.
Stephen Bly
Circa 1993
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Legendary Rifles of the Old West Audio Here: PODCAST