The 4th Saturday of July is designated as National Day of the Cowboy. Cities all over America are holding celebrations to honor what once was a dangerous (and not so glamorous) occupation.
There is something about the old west that still draws people in. The independent spirit, the danger, the unknown, the unlimited possibilities are just some of the reasons we have countless books, movies and even dedicated periodicals like True West Magazine.
Collectors pine for a piece of the history, Cowboy Action Shooters relive the famous shootouts and authors continue to find untold stories to write about.
The old west (1865-1905) came along during a weird time. Technology was advancing rapidly, but the logistics of getting new technologies out to the frontier often meant that those living out west had to wait months for them to arrive or do without.
In 1880 New York City and Dodge City looked as if they could be 100 years apart. You needed to be tough and self motivated to make it in the west. This is what lured Teddy Roosevelt and others: to see what they were made of.
At any rate today we celebrate a part of our history that hopefully will never be forgotten.
If you hadn't noticed, this months theme is Single Action Revolvers. I figured I would use this post to list links to all my previous Cowboy gun related projects and posts.
Here they are, in no particular order:
Having a rifle or carbine chambered for the same cartridge as your pistol was a big plus for the Cowboy, it meant one cartridge to buy and keep track of. See my post on Pistol Caliber Carbines
The story of the Ruger "Vaquerito" Single-Six
A post on "Antiquing" a single actions finish to make it appear to be old
Ruger Vaquero Gun Porn
Featured Gun: The Marlin model 39A
My Ruger Old Model Blackhawk Project:
Part One
Part Two
Part Three
Part Four
Part Five
Part Six
Part Seven
How 'bout them Cowgirls?
Lever Action Gun Porn
Ruger Blackhawk Anatomy 101
Some upgrades I performed on my Ruger Vaquero .45
and a similar treatment for my .357 Vaquero
I make some grips for the .357 Vaquero
I make a Coffin Boot Dagger to match my 357 Vaquero
Troubleshooting a Hawes Western Marshal
The story of the Buntline Special
Modifications to my Marlin 1895 Guide Gun in 45-70
Whoops!
I explain the parts interchangeability on the old and New Model Ruger Blackhawks
Featured Gun, The Ruger Blackhawk Buckeye Special
Here is a post I did relating to the changes made to the Winchester model 94 lever action
The story of the Ruger Bearcat
Options and upgrades for your Ruger Vaquero
Rebluing a Ruger Single-Six
A quick post showing how I got a broken shell casing out of the chamber on my Winchester model 94, 44 Magnum carbine.
The Story of the Colt Lightning Rifle
Reblung a Westernfield 740 (Marlin 336)
Part 1
Part 2
Some custom Ruger Blackhawk Gun Porn
Putting a bead blast finish on a Marlin 1895 Guide Gun
Feature Gun: The Hawes Western Marshal
We restore an 1893 Marlin lever action rifle
Part One
Part Two
Part Three
Part Four
I try to sort out the different grip frames on the Ruger Single Action guns
Visiting the site of the famous Battle of the Little Big Horn