Lethal Tools of Our Past-Weapons of The Frontier :: essays research papers fc

Lethal Tools of Our Past-Weapons of The FrontierA starving man paves his cause highway with the calloused soles of his hunger. Out on the untamed wastelands, forests, and prairies it was the way of the gun, the knife, and the axe for all that managed to survive. And survive these brave custody and women did with a sheer will of resolution that the pampered of todays world has not come to know even the shadow of. In our modern comfort we live in what legacy these bold face souls carved out of this nation, and much of the thanks we must give is passed to the sweat-hewned implements of their survival, the arms of the frontier.Scourging the countryside for this evenings meal or simply keeping wary of impending danger, unrivalled often felt naked without a trustworthy gun at their side. A firearm often made one feel invincible, for the power of a bullet could protect the weakest and cowardly from even the strongest and fiercest of animals and people. In its use it proved to be an a ction that spoke louder than words, many a quarrel has been position to rest through this instrument, whose music is often not one of good cheer.The rifle and the coveted shotgun, literally brought home the bacon. With sleek models such as the Winchester .44 in 1873, accurate targeting sights increased a hunters ability to take down his prey, even from large distances, often exceeding 200 yards. The other weapon of choice, the shotgun, did not boast a straight, clean shot, but had the capacity to tear anything to shreds in a single blast. A short barrel provided the advantage of a wider blast range and easier handling (Trachtman et al 50). In many battles, the shotguns were often preferred for their simplifying features.In the frequently lawless country that the United States had become, a fast solution for combat was deemed necessary. It did not take long for such handguns as the 1873 Colt Peacemaker to emerge as the weapon of choice for gunfighter, cowboy, sheriff or civilian. F ighting men everywhere considered the peacemakers balance and durability superior to that of other revolvers of the day, and they expressed their appreciation by clamoring for a variety of versions some nonfunctional or modified for a fast draw, others were plain, but all were lethal (Trachtman et al 43). With a growing consideration of violence, many Americans rushed to buy them in large quantities, often through the mail.