I just watched Apaloosa
- Thread starter COREY
- Start date
The 8 guage was actually an original 1878 Colt 12 gauge they sleeved with 8 gauge barrels, over the 12 gauge barrels to show larger muzzles.
They used 12 gauge blanks in it.
Their handguns were apparently by Uberti, both the 1873 and the open top carried by Hitch.
They used 12 gauge blanks in it.
Their handguns were apparently by Uberti, both the 1873 and the open top carried by Hitch.
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John, I hear you, but they were merely being loyal to Bob Parker's novel (it's an 8 guage there, too).
Anyone else notice how they could have fit "Spencer and Hawk" into that movie?
- Location
- Prince George B.C.
Given a choice between a single action revolver, lever action rifle and a full sized shotgun, I think I would select the shotgun. We're talking a hundred years ago, not an episode of "Tactical Impact" where all you do is clear rooms and ducking down hallways. Ever been in an old house or building of that era? Not too many corridors to duck around. And chances are you will never have to fire a shot. Movie cowboys are one thing, very few men can quick draw a pistol and hit their target with much accuracy from much more than a stones throw away. That beautiful shotgun on the other hand doesn't have to come out of a holster. Just hope the bad guy doesn't s**t on your floor.
Actually I have been in houses from that era. As a young boy I lived in Wells B.C. just down the road from Barkerville. In those days many of the oldtimers in both towns still lived in the original buildings\houses. In most of them you couldn't even get that shotgun into the house much less manuever it to confront a villain.
The one thing they did get right was the climactic shootout with the baddie. No fast draw B.S. Facing each other, pistol in hand, waiting for the first move.
From everything I have read the quick-draw showdown was very rare - Wild Bill Hickok took part in the only one I can recall.
As far as shotties go - they were very common in the hands of LEO's of the day. Both for their effectiveness and pure intimidation. While I have read of many instances of 10 and 12 guages being used, I have never read of anyone packing a puntgun as a personal weapon.
Like I said, it is a shame they went to all the trouble to do so much right and then ruined it -for me- with the 8 gauge.
But as another poster has pointed out they were being respectful of the novel so I guess I won't boycott Hollywood over this minor transgression
John
I see somebody else reads "Guns of the Old West" magazine too.
I watch for it every quarter and read it through.
(When the PC's in the post office let it get through now that they mail it from Windsor with just a label and no envelope.)It's the only one I subscribe to.
The sequel he wrote it better, when you read it it sounds like its Spenser and Hawk. And it is Spenser "with an S, like the poet" its one of the character's famous lines.
John, I hear you, but they were merely being loyal to Bob Parker's novel (it's an 8 guage there, too).
Anyone else notice how they could have fit "Spencer and Hawk" into that movie?
