A Glimpse into the Early Twentieth Century Imagine the feeling of walking into a general store in 1911, a crisp fifteen-dollar bill clutched in your hand. What could you buy? A week’s worth of groceries? A new outfit? A night out at the theater? The reality of how far that money would stretch, compared to … Read more
Early Days and Beginnings in El Paso El Paso, a city brimming with history and a unique cultural blend, is a place where the past continuously shapes the present. Amidst the bustling streets and sprawling landscapes, lie stories of individuals and institutions that have played crucial roles in building this vibrant community. One such name, … Read more
Introduction The American West, a land of vast horizons, relentless ambition, and legendary figures, continues to captivate the imagination. Within its landscape of gunfighters and gamblers, few names resonate with the same potent mix of bravery, skill, and tragic fate as that of James Butler Hickok, better known as Wild Bill Hickok. A man etched … Read more
A City of Shadows and Stories New Orleans, a city steeped in history and shadowed by tales of intrigue, whispers secrets that echo through the centuries. Among these murmurs of the past lies the enigmatic story of the New Orleans Ace Pistol. More than just a firearm, it represents a fragment of a bygone era, … Read more
The Man and the Myth Early Life and a Shift in Path The Wild West, a landscape etched in legends of bravery, brutality, and the relentless pursuit of fortune. Among the pantheon of names synonymous with this era, few resonate with the same blend of intrigue and grim determination as Doc Holliday. A gambler, a … Read more
The Crucible of the West: Setting the Stage The American West in the mid-19th century was a harsh and unforgiving landscape. Lawlessness reigned in many territories, and the ability to defend oneself was often a matter of life and death. This reality fueled a need for firearms, and subsequently, for the means to carry and … Read more
A Life Rooted in Waco Tracing the precise origins of Bill Johnston’s early life in Waco can often be a journey through archival records and local recollections. While the specifics of his birth and childhood may remain somewhat elusive depending on readily available information, his presence in Waco from a certain point onward became undeniable. … Read more
The chilling whisper of the wind, the glint of sunlight on a meticulously polished lens, the unseen enemy: these are the hallmarks of the sniper. In the brutal crucible of World War II, where the theater of war extended across continents and involved millions, the sniper emerged as a figure of both deadly efficiency and … Read more
Introduction: More Than Just Steel and Wood The name Smith & Wesson resonates with a certain weight, a history woven into the fabric of American innovation and, at times, controversy. From the earliest days, these firearms have found their way into the hands of law enforcement, military personnel, and civilian enthusiasts alike. But beyond the … Read more
The Colt’s Legacy: The Model 3 and the Wild West A Wild West Icon The crack of a gunshot echoed across the dusty plains, the acrid smell of gunpowder clinging to the air. The Wild West, a time of untamed landscapes, lawlessness, and fierce individualists, was defined by its freedom and the omnipresent threat of … Read more
