What Kind of Gun Did Billy the Kid Use?

By Staff WriterLast Updated December 06, 2023

Billy the Kid is known to have used a 45-caliber Colt Model 1873 Army revolver and a Winchester rifle model 1873. These guns appear in the only known photograph of Billy the Kid, leaving no doubt he used them.

It is also believed that Billy used a Colt Thunderer 41-caliber double-action revolver, as well as a Smith & Wesson Schofield in 45-caliber. The Colt 1873 revolver was in his hands when he was killed in a gunfight in Alabama and was auctioned off at that time for $13.50. As of 2014, the gun has not been recovered. It is likely that he owned many other guns during his short life.