What happened to Wyatt Earp’s Buntline Special? This question has intrigued historians and enthusiasts for decades. The Buntline Special, a .44 caliber Colt revolver, was one of the most famous firearms of the American Old West. Belonging to the legendary lawman Wyatt Earp, this gun played a significant role in shaping the history of the Wild West. However, the whereabouts of the Buntline Special remain a mystery to this day.
The Buntline Special was designed by a gunsmith named Christopherus Buntline in 1873. It was specifically crafted for Earp, who was known for his exceptional marksmanship and his need for a powerful firearm. The gun featured a unique, oversized barrel and a 10-shot cylinder, making it one of the most potent handguns of its time. Earp carried this weapon throughout his law enforcement career, which included his tenure as a marshal in Dodge City, Kansas, and his involvement in the famous gunfight at the O.K. Corral in Tombstone, Arizona.
After Earp’s death in 1929, the Buntline Special was passed down through his family. However, its existence was soon called into question. Some historians believe that the gun was destroyed during the 1929 flood in Wichita, Kansas, where it was said to have been stored. Others speculate that it was sold or stolen, and its whereabouts remain unknown.
In 1975, a man named Jim Taylor claimed to have found the Buntline Special in the ruins of an old house in Independence, Kansas. He even took the gun to a gunsmith for authentication. However, the authenticity of Taylor’s claim was widely questioned, and the gun was never officially recognized as Earp’s Buntline Special.
The search for Wyatt Earp’s Buntline Special continues to this day. Many believe that the gun may still be out there, hidden away in someone’s collection or perhaps even buried somewhere in the American West. The mystery surrounding the gun adds to the allure of the Old West and the legend of Wyatt Earp.
In conclusion, the fate of Wyatt Earp’s Buntline Special remains one of the enduring mysteries of the American Old West. While its existence is no longer in doubt, its whereabouts continue to be a subject of speculation and debate. The search for this legendary firearm serves as a reminder of the enduring fascination with the Wild West and the life of one of its most iconic figures.
