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

fatal Tools of Our Past-Weapons of The Frontier     A starving man paves his own highway with the callous soles of his hunger. Out on the untamed wastelands, forests, and prairies it was the way of the gaseous state, the knife, and the axe for all that managed to snuff it. And survive these brave men and women did with a sheer will of endurance that the pampered of right aways world has not come to know even the dark of. In our modern comfort we live in what legacy these gauzy 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 weapons of the frontier.     Scourging the countryside for this evens meal or simply keeping wary of imminent danger, one oft felt naked without a trustworthy gun at their side. A firearm often made one encounter invincible, for the power of a bullet could protect the weakest and cowardly from even the strongest and fiercest of ani mals and people. In its use it proved to be an action that spoke louder than words, umpteen a quarrel has been put to rest through this instrument, whose music is often not one of good cheer.     The rifle and the coveted shotgun, literally brought residence 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 sizeable distances, often exceeding 200 yards. The other weapon of choice, the shotgun, did not fumble a straight, clean shot, nevertheless had the capacity to tear anything to shreds in a single volcanic eruption. A short barrel provided the advantage of a wider blast range and easier handling (Trachtman et al 50). In legion(predicate) battles, the shotguns were often preferred for their simplifying features.     In the frequently lawless country that the United States had become, a speedy 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. competitiveness men everywhere considered the peacemakers balance and durability A-one to that of other revolvers of the day, and they expressed their appreciation by clamoring for a assortment of versions some decorative 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.