What do cowboys call their pistols?

Asked by: Prof. Jordyn Leffler V  |  Last update: July 10, 2026
Score: 4.5/5 (46 votes)

Cowboys used various slang terms for their pistols in the Old West, most commonly calling them six-shooters, six-guns, or revolvers. Other common nicknames for their revolvers included hog leg, iron, equalizer, or smoke wagon.

What is a cowboy pistol called?

A classic cowboy pistol is typically called a single-action revolver or a six-shooter. The most iconic model is the Colt Single Action Army (SAA), famously nicknamed the "Peacemaker".

What is the most heavily armed state in America?

The answer depends on how you measure it: 

What is the Western slang for pistol?

Equalizer – A pistol.

What is the slang term for pistols?

Slang terms for a pistol vary heavily by region and era, but the most common include gat, heater, piece, and strap.

My theory on why Hollywood thinks Cowboys wore their guns low.

38 related questions found

What is the hood term for a gun?

Street slang and rap culture feature many terms for firearms, which vary by region and era. The most common terms for a gun include:

What is a blicky slang?

In modern urban slang, a "blicky" (or "blick") is a noun that refers to a handgun or pistol.

What did cowboys call revolvers?

The most famous and iconic cowboy revolver is the Colt Single Action Army (SAA), frequently nicknamed the "Peacemaker". Introduced in 1873, this .45 caliber "six-shooter" was the standard sidearm of the American West and is widely considered the quintessential revolver of the era.

What are some cowboy slang terms?

Cowboy slang is a colorful mix of ranch jargon, Spanish, and exaggeration, designed for life in the Old West. Common terms include howdy (hello), reckon (suppose), skedaddle (leave quickly), and dogie (a motherless calf). It often reflects humor, hardship, and a deep connection to horses and cattle.

What are some 1920s slang terms?

The 1920s was defined by jazz, speakeasies, and rebellious youth culture. To really talk the talk of the Roaring Twenties, you have to lean into their expressive, fast-paced vocabulary.

What is the hardest state to own a gun in?

California is widely recognized as the hardest state to own a firearm in, due to having the strictest regulations. Other states with similarly highly restrictive laws include Massachusetts, Hawaii, New York, New Jersey, and Illinois.

Which state owns the least guns?

Based on 2026 data, Massachusetts and New Jersey have the lowest gun ownership rates in the U.S., with only approximately 14.7% of residents reporting firearm ownership. Other states with very low ownership include Rhode Island (14.8%) and Hawaii (14.9%), generally driven by strict state laws and high population density.

What state has the most military?

California has the highest total number of active-duty military personnel, with over 162,000 troops. However, Virginia hosts the most total military personnel when factoring in reserves, and Hawaii has the highest military presence on a per capita basis.

What is the most popular cowboy pistol?

The Colt SAA, aka the Peacemaker, is the revolver you likely picture when someone says cowboy revolver. It's the quintessential six-shooter of the era. The Colt SAA came to be because the Rollin White patent expired, and Colt wanted that sweet, sweet Army money.

What gun is notorious for jamming?

Several firearms are notorious for jamming due to design, ammunition sensitivity, or maintenance issues. The early M16 rifle (Vietnam era), certain 1911-style pistols, and compact firearms like the Walther P22 or Ruger LCP are frequently cited for feeding or ejection failures.

Is 357 or 45 Colt more powerful?

The .357 Magnum is generally more powerful in terms of velocity and muzzle energy (600+ ft-lbs) compared to standard .45 Colt (300−400 ft-lbs), making it better for hunting and penetration. However, heavy-loaded +P .45 Colt can exceed .357 power, offering higher mass and momentum.

What is the cowboy slang for drunk?

bousy = intoxicated, drunk. “The first thing he knew being landed on his back before his bousy finger could press the trigger.” Frederick Niven, Hands Up! bracer = an alcoholic drink intended to prepare one for something difficult or unpleasant.

What is a cowboy cliche?

Cowboy Clichés

Tight Ropin': Can toss a lariat aroun' somethin'. Straight Shootin': Can put a bullet into somethin'. Fast Ridin': Can stay on a movin' horse. Hard Drinkin': Swillin' whiskey.

What do cowboys call coffee?

Cowboys in the Old West frequently called coffee Arbuckle’s (or Arbuckle’s Axle Grease) due to the brand's popularity, often referring to it simply as Jamoka or Java. Other common nicknames for the strong brew included "brown gargle," "six-shooter skink," "mud," and a "cup of joe".

What is the slang for pistols?

Slang terms for a pistol vary by region, era, and culture. Common street and cultural nicknames include piece, strap, gat, heater, iron, and blicky.

What pistol did Doc Holliday carry?

Doc Holliday famously carried nickel-plated, ivory-gripped revolvers, most notably a .41 caliber Colt Thunderer or a .38 caliber Colt Lightning (Model 1877 double-action). He also carried an 1866 Remington derringer and an 1851 Colt Navy revolver. He was known for carrying these weapons in shoulder holsters.

What is a very cowboy thing to say?

A very cowboy thing to say is, "All hat and no cattle," used to describe someone who is all talk and no action. Other iconic phrases include "Cowboy up" (get tough/keep going), "Howdy" (a greeting), and "Yee-haw" (an exclamation of joy).

What is the slang for Glock?

Common slang for a Glock includes "glizzy," "switch" (specifically for automatic conversions), "blicky," "stick," and "chopper". These terms, often originating in rap music, can refer to the pistol, its extended magazine, or a modified version, with "glizzy" often also referring to a hot dog.

What does blowey mean?

The term blowie generally has three distinct meanings depending on the context: 

What is Bacci slang for?

slang for tobacco. SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases. Tobacco & smoking.