What was George Patton's killing gun?
Asked by: Mr. Kameron Gleason | Last update: July 5, 2026Score: 4.8/5 (38 votes)
General George Patton referred to his .357 Magnum Smith & Wesson registered magnum revolver as his "killing gun," which he intended for use if the battlefield situation demanded it. While famous for carrying two pistols, his most iconic, regularly carried "killing" weapon during WWII was this ivory-handled .357 revolver, often paired with a .45 Colt Single Action Army.
What happened to General Patton's gun?
The handguns most associated with him, and which are now in the Patton Collection of the West Point Museum, are a . 45 Long Colt Single Action revolver, 1873 Army Model, and a . 357 Magnum Smith & Wesson revolver.
What hits harder, 357 or 45?
The .357 Magnum hits harder in terms of raw energy and penetrating power. It is a high-velocity, high-pressure round, whereas the .45 ACP relies on a heavy, wide, slow-moving bullet that transfers its energy very efficiently into the target without as much recoil snap.
What kind of gun did Patton carry?
General George S. Patton famously carried an ivory-handled Colt Single Action Army .45 revolver (often called a "Peacemaker") and a Smith & Wesson .357 Magnum revolver during World War II, both featuring his "GSP" initials. He preferred revolvers over semi-automatics and notably used the .357 as his "killing gun" and the .45 for everyday carry.
Why did Patton carry revolvers?
General George S. Patton carried revolvers—specifically his famous ivory-gripped .45 Colt Single Action Army and later a .357 Magnum—as a blend of functional preference, personal history, and cultivated image. He trusted the raw stopping power of revolvers over automatic pistols, viewed them as reliable backup in combat, and used them to project a fearless, "Old West" persona.
General Patton's Death: Accident OR Assassination?
Why did Patton slap soldiers?
General George S. Patton slapped two U.S. Army soldiers in August 1943 during the Sicily campaign because he believed they were malingerers or cowards, rather than truly injured. Patton did not believe in "battle fatigue" (now known as combat stress reaction or PTSD) and believed these men were dishonoring their comrades.
Will a 357 stop a grizzly bear?
A .357 Magnum can stop a grizzly bear, but it is considered marginal and not ideal for reliable, immediate protection compared to larger calibers. While high-penetration 180-grain hard-cast loads can reach vital organs, it requires exceptional shot placement under extreme stress to stop a charge reliably.
Where are Patton's pistols today?
General George S. Patton’s iconic ivory-handled revolvers—a Colt .45 Single Action Army and a Smith & Wesson .357 Magnum—are permanently housed at the General George Patton Museum of Leadership at Fort Knox, Kentucky.
Did General Patton have a lover?
General George S. Patton is widely believed to have had a long-term, intimate affair with Jean Gordon, his wife’s half-niece. The affair reportedly began years before World War II and continued behind front lines in Europe, with some reports indicating Patton boasted that she had been his for years.
How much is General Patton's pistol worth?
A Colt . 45 revolver once owned by General George S. Patton sold for $75,000 at auction in Los Angeles Thursday. Profiles in History, which conducted the auction, had expected the working firearm to fetch over $60,000.
Is 357 faster than 9mm?
The 125-grain jacketed hollow point . 357 Magnum achieves impressive velocities — reaching speeds of 1,450 feet per second (fps). This higher velocity contributes to greater range and less bullet drop. The 124-grain 9mm round generates velocities of around 1,150 fps.
Will 45 Colt stop a bear?
Yes, a .45 Colt can stop a bear, but its effectiveness depends entirely on using heavy, hard-cast ammunition and proper shot placement, rather than standard-pressure loads. While capable of killing both black and grizzly bears, it is not considered a top-tier choice compared to .44 Magnum or larger cartridges.
Is 357 overkill for self-defense?
Determining whether a .357 Magnum is suitable for self-defense involves weighing its ballistic capabilities against practical handling considerations. While it is a powerful caliber, several factors influence its effectiveness and safety in a defensive context:
What did the Germans think of Patton?
German commanders highly regarded Gen. George S. Patton as the most aggressive and skilled American armored commander, frequently comparing his tactical speed and operational tempo to their own doctrine. While often considered a "myth" that he was their most feared adversary throughout the entire war, they respected him as an effective, swift-moving combat leader who capitalized on logistical success.
Why didn't Ike attend Patton's funeral?
Dwight D. Eisenhower did not attend George S. Patton’s funeral in Luxembourg in December 1945 primarily due to the immense strain on their relationship following the war, combined with the logistical and political challenges of his role. Though once close friends, Patton’s post-war insubordination and public comments regarding Soviet Russia strained the friendship, and Eisenhower felt it necessary to maintain distance.
What happened to Patton's dog after he died?
After General George S. Patton died in December 1945, his beloved English Bull Terrier, Willie (William the Conqueror), was sent home to the United States to live with Patton's wife and daughters. Willie lived out the rest of his life on the family estate in Hamilton, Massachusetts, passing away in 1955 at the age of 13.
Was General Patton a nice man?
General George Patton was a brilliant, highly effective military commander—arguably the best Allied army leader in mobile warfare—but a deeply flawed and controversial human being. He was known for incredible bravery, leadership, and care for his troops, yet was also seen as egomaniacal, abrasive, and often reckless.
Who was the most feared general in WWII?
George S. Patton is frequently cited as the American general most feared by the Nazis, renowned for his aggressive, fast-paced armored warfare tactics during World War II. As commander of the Third Army, his rapid advance across France and victory in the Battle of the Bulge caused significant concern among German commanders.
Did Patton have a relationship with his niece?
Historical evidence suggests Gen. George S. Patton likely had a long-term affair with Jean Gordon, his wife's half-niece. The relationship reportedly spanned several years, including during WWII, and caused significant strain on his marriage. Jean Gordon died by suicide shortly after Patton's death in 1945.
How many guns did Patton carry?
Patton, Jr. "Four pistols are featured in the book because four pistols were featured in his life. Sixteen pages of pertinent illustrations, many published for the first time... including the only known photograph of Patton carrying two pistols...accompany the documented narrative.
Is the Patton museum still at Fort Knox?
The General George Patton Museum of Leadership is a museum at Fort Knox, Kentucky with the mission of training future Army Leaders. It supports US Army Cadet Command (Reserve Officer Training Corps or ROTC) and the Fort Knox installation. It houses the personal artifacts of the famous World War II General George S.
Was Patton fired in WWII?
It resulted in his governorship ending. Patton died in a car accident on December 8, 1945 still holding his rank but everyone at the time knew his career was effectively over at that time. He was not fired. The Army doesn't fire people, it discharges or simply stops promoting them and lets them quietly retire.
What is a bear's worst enemy?
Humans are generally considered the worst enemy of bears, responsible for habitat destruction, fragmentation, and hunting. While adult bears are apex predators, they also face threats from other large carnivores, including tigers, wolves, and other bears, particularly when protecting cubs.
Is a 357 more powerful than a 10mm?
357 Magnum can reach 1,450 fps, while a 180-grain 10mm may reach 1,250 fps, with both delivering more than 580 foot-pounds of energy. The difference often comes down to bullet weight, construction and intended use rather than raw numbers.
What is the 3 bear rule?
The "3 Bear Rule" is a popular wilderness safety rhyme used to remember how to react during an encounter with different types of bears.