Phil Spangenberger

Photo of Phil Spangenberger Phil Spangenberger has written for Guns & Ammo for nearly 30 years, and he is best known for his "Gun Smoke" column and articles on Old West firearms. He's appeared on the History Channel's Tales of the Gun and Wild West Tech series and A&E's The Story of the Gun. He is also a Hollywood gun coach, with Mel Gibson, Charlton Heston and Will Smith among his past students.


Stories by Phil Spangenberger

The Fontiersman's Mexican Loop Holster

Before leaving the train, I had prudently strapped to my waist a new Colt's six-shooter, that looked and felt a yard long...

Author Phil Spangenberger Date 08/01/2008
Here Comes the Cavalry

Did you know that several firearms companies are producing replicas of the 1873 cavalry Peacemaker? 

Author Phil Spangenberger Date 07/01/2008
Big Bend Mystery Under the Sands

Discovering a frontier-era dragoon, while out riding fence.

Author Phil Spangenberger Date 06/01/2008
NRA's Cowboy Celebration

Mythical guns are just as exciting as those tied to the real Old West.

Author Phil Spangenberger Date 05/01/2008
Clearing the Smoke

Many Peacemaker fans seem to misunderstand the terms "black powder" frame and "smokeless" frame, so let's clear the smoke.

Author Phil Spangenberger Date 03/01/2008
Clean Shots

The most successful gunfighters in the Old West were firm believers in maintaining their firearms.

Author Phil Spangenberger Date 02/01/2008
The First Western Holster

Sleek scabbards housed frontiersmen's six-guns from the days of the California Gold Rush through the closing of the frontier.

Author Phil Spangenberger Date 01/01/2008
John Wayne's Silver Screen Shootin' Irons

In True Grit, Rooster Cogburn says "a gun that's unloaded and cocked ain't good for nothin'," yet that's not the case when it comes to motion picture firearms.

Author Phil Spangenberger Date 11/01/2007
A Gambler's Fifth Ace

"You gonna pull those pistols or whistle 'Dixie?'"

Author Phil Spangenberger Date 09/01/2007