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

Sheriff's Sale

A rifle and badge owned by Billy the Kid's famous killer hit the auction block at Greg Martin's.

Author Phil Spangenberger Date 11/01/2008
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Birth of a Breed

The five-shot revolver that changed the design of six-shooters for all time and played an important part in the settling of America's vast frontiers.

Author Phil Spangenberger Date 09/01/2008
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
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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
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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
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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
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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