Outlaws and Gunslingers

Western outlaws terrorized the country during the late 1800s and early 1900s, robbing stagecoaches, banks, trains, and merchants. While they were fearsome, some became folk heroes and legends.

The killer of Jesse James was vilified as a coward rather than as a hero.

Billy the Kid's reputation outgrew his actual deeds. Legend says he killed 21 men in his 21-year life. The actual number was considerably less, maybe as few five.

The west's fastest gun was "Jelly" Bryce, an FBI agent who could drop a coin from shoulder height and with the same hand, draw and shoot the coin before it reached his waist.

©2001 Alton Pryor (P)2017 Alton Pryor