Published in · 3 min read · Mar 5, 2023
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The Wild West was a time of lawlessness and violence, where gunslingers ruled the land, and justice was often served at the end of a pistol. From shootouts in saloons to showdowns on dusty streets, the gunslingers of the Wild West were a force to be reckoned with. Here are the top 5 deadliest gunslingers of the Wild West:
Five — Tom Horn
Horn was a hired gun who worked as a cowboy, soldier, and lawman during his lifetime. Believed to have committed 17 killings as a hired gunman throughout the West, he is best known for his role in the killing of a 14-year-old boy, for which he was eventually hanged. Horn was a cold-blooded killer who had no qualms about taking a life if it meant getting paid.
Four — Jesse James
James was a notorious outlaw who led a gang of bandits known as the James-Younger gang. He is said to have killed at least 17 men during his lifetime, although some estimates put the number much higher. James was eventually betrayed by one of his gang members and shot in the back of the head while he straightened a picture on the wall.
Three — Billy the Kid
Billy the Kid was a notorious outlaw who became famous for his exploits in New Mexico during the late 1800s. He is said to have killed at least 21 men, although some estimates put the number much higher. Billy the Kid was eventually caught and sentenced to death, but he managed to escape from jail and went on the run for several months before he was finally gunned down by a sheriff.
Two — Wild Bill Hickok
Hickok was a legendary gunslinger and lawman who became famous for his exploits in the Wild West. He is best known for his role in the shootout at the O.K. Corral, where he helped Wyatt Earp and his brothers take down a gang of outlaws. Hickok was also an expert marksman and is said to have killed dozens of men during his lifetime.
One — John Wesley Hardin
Hardin was one of the most notorious gunslingers of the Wild West. He is said to have killed over 40 men, including his first victim at 15. He was known for his quick draw and his willingness to shoot first and ask questions later. He claimed he only killed men “who needed killing”, but he once killed a man for snoring — shooting him through the hotel wall. Hardin spent much of his life on the run from the law, and he was eventually shot and killed by a Texas Ranger in 1895.
These 5 men were some of the deadliest gunslingers of the Wild West, and their exploits have become the stuff of legend. Whether they were fighting for justice or just looking for a quick buck, these men left a lasting impact on the history of the Wild West. Let us know which of these notorious gunslingers you would like to see brought to life in the Chalk River Metaverse.
