Did Cowboys Use Rifles? A Look at Western Weaponry

Yes, American Western cowboys used rifles. Rifles were a popular weapon among cowboys for hunting, protection, and sometimes even for sport. The most commonly used rifles during the Western era were lever-action rifles like the Winchester Model 1873 or the Marlin Model 1894. These rifles were reliable, easy to handle, and had a high rate of fire, making them ideal for cowboys who spent most of their time on horseback.