This style of weapon was considered to be one of the most devastating close-in firearms ever used in the American Old West and is still considered such today. With the stock and barrels of a standard shotgun cut very short, this weapon is referred to as a “sawed-off” shotgun, also referred to as “whippet” gun. The specimen shown in the illustration and specifications is representative of this type of gun for the era. It is confirmed to have been owned and used by John Henry “Doc” Holliday, though not likely used at his famous gunfight at the OK Corral in Tombstone, Arizona.
The exposed hammers of this style of shotgun have to be manually cocked back in order to fire the weapon. The rebounding action of the hammers keeps them off of the firing pins when not cocked to fire.
Though this style of weapon can be fired with one hand, it is barely controllable and the operator has a fair chance of being struck by the barrels when the weapon flips up and back from the heavy recoil. When fired with both hands firmly holding the weapon, both barrels can be discharged at the same time.
The metal ring soldered to the upper rib of the barrels is set at the balance point of the weapon. This was so that the shotgun could be carried under a coat, held by a silk ribbon attached to the suspension ring and passing over the shoulders of the operation. When the shooter’s coat is opened, the gun will swing down and hang leveled in a position where is can be fired. The twin muzzles of the 10-gauge weapon would give even an enraged opponent pause to consider if he wanted to go forward with any argument.
