The Most Famous Gun Slinger, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the gun slinger you think is the most famous!

Updated on Apr 30, 2024 07:07

Debates often arise when discussing the skills and legacies of the most notable gun slingers. Each enthusiast seems to have their personal favorite, backed by tales of sharpshooting feats and daring exploits. Establishing a consensus can help clarify which of these figures truly had the most profound impact on their peers and the stories passed down through generations. By casting your vote on this list, you contribute to a broader understanding of who is considered the top gun slinger. This process not only shines a light on their significant abilities and historical importance but also keeps the spirited discussions alive, grounding them in a communal appreciation shared by fans around the world.

Who Is the Most Famous Gun Slinger?

1

78
votes
unattributed · Public domain

Wyatt Earp

Wyatt Earp is perhaps the most legendary of all gunfighters, Wyatt Earp was a lawman who became famous for his role in the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. He was also involved in other famous shootouts and is often portrayed in popular culture as a symbol of the Wild West.
Wyatt Earp in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous sheriff
2

32
votes

Billy the Kid

Billy the Kid is another famous outlaw and gunfighter, Billy the Kid was known for his quick draw and his involvement in several violent conflicts. He became a symbol of the lawlessness of the Wild West and has been portrayed in numerous films and books.
3

23
votes
Jesse James

Jesse James is a notorious outlaw and leader of the James-Younger Gang, Jesse James became famous for his daring robberies and violent clashes with law enforcement. He was ultimately killed by a member of his own gang.
Jesse James in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous Outlaw Biker
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous highwayman
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous thief of all time
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous moonshiner
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous bank robber
- Position 9 of 10 in Most famous welder in the world
4

6
votes

UnknownUnknown , probably C.S. Fly · Public domain

Doc Holliday

Doc Holliday is a close friend of Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday was a skilled gambler and gunfighter who often found himself in the middle of conflicts. He is perhaps best known for his involvement in the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral.
5

18
votes

unattributed · Public domain

Wild Bill Hickok

Wild Bill Hickok is a legendary figure of the Wild West, Wild Bill Hickok was a gunfighter and lawman who became famous for his role in several shootouts. He was also a skilled gambler and performer, and his exploits have been the subject of numerous books and films.
6

7
votes
Tom Horn

Tom Horn is a notorious hired gun and lawman, Tom Horn was involved in a number of violent conflicts and became famous for his sharpshooting skills. He was eventually hanged for murder.
Tom Horn in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous Arizona Ranger
7

11
votes

The original uploader was Shauri at English Wikipedia. · Public domain

John Wesley Hardin

John Wesley Hardin is another infamous outlaw, John Wesley Hardin was a skilled marksman and gunman who was involved in numerous violent clashes. He was eventually captured and sentenced to prison, where he wrote a book about his exploits.
8

13
votes

George Peter Alexander Healy · Public domain

Jim Bowie

Jim Bowie is while perhaps best known for his role in the Battle of the Alamo, Jim Bowie was also a skilled knife fighter and gunfighter. He was known for his bravery and fighting spirit, and his legendary Bowie knife is still famous today.
9

3
votes

Bat Masterson

Bat Masterson is a lawman, gambler, and gunfighter, Bat Masterson was involved in several shootouts and was known for his quick wit and sharpshooting skills. He later became a newspaper editor and wrote about his experiences in the Wild West.
10

2
votes

Unknown authorUnknown author · Public domain

Clay Allison

Clay Allison is a notorious gunslinger and outlaw, Clay Allison was involved in numerous violent conflicts and became famous for his fearlessness in battle. He was also known for his eccentricities, such as wearing a top hat and carrying a cane.

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Ranking factors for famous gun slinger

Historical significance

The influence and impact the individual had on the history of the Wild West and gun slinging.
Notoriety

How famous and well-known the individual was in their time and how their fame has endured through history.
Their reputation as a marksman

Their skills with firearms and the proficiency of their marksmanship.
Number of duels

The number of duels and gunfights they participated in, and particularly, if they managed to survive or emerged as the victor.
Mythic/legendary quality

How much their exploits have been exaggerated or embellished in popular culture.
Pop cultural significance

The extent to which the individual has been portrayed or referenced in popular culture, such as movies and books.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous gun slinger. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Gunslinger is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

1572 views
184 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Gunslinger once every 24 hours. The rank of each Gunslinger is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most famous gun slinger

In the wild west, gun slingers were notorious for their quick draw and sharpshooting skills. These individuals were known for their ability to handle firearms with precision and speed, often becoming legendary figures in the process. While many gun slingers have come and gone throughout history, there are a few who have stood the test of time and are still remembered today as some of the most famous of their kind. From Billy the Kid to Wyatt Earp, the stories of these gun slingers have captivated audiences for generations. So, who is the most famous gun slinger of all time? Cast your vote and let your voice be heard on StrawPoll!